About

Founded in 1986, the Maynooth University Chamber Choir at the National University of Ireland is Ireland’s leading collegiate vocal ensemble and one of the country’s most internationally recognised choirs. Based within the Department of Music at Maynooth University, the choir is a fully auditioned ensemble drawing outstanding singers from across all academic disciplines, united by a shared commitment to the highest standards of choral artistry and a deep engagement with Irish culture through the choral lens.

The choir emerged from Maynooth University’s long and distinguished sacred music tradition under the artistic influence of Dr. John O’Keeffe. From its earliest years, the ensemble established a reputation for musical discipline, stylistic clarity, and intellectual engagement with repertoire, achieving top honours at national competitions including the Cork International Choral Festival and the Irish Collegiate Intervarsities.

A defining chapter in the choir’s history began with the appointment of Dr. Michael T. Dawson as conductor (2011–2016; 2020–present). Under his leadership, the choir entered a period of rapid artistic development and expanded international engagement. In 2013, the ensemble undertook its first major tour of the United States, performing in New York, Albany, Chicago, and at the University of Notre Dame, and appearing at prominent civic and cultural events that positioned the choir as a youthful cultural ambassador for Ireland. Touring programmes are distinctive in their integration of Irish-language repertoire and traditional Irish music with medieval, sacred, and contemporary choral works. Reflecting the ensemble’s strong grounding in Irish traditional music, singers frequently incorporate instruments such as uilleann pipes, harp, fiddle, and whistles, presenting Irish culture in an authentic and engaging manner.

International recognition followed soon after. In 2014, the choir was awarded two Gold Diplomas at the Canta en Primavera International Choral Festival in Spain and released its debut album Lorica, featuring sacred repertoire, contemporary works, and commissioned music by Irish composers; the recording received national radio airplay on RTÉ Lyric FM. In 2015, the choir achieved a historic milestone by winning the Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, becoming the first Irish choir to receive this honour. In 2016, the ensemble undertook a 26-day world tour of the United States and China. In 2025, the choir returned to international competition for the first time in a decade, winning six prizes at the 52nd Festival of Songs in Olomouc, Czechia, and performing at the Torrevieja International Choral Festival in Spain.

Today, the Maynooth University Chamber Choir maintains a wide-ranging repertoire spanning Renaissance polyphony, contemporary sacred music, secular choral works, and newly commissioned compositions. A central artistic focus is the exploration of Irish language, poetry, and cultural identity through choral music in an international context. This commitment is reflected in the choir’s forthcoming recording project Saints and Scholars (due for release in 2027), for which over fourteen new works are being commissioned from composers in Ireland and abroad, engaging Irish culture through language, traditional instruments, and stylistic idioms.

The choir regularly collaborates with international youth choirs and professional ensembles across Europe and the United States. Its singers are trained not only as performers but as artistic representatives of their university and country. Over 250 alumni have progressed to professional choral careers, including membership of leading Irish ensembles such as Anúna and Chamber Choir Ireland.