Codetta celebrates 25 years with stunning homecoming concert in Christ Church

This September, one of Derry’s most beloved musical institutions marks a major milestone with a return to its roots.

The internationally acclaimed chamber choir Codetta celebrates an incredible 25 years of choral excellence with a very special anniversary concert in the glorious acoustic of Christ Church, Derry, on Friday, September 19.

As part of a year-long programme of curated performances spanning the island – from St Matthew’s Church in Belfast to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin – this homecoming concert promises to be the emotional and musical high point of the ensemble’s silver jubilee celebrations.

Joining Codetta on the night are two very special guests – Niamh McGowan (violin) and Kim Vaughan (cello) – both former members of the choir, now carving out illustrious musical careers in Ireland and beyond. Their return brings a full-circle resonance to the evening, as they reunite with Codetta for a concert rich in musical memories, personal connection, and artistic legacy.

Violinist Niamh McGowan, a proud Derry native, has built a dynamic and multifaceted career since her early days singing with Codetta. A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Niamh has become a familiar face on some of the biggest stages in classical and popular music.

Her credits include appearances with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, and National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and her versatility has led her to share the stage with icons like Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga, and Pink. Most recently, she wowed audiences at Electric Picnic 2025, performing alongside The Cranberries and Dermot Kennedy.

This autumn, Niamh will represent Ireland in Cairo as part of a handpicked global orchestra for the historic opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Cellist Kim Vaughan, also originally from Derry, brings her richly woven career back to her musical roots. Winner of Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year (2000) and a recipient of the Arts Council’s Young Musician's Platform, Kim’s career has taken her from concerto appearances with the Ulster Orchestra to acclaimed international competition wins with the Benyounes String Quartet.

Joining Codetta on the night are two very special guests – Niamh McGowan (violin) and Kim Vaughan (cello)

A passionate educator and community musician, Kim is the founder of Quercus Ensemble, known for its dynamic performances and boundary-pushing collaborations – most notably NonZeroSum, which paired traditional musicians with digital technology users from the disabled community.

Now based in Edinburgh, Kim regularly performs with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, teaches at St Mary’s Music School, and mentors young musicians across the UK.

Under the visionary leadership of Dónal Doherty, Codetta has grown from a local choir into a globally respected vocal ensemble, with performances at The Proms, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and a glittering win at the Fleischmann International Trophy at the Cork International Choral Festival in 2017.

As the flagship of the Codetta Choirs family – which now includes the Youth Choir, Junior Choir, and the delightful new Codetta Cubs (ages 5–7) – the adult chamber choir continues to nurture a love of singing across generations.

Their anniversary programme is a heartfelt retrospective, featuring repertoire that spans sacred masterworks, spirited spirituals, traditional Irish airs, and joyful secular favourites – each piece chosen to celebrate the choir’s journey and the many voices that have shaped its sound over the years.

READ NEXT: Derry crime fiction writer among artists awarded funding to support new projects

Dónal Doherty, Musical Director, commented “It has been a real privilege to share the past twenty five years with such a wonderful group of singers, but the journey has been about so much more than just the music. Members of Codetta - past and present - represent the most thoughtful, kind and generous group of friends that anyone could have.

“The fact that we get together to perform inspirational music in beautiful settings such as Christ Church is just a bonus. For me, the most empowering aspect of making music together for twenty-five years is the confidence that that gives to enable us to look ahead to an exciting future for all members of Codetta Choirs and the many audiences with whom we'll be able to share our love of singing. ”

Tickets priced £15/£10 are now available at Codetta’s website, www.codetta.net.