The Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School
Who we are:
Charles Wood, the renowned musician and composer, was born at 11 Vicars’ Hill, Armagh in 1866 and received his early musical education as a chorister in the cathedral opposite his home. He later studied at the Royal College of Music and became a Professor there before succeeding Stanford, that other fine Irish musician and composer, as Professor of Music at Cambridge University.
When Wood died in 1926 he left behind a legacy of over 250 sacred works plus a large number of hymn tunes. His other compositions include songs, music for Greek plays and chamber music. But it is largely for his sacred music that he is remembered today and this is why the focus of the Summer School is music in worship.
The objectives of the Festival and Summer School are:
To promote the music of Charles Wood and his association with Armagh.
To provide opportunities for people to develop and enhance skills associated with music in worship.
To present programmes of music to the highest achievable standard within both a concert and liturgical context.
Our Staff
David Hill
Artistic Director
Sarah Rennix
Choir Fixer - Charles Wood Singers
Philip Scriven
Festival Organist
Kerry Magee
Choir Manager - Charles Wood Singers
Paul Farrington
Vocal Tutor
Louis Fields
Festival Manager
Ian Keatley
Girls’ Choir Director
Our Board
Richard Yarr MBE (Chairperson)
Anne Boylan (Vice-Chairperson)
Elise Crean (Secretary)
Patricia McAllister (Treasurer)
The Very Revd Shane Forster
Fiona Terrins
Ann Cassidy
Michael Harris
Rev Canon Dr Michael Kennedy
Maria McGilly
Sylvia McRoberts
Adam Reaney
Rodney Spence
The Venerable Dr Peter Thompson
“I would really recommend the Charles Wood Summer School to anyone who enjoys choral music. The Summer School offers an expansive, demanding repertoire and professional tuition in a friendly, sociable atmosphere. The week long course can be challenging but the resulting performance standard is more than a reward for all the hard work. In summary, Charles Wood is great music and great fun”