Geoffrey Spratt

Geoff Spratt was one of the founders of Sing Ireland in 1980, and its Chairman 1984-2006. He established the

Annual Summer School for Choral Conductors in 1981, and founded the Irish Youth Choir in 1982, which he

conducted for 26 years. After 16 years lecturing in UCC, he was Director of the Cork School of Music from

1992 until his retirement in 2016, and now mentors a number of young Irish conductors.

Geoff Spratt was one of the founders of Sing Ireland (formerly Cumann Náisiúnta na gCór/Association of Irish

Choirs) in 1980, and its Chairman from 1984-2006. He established the Annual Summer School for Choral

Conductors in 1981, and founded the Irish Youth Choir in 1982 (conducting it until 2007). After 16 years

lecturing in the Music Department of UCC, he was Director of the Cork School of Music from 1992 until his

retirement in 2016. His work over a period of 40 years with the UCC Choir & Orchestra (which he founded in

1976), UCC Choral Society, Galway Baroque Choir & Orchestra, Madrigal ’75, Fleischmann Choir (which he

founded in 1992) and Canticum Novum (which he founded in 1998) established him as one of the foremost

choral conductors in Ireland, and this was complemented by many engagements to conduct the RTÉNSO,

RTÉCO, Irish Chamber Orchestra, and Orchestra of St Cecilia. He was Director of the Cork International

Choral Festival 1987-93 and has made a significant input to various bodies working to further the cause of

music in Ireland. He has guest conducted throughout the UK and USA, and been a member of innumerable

adjudications panels - most recently for the All Island School Choirs Competition broadcast on RTÉ television

– and mentors a number of young Irish conductors.