NCH Choir Cór Linn named winners at international youth musical festival Bratislava

NaNCH Choir Cór Linn have won the gold medal in the Youth Choir SATB (Under-21) competition, earning them the Grand Prix title in Bratislava.

The choir is a mixed-voice choir for singers aged 14-18, based at the National Concert Hall. Under the direction of Choral Director Ciarán Kelly, the choir scored an exceptional 97 out of 100 at the Summer Youth Music Festival in Bratislava from June 30 to July 3, 2026.

NCH Choir Cór Linn also received a special participation award in acknowledgement of the choir's spirit and professionalism. As a result of their success, they have been invited to participate in the 20th International Festival and Competition Cançó Mediterrània 2027 and the International Pau Casals Choir Competition in Barcelona.

In the past, the choir has built a strong reputation by winning the National Youth Choir Competition at the City of Derry International Choir Festival in 2024. They returned in 2025 to win the National Youth Choir again as well as National Sacred & Gospel competitions, named Overall National Choir of the festival.

"We are immensely proud of NCH Choir Cór Linn on this outstanding international achievement." says Nigel Flegg, the CEO of The National Concert Hall. "To win both a gold medal and the overall Grand Prix title is a remarkable testament to the dedication, talent and hard work of these exceptional young singers."

Watch the choir's rendition of 'My Soul's been anchored in the Lord' at the Derry Choir Festival, 2025: