What's Included?
What's not included?
What's not included?
- Accommodation: 5 nights in single en-suite rooms at the University of Galway, close to rehearsals and Galway city center.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi at the University of Galway accommodation.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner.
- Transfers: Private coach transfers throughout the festival, starting after registration.
- Welcome Pack: Includes festi
- Accommodation: 5 nights in single en-suite rooms at the University of Galway, close to rehearsals and Galway city center.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi at the University of Galway accommodation.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner.
- Transfers: Private coach transfers throughout the festival, starting after registration.
- Welcome Pack: Includes festival itinerary, information about Galway, and local tips.
- Online Community: Pre-event access to connect with other participants with access to learning resources for the festival.
- Tuition: Full tuition and rehearsals with three world-class clinicians.
- Rehearsal Spaces: Access to premier rehearsal spaces and Galway Cathedral for the gala concert.
- Music Pack: All scores and materials provided.
- Production Costs: Covers all costs for the gala concert and professional video recording.
- New Music: Specially commissioned piece exclusive to the festival.
- Music Video: Participation in a professionally produced music video filmed along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Tour Guides: Dedicated guides available throughout the festival.
- Excursions: Entry to all included excursions.
- Gratuities: All gratuities covered.
- On-Site Support: 24/7 support from festival staff.
- Farewell Dinner: Celebration and dinner on the final evening.
- Photos & Video: Access to professional photos and the final music video post-event, available for personal use.
- Leisure Center: Discounted access to the University’s leisure center, including the pool and gym.
- Bed Linen & Towels: Fresh bed linen and towels are provided during your stay.
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What's not included?
What's not included?
What's not included?
- Airfare and Travel Insurance: Participants must arrange and pay for their own flights and travel insurance.
- Personal Expenses: Costs for personal items, souvenirs, and extra activities or meals are not covered.
- Visa Fees: Participants are responsible for visa fees and travel documentation.
- Medical Expenses: Any health-related costs during th
- Airfare and Travel Insurance: Participants must arrange and pay for their own flights and travel insurance.
- Personal Expenses: Costs for personal items, souvenirs, and extra activities or meals are not covered.
- Visa Fees: Participants are responsible for visa fees and travel documentation.
- Medical Expenses: Any health-related costs during the festival are the participant’s responsibility.
- Additional Accommodation: Extra nights outside of the festival dates must be arranged and paid for separately.
- Local Transport: Any local transport not specified in the itinerary is not included.
- Optional Activities: Additional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary require separate payment.
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Installment Plan
What's not included?
Cancellation Policy
- Initial Deposit: $350 due by the time of booking.
- First Installment: $500 due by November 15, 2024.
- Second Installment: $500 due by February 15, 2025.
- Final Payment: $649 due by March 27, 2025 (60 days before May 27, 2025).
Total: $1,999
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Cancellation Policy
What's not included?
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your participation in the Wild Atlantic Choral Festival, please review the following policy regarding refunds:
- Cancellation by December 31, 2024: Full refund of all payments made, minus the non-refundable $350 deposit.
- Cancellation between January 1 and March 1, 2025: 50% refund of
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your participation in the Wild Atlantic Choral Festival, please review the following policy regarding refunds:
- Cancellation by December 31, 2024: Full refund of all payments made, minus the non-refundable $350 deposit.
- Cancellation between January 1 and March 1, 2025: 50% refund of all payments made, minus the non-refundable $350 deposit.
- Cancellation after March 1, 2025: No refund available. However, we will work with you to transfer your registration to a future festival or allow another individual to take your place, provided notice is given in advance.
Please note that the initial deposit of $350 is non-refundable.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend all participants purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes or cancellations due to personal or unforeseen circumstances.
If the festival is canceled by the organizers due to unforeseen events, a full refund of all payments (excluding the $350 non-refundable deposit) will be provided, excluding any personal expenses such as travel arrangements.
For all cancellation requests, please contact us directly at stephen@firebird-tours.com
About the Wild Atlantic Choral Festival
Clinicians from Europe | The US | Asia
We are thrilled to announce that the Wild Atlantic Choral Festival (TWACF) will feature three world-class clinicians, along with a distinguished composer-in-residence, hailing from across the globe. Each clinician will lead a third of the festival program and will work hands-on with the choir, providing personal guidance and shaping an extraordinary musical experience.
Meet Our Clinicians:
- 🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock – Director of New Dublin Voices (Ireland)
- 🇵🇭 Sir Mark Carpio – Director of the Philippine Madrigal Singers (Philippines)
- 🇺🇸 Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe – Former Director of the USC Chamber Singers (USA)
These renowned experts will engage directly with festival participants, bringing their unique perspectives and techniques as they guide you through rehearsals and performances.
Don't miss your chance to work alongside these inspiring leaders!
Where is the Wild Atlantic Way!?
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is 1600 miles (2600 km) in length and is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. Come and join us in the Capital of the Wild Atlantic Way in Galway City for a World Peace-themed, non-competitive choral festival over 7 days. Explore all that Ireland has to offer and meet choral singers from around the world, work with internationally acclaimed conductors and experience large-scale performances in iconic Irish venues.
How It Works..!
The Wild Atlantic Choral Festival is a unique, 6-day choral experience that brings together singers from all over the world to celebrate music, peace, and friendship in the heart of Galway. Whether you’re an individual singer, joining with a group of friends, or bringing your entire choir, this festival offers something for everyone. Here’s how it works:
- Register & Join
Sign up as an individual, with a group of friends, or as a full choir to be part of our international festival chorus. Once registered, you’ll receive access to the festival schedule and materials, so you can prepare for the exciting week ahead. Joining with 9+? Reach out to our team directly! - Rehearse with World-Class Clinicians
Over the course of the week, you’ll work closely with three renowned clinicians, each leading a third of the program. Hailing from different corners of the world, these experts bring diverse choral traditions and fresh perspectives to every rehearsal, offering hands-on coaching to elevate your performance. - New Music Commission
Be part of a world premiere! You’ll rehearse and perform an original piece of music, commissioned specifically for the festival and conducted by our expert clinicians. - Explore Ireland’s Beauty
In between rehearsals, enjoy curated excursions to some of Ireland’s most stunning locations, experience the vibrant culture of Galway, and share in meals and social events with fellow singers. - Perform in Galway Cathedral
The week culminates in a spectacular gala concert in the iconic Galway Cathedral, where the music and memories you’ve created will come to life. - Souvenir Music Video
As a final highlight, participate in a professional music video filmed along the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way — a lasting memento of your extraordinary experience.
Team America & Team Ireland Unite...
The Wild Atlantic Choral Festival (WACF) is proudly led by Claddagh Choral, the premier choral program of the west of Ireland. Travel arrangements are expertly managed by FireBird Fine Art Tours, a renowned US-based tour company with over 40 years of experience guiding choirs through Europe’s most iconic cultural destinations.
A Message of World Peace from Ireland...
The Wild Atlantic Choral Festival is a 6-day long celebration that brings singers from around the world to the vibrant city of Galway, united by a shared love of music and a vision of world peace. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s west coast, this festival offers more than just rehearsals and performance — it’s a transformative experience that intertwines culture, camaraderie, and the joy of singing.
As part of this extraordinary journey, every singer will leave with a keepsake unlike any other — a professionally produced music video filmed along the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way. Picture yourself performing alongside cliffs that plunge into the ocean, rolling green hills, and endless coastal horizons, as your voice becomes part of a unique visual and musical tapestry.
At the heart of the festival is a newly commissioned, original piece of music, written to reflect the themes of unity, peace, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Ireland. Over the course of the festival, you’ll collaborate with world-renowned clinicians to bring the music to life.
The festival choir will step out into the iconic landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way to film a one-of-a-kind project. The video will not only capture your collective voices but will immortalize the stunning scenery of Ireland’s rugged coastline, creating a visual and auditory masterpiece. This isn’t just a memento — it’s a living reminder of the connections formed, the music made, and the unforgettable experiences shared during your time at the festival.
Take home more than memories — take home a piece of Ireland, a piece of music, and a part of your own voice, captured forever in the stunning Wild Atlantic Way.
Check out our Production Partners...
We take our productions to the next level by transforming the historic Galway Cathedral into a modern spectacle. Since 2021, we’ve partnered with MOC2, a leading TV production company, to elevate our events. Together, we’ve created an hour-long TV Christmas special and featured other key productions on national channels. Don't miss the chance to experience Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium at our finale concert in the stunning Galway Cathedral.
Coming as a group? Create your own Wild Atlantic Trail...
We understand that every group is unique. That's why we tailor our services to meet your choir's specific needs, from a variety of hospitality options to unforgettable day trips. Just like being at your Grandma’s house, your choir will be cared for from the moment you step foot on Irish soil until we send you home, hearts and bellies full!
For individual participants, we offer a seamless festival experience with shared accommodations and set itineraries, while full choirs and larger groups can enjoy a more personalized touch, with tailored housing options and bespoke activities designed just for them.
Housing & Hospitality...
The Wild Atlantic Choral Festival (WACF) is proudly associated with Ireland’s Tourism Board, Convention Bureau, and the University of Galway. We offer a range of accommodation options to suit all budget categories, from student summer housing to 5-star resorts. Whether your choir prefers dining in the University canteen, a trendy downtown bar/restaurant, or indulging in some of the world’s finest oysters, we’ve got you covered.
Our standard package for both individuals and groups includes single en-suite rooms just a stone's throw away from rehearsals and the heart of Galway city. For individual participants, we provide University housing in comfortable, single-occupancy en-suite rooms, while larger choirs can explore more customized housing and dining options tailored to their preferences.
Festival Repertoire
Our festival's repertoire showcases a diverse range of choral works that blend contemporary brilliance with timeless classics, reflecting the global spirit of the Wild Atlantic Choral Festival. From modern compositions to traditional favourites, our selections will challenge and inspire singers at every level.
- Let the River Run – Craig Hella Johnson: A vibrant, uplifting anthem that celebrates unity and perseverance.
- Prayer of the Children – Kurt Bestor: A deeply moving plea for peace, echoing the voices of children affected by conflict.
- Let My Love Be Heard – Jake Runestad: A poignant, emotional piece offering solace and hope through the power of choral harmonies.
- Danny Boy – Michael McGlynn: An evocative arrangement of the beloved Irish ballad, rich with Celtic flavor and haunting beauty.
- Leron Leron Sinta – Saunder Choi: A lively Filipino folk song that brings a joyous cultural infusion to the repertoire.
- O Magnum Mysterium – Morten Lauridsen: A masterpiece of serene beauty, capturing the wonder and awe of the nativity.
- John Saw Duh Numbuh – American Spiritual: Stacy V. Gibbs: A powerful, energetic spiritual that brings vibrant rhythms and uplifting vocal lines.
- Special Commission: An exclusive, newly-commissioned piece, written specifically for the festival, will be premiered at our final concert.
Throughout the festival, each of our three world-class clinicians will take a segment of the set list, applying their unique expertise and mastery to guide participants in refining their technique and interpretation. This collaborative approach ensures that every piece is brought to life with a fresh perspective, preparing the choir for a breathtaking gala performance in Galway Cathedral.
Meet the experts!
🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock: New Dublin Voices
🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock: New Dublin Voices
🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock: New Dublin Voices
is a leading choral conductor. She has won international conducting prizes in Finland, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and Ireland, and her adjudication and workshop engagements have taken her around Europe and to the US, Canada and China.
Bernie studied conducting with Ildiko Herboly-Kocsar and Peter Erdei at the Liszt Academy in Hunga
is a leading choral conductor. She has won international conducting prizes in Finland, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and Ireland, and her adjudication and workshop engagements have taken her around Europe and to the US, Canada and China.
Bernie studied conducting with Ildiko Herboly-Kocsar and Peter Erdei at the Liszt Academy in Hungary, and with Gerhard Markson in Dublin. Following her BA in music from Trinity College Dublin she earned Masters and Doctorate degrees in conducting from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music/DCU respectively.
Bernie is the founder-conductor of the international award-winning chamber choir New Dublin Voices, critically acclaimed for its innovative concert programming and its work in television, radio, and recording. The choir has a strong record at Europe’s leading competitions, recently winning first prize at the International Competition of the 2019 Derry International Choir Festival, first prize in the mixed choir competition at the 2018 Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Hungary, and the Grand Prix at the 2017 International Baltic Sea Choir Competition in Latvia. Among many other prizes, New Dublin Voices has previously come first in the international class at the Cork International Choral Festival (2015), the Grand Prix at Concoroso Polifonico in Arezzo (2013), all six prizes at the 2011 International Choir Contest of Maasmechelen in Belgium, and the Grand Prix at the 2009 Budapest International Choir Competition.
Bernie has extensive experience directing a wide range of choirs, including twelve years as Musical Director of the Culwick Choral Society, nine years as conductor of the University of Dublin Choral Society (Trinity College), and ten years as Choral Director at the TU Dublin Conservatoire where she is a Lecturer in Music and where she is currently conductor of the TU Chamber Choir and Youth Choir.
For 12 years Bernie was Artistic Director as well as tutor on the annual International Choral Conducting Summer School run by Sing Ireland at the University of Limerick. In 2020 she was appointed Artistic Director of the Irish Youth Choirs and she is currently second conductor of EuroChoir 2021. She is the representative for Ireland on the World Choir Council.
🇵🇭 Sir. Mark Anthony Carpio: Philippine Madrigal Singers
🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock: New Dublin Voices
🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock: New Dublin Voices
Mark Anthony Carpio is recognized as one of the most respected figures in choral music today. He is a faculty member of the Conducting and Choral Ensemble Department of the University of the Philippines College of Music, where he earned his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting and his Bachelor’s degree in Piano.
Mark Anthony Carpio became
Mark Anthony Carpio is recognized as one of the most respected figures in choral music today. He is a faculty member of the Conducting and Choral Ensemble Department of the University of the Philippines College of Music, where he earned his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting and his Bachelor’s degree in Piano.
Mark Anthony Carpio became the second Choirmaster of acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2001, when he was selected to succeed its founder National Artist of the Philippines, Andrea O. Veneracion.
Mark has taken the already much-awarded choir to even greater heights, when he led them to win first prizes in the Habanera and Polyphony categories in the Certámen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia (Torrevieja, Spain, 2004), the Grand Prix in the 35th Florilege Vocal de Tours, France (2006), the Grand Prize in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (Arrezo, Italy, 2007), and recently, the Grand Prix in the 64th Concorso Polifonico Guido d’Arezzo (Arezzo, Italy, 2016).
Mark, a countertenor, is also a much sought-after choral clinician and conductor to the Consortium of Voices, a choral society consisting of the Kilyawan Boys Choir, Kilyawan Male Choir and the Voces Auroræ Girls Choir.
🇺🇸 Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe: USC Chamber Singers
🇮🇪 Dr. Bernie Sherlock: New Dublin Voices
🇺🇸 Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe: USC Chamber Singers
Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, a Southern California native, has spent years cultivating his passion for choral music and higher education. Until 2023 he was the chairs the Thornton School of Music’s Department of choral and sacred music in the University Park neighborhood of LA at USC. Growing up in Orange County, Jo-Michael Scheibe attended a
Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, a Southern California native, has spent years cultivating his passion for choral music and higher education. Until 2023 he was the chairs the Thornton School of Music’s Department of choral and sacred music in the University Park neighborhood of LA at USC. Growing up in Orange County, Jo-Michael Scheibe attended a Parochial school where he was exposed at an early age to the joy of choir.
His adolescence taught him how our early years are formative because of the influence of our teachers, our role models, and the experiences created in pinnacle moments of achievement. We value these moments not for the events themselves, but from the impact of the people we meet along the way. Students and teachers work together to continually change attitudes about traditional music education. In rehearsal, Jo-Michael Scheibe is refreshed and surprised by those who walk in and smiling and say, “Well, why don’t you try it this way?”
Dr. Scheibe received his B.A. and M.M. degrees from California State University at Long Beach and D.M.A. from USC. At CSU, he received Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003. Jo-Michael Scheibe began teaching high school, starting in California at Vintage High School and Huntington Beach High School. His longest time out-of-state was fifteen years in Miami directing Choral Studies at University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.
Jo-Michael Scheibe believes in the community of choir singers and directors. Dr. Scheibe sang in the very first national ACDA convention in Kansas City with Frank Pooler in 1971. As a young singer, this exposed him to all the wonderful choirs across the country. Like many in the profession, Jo-Michael Scheibe gives back through the ACDA because he has been given so much through music.
Jo-Michael Scheibe was still a student himself when he realized he wanted to become a choral instructor. Whether as a high school teacher to a college professor, Scheibe has worked with an impressive roster of students and performers to date.
Scheibe works to prepare choruses at USC and around the world. These include works with Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra, Helmuth Rilling, Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony, Franz Welser-Möst and the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Formosa Singers in Taiwan. Under his leadership, ensembles have performed at National ACDA Conventions and National Conventions of the Music Educators National Conference.
Jo-Michael Scheibe has worked alongside notable conductors such as Jeffrey Kahane, Alain Lombard, Jahja Ling, Max Valdez, James Judd, Edoardo Müller, Thomas Sanderling, and Professor János Czifra at Jubilate Mozart. Walton, Albany, Colla Voce Music, and Naxos publish recordings of Scheibe’s ensembles. See: Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.
Jo-Michael Scheibe recently served at the Western Division of the American Choral Director’s Association. He is currently the vice president of International Affairs at the ACDA. In May 2016, he will travel to Taiwan to perform with the Formosa Singers, one of the best choir groups in the country.
Our Partners
