The awards which are sponsored by Heineken Ireland and the Irish Examiner recognize the value and achievement of Cork Businesses and acknowledge those that have contributed to or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural or civic life of Cork. There are four quarterly awards and the overall winner is announced at the CBA Annual Dinner in November.

The Award was presented to John Fitzpatrick, Festival Director at a reception in The Kiln, Murphy Brewery.   The regard with which the Festival is held was event by the large attendance including Lord Mayor Dara Murphy, Brigadier General Paul Packenham and Assistant Commissioner Willie Keane, as well as members of the business community and a large number of the volunteers who help to make the Festival such a success.

The Cork International Choral Festival has been running since 1954.  Festival Director John Fitzpatrick told those gathered that in the early days visiting choirs were put up by the people of Cork.  These days they stay in our great hotels, shop in our great stores, eat in our great restaurants and generally contribute to Cork’s economy.  The Festival attracts choirs from all over the world and is noted for its high competitive standards, excellent organisation, and the friendliness of its welcome. As well as foreign choirs, the Festival annually features up to 100 Adult, Youth and School choirs who participate in National Competitions. Overall the Festival attracts some 5000 participants. The festival continues to ensure that choral music, representative of many historical and cultural traditions, is brought to the people of Cork and the many visitors who travel to the city for the event.

Chair of the Judging Panel, James O’Sullivan, said “Over the years the contribution of the Cork International Choral Festival has been recognised for its promotion of culture in Cork.  The festivals contribution to Cork’s economy has largely been underestimated but now, in leaner and tougher times business people are seeing the positive economic benefit of this festival.  The judging panel are delighted to recognise this but more particularly to recognise not just the present festival committee and the many volunteers but all those who, over the past 56 years have contributed to its success.”

Accepting the award, Festival Director, John Fitzpatrick, said; “The Cork International Choral Festival is widely regarded at local, national, and international level for its high artistic standards and exemplary organisation.  Receiving this award from the business community is particularly significant to all of us who work with the festival as it is a public acknowledgement of the major contribution the festival now also makes to the economy of the city.  On behalf of the Festival I wish to thank the Cork Business Association, Heineken Ireland and the Irish Examiner for honouring us in this manner.”