Galway Community Voices
Choral Training and Skills for Communities in Galway City
August - October 2026
Galway Community Voices is a singing skill-building and training programme provided by Resurgam, open to adults interested in joining community or other choirs. It is designed as a self-sufficient programme that will open up the world of choral music to all and plant the seeds of choral possibility. The programme will consist of three modules to be delivered by Resurgam in autumn 2026. While prior choral experience would be advantageous, this is not required.
As this project is funded by Galway City Council through its Creative Communities Fund, an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, there will be no charge to participants.
The aims of Galway Community Voices are:
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To enable adult singers of all ages and abilities to find their voices.
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To bring the joys of choral singing into underserved communities across Galway City.
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To nurture the skills of aspiring choir members so that they can take part in life-changing musical experiences, such as Handel’s Messiah.
From late August to early October 2026, a team of professional musicians led by Resurgam’s Artistic Director, Mark Duley, will deliver modules tailored for adults under the following headings, which align with the programme’s aims and seek to foster lifelong participation in choral singing:
1. Find Your Voice: Activities for which no previous musical experience is required
2. In Tune: The choral art of singing in an ensemble and musical team-building
3. Handle on Handel: Introduction to Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah is a major work of historic significance, world renown and technical demand. Resurgam and Music for Galway, with support from Lifes2Good Foundation, delivered the inaugural performance of Galway Messiah in St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church to a packed audience in December 2025. Directed by Mark Duley, this performance featured Resurgam, Collegium, Galway-based baroque ensemble Vespera and several local adult and children's choirs.
As this was a wonderful experience for all involved, it is hoped that Galway Messiah will become an annual performance of this uniquely uplifting choral masterpiece in the heart of Galway. To enable communities throughout Galway to participate in Galway Messiah 2026 - which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 6 December 2026 this year - and in future years - Galway Community Voices will aim to build a strong foundation for participation going forward.
If you, or any group you are involved in, is interested in participating in this programme, please contact Linda O'Shea Farren,
CEO of Resurgam, at info@resurgam.ie.