UPCOMING CONCERTS
J.S. Bach ‘Christmas Oratorio’, National Concert Hall
The Guinness Choir and Orchestra will perform J.S. Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, in the National Concert Hall (NCH), Dublin at 8 pm (doors at 7.30pm).
Written in 1734, Johann Sebastian Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ was composed as a celebration of the Nativity, unfolding the joyous events of Christ’s birth across six magnificent cantatas. The Choir, along with our wonderful ensemble of soloists and instrumentalists, will perform four of these cantatas, guiding you through the rich emotional landscapes masterfully painted by Bach, from the humble reverence of the shepherds to the exultation of angels, all united in awe before the newborn King.
You are invited into the wonder and mystery of Christmas through a blend of exquisite solo arias, vibrant choruses, and profound recitatives all under the inspirational direction of Ciarán Kelly. Our world-class soloists include Kelli-Ann Masterson (Soprano), Leanne Fitzgerald (Alto), Christopher B. Fischer (Tenor & Evangelist), and Eoghan Desmond (Bass).
Of special interest will be the debut appearance in Ireland of celebrated German tenor Christopher Fischer who is in great demand across Europe for his impressive narrative style and the dramatic yet clear and expressive timbre of his voice.
Tickets available on the NCH website or at the Box Office, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, D02 N527. Tel: 01 417 0000
75th Anniversary Year 2026-2027
The Guinness Choir is delighted to celebrate its 75th Anniversary
in 2026-2027. A number of special events have been planned over the next 18 months. Below are the initial set.
Mansion House Reception.
The choir expresses its warm gratitude to Dublin Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam who has kindly offered to hold a reception in the Mansion House on 28th April 2026 to mark the outstanding contribution to the musical and cultural life of the city by the Guinness Choir over its 75 years. (By invitation only).
‘The City of Our Dreaming’ Thursday 7th May 2026
On Thursday 7th May 2026, The Guinness Choir will perform the Premiere of ‘The City of Our Dreaming’ in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. This work has been specially commissioned by The Guinness Choir to celebrate the choir’s 75th Anniversary. Based on an original poem by renowned poet Paula Meehan and composed by the exciting Irish composer Seán Doherty, this is a celebration of Dublin City, of how creativity and memory shape our understanding of place, a poetic and choral map of belonging.
The concert will be a highlight event within the Culture Date with Dublin 8 Festival, 4th – 11th May 2026 and will include a special appearance by a well known Dublin musician. Details to follow!
Hitting the Right Note with Spry Finance
The Guinness Choir
The Guinness Choir was founded in 1951, over 70 years ago, for the employees of the Guinness brewery. It is one of the oldest mixed voice choirs in Dublin and was one of the earliest workplace choirs in Ireland. The choir has since left the ambit of the brewery and is an independent, self-funded, choir attracting amateur singers from all over Dublin and beyond to sing the great oratorios and major classical works as well as the many beautiful choral works from the renaissance, baroque, modern and contemporary eras. Over the years, the choir has given many hundreds of amateur singers the opportunity and privilege to perform these works with professional orchestras and soloists in major venues in Ireland and abroad. Please join our mailing list to be kept informed of future concerts, and information will be on our Upcoming Concerts page.
Music Director – Ciarán Kelly
Ciarán Kelly took up his appointment as our new Music Director in September 2022.
Ciarán hails from Derry and has sung competitively and as a performer in Ireland, the UK and America. He is the recently appointed Head of Music in King’s Hospital School, Palmerstown and is a former Assistant Director of Music at St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin. Ciarán has an MMus in Choral Conducting, is an experienced choral tutor and has led workshops with choral societies, schools and universities in the UK, Europe and Asia. He was also founder and artistic director of Ardú, a professional prizewinning vocal ensemble. He was appointed Choral Director of Cór Linn in August 2023.
Joining the Choir
The Guinness Choir will be auditioning for new members in January 2026. For general information or if you would like to be included on a panel for future audition, please see: Joining The Guinness Choir.
Future Plans
The Guinness Choir will perform JS Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’, German version, on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 in the National Concert Hall (NCH), Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin.
In mid June 2026 we will embark on a four-day singing tour of England, including concerts in Cambridge, Norwich and other locations in Norfolk and Suffolk.
For more information please see our Upcoming Concerts
Our Rehearsal Venue
Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines is our wonderful rehearsal venue. The church includes a generous, comfortable rehearsal space and full washroom facilities. There is free on-street car parking (after 7pm) and the Beechwood Luas stop is 7 minutes walking distance. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:30p.m. to 9:45p.m. from September to May. There is a short tea/coffee break to catch up with friends.
Joining the choir
