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A major programme of tributes to composer Charles Wood has been announced as part of this year's Charles Wood Festival of Music in neighbouring Armagh city, marking 100 years since his death. The Festival was officially launched earlier this week at the Robinson Library, with plans for a new commemorative rose and a world-first sculpture among the highlights.
The 2026 Festival will feature the unveiling of the first ever sculpted bust of Wood by Festival Patron Sir John Rutter during the festival, created by Naomi Sander of Studio Sander and Sander, who led on the sculpture of Mary Ann McCracken, unveiled in the grounds of Belfast City Hall in 2024. This will follow the dedication of ten specially commissioned Charles Wood rose bushes, planted in the grounds of St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral at the launch in recognition of Wood's Armagh roots.
Charles Wood Festival Of Music.
The commemorations form the centrepiece of an expanded festival programme taking place from 16 to 23 August, with musicians, composers, choirs and audiences from Ireland, the UK and beyond gathering to celebrate Wood's enduring influence on choral music worldwide. The centenary festival has been described as a celebration of Charles Wood's living legacy, recognising not only his historic contribution to music but the continuing impact of his work on generations of singers, composers and choirs worldwide.
Richard Yarr, Chair of the Festival Board, said the centenary year offered a unique opportunity to honour the composer. He said: “This centenary year offers a unique opportunity to honour Charles Wood in ways that will leave a lasting legacy for Armagh and for future generations.
“The planned unveiling of the first-ever sculpted bust of Charles Wood by Sir John Rutter during the festival, together with this evening's dedication of specially commissioned roses in his honour, are fitting tributes to a composer whose influence continues to be felt across the choral world.
“However, this festival is not simply about looking back. Through new commissions, performances, education programmes, community events and international collaboration, we are celebrating a living musical legacy that continues to inspire singers, audiences and composers today.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, including the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Esme Mitchell Trust, for their continued support.”
Other centenary highlights include the Northern Ireland premiere of a choral work titled Bird Songs by Sir John Rutter, conducted by the composer himself, along with a new composition for Girls' Choir by Bob Chilcott, Composer in Association. The programme also includes the Northern Ireland launch of Professor Jeremy Dibble's new Charles Wood biography accompanied by a public lecture, a special Alumni Gala Concert and a Gala Dinner celebrating the centenary year.
The wider festival programme includes Charles Wood Singers and Girls' Choir services and concerts, an opening concert with guest choir and organist, and a Bach at Twilight concert. Audiences can also look forward to the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition, an Award Winners Concert and a Composer Competition judged by Sir John Rutter, along with care home visits, community outreach, a Community Day and Big Sing on the Mall in Armagh City, and BBC recordings and broadcasts.
The full programme and tickets are available at www.charleswoodfestival.com.
