More than 100 choirs from countries including Sweden, Estonia, France, Germany, the UK, and Ireland are in Londonderry for the City of Derry International Choir Festival. The four-day event starts on Thursday with a gala concert at the Millennium Forum.

The festival, now in its 14th year, has a record number of participating choirs. The opening concert features the Ulster Orchestra and Festival Chorus, conducted by Anna Handler. Soloists Gemma Summerfield, Ryan Vaughan Davies, and Alex Birkus will perform. The programme is titled Beethoven – Triumph & Transcendence.

On Friday, the vocal ensemble Tenebrae will perform at the Guildhall. Later, The Apex Singers will give a concert at St Columb’s Cathedral. The Oak Tree of Derry International Competition takes place on Saturday at the Guildhall. The festival concludes on Sunday with a closing gala and awards ceremony at the Millennium Forum.

Festival director Dónal Doherty said the event’s success is due to community involvement. About 60 of the participating choirs will perform as part of a community programme across Derry, Limavady, Strabane, Donegal, and Letterkenny. There will be pop-up performances in the city, as well as concerts in community centres and care homes.

The festival began in 2013 as part of Derry’s year as City of Culture. Doherty said international choirs are now planning to attend years in advance, indicating the festival is maturing and growing its global reputation.