The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, has formally launched the tribute concert to Cork-born baritone, opera-singer and musical theatre performer Joe Corbett, who passed away in July 2025.
Entitled Joe Corbett: A Celebration, the concert will take place on Saturday May 9. A stellar line-up of singers and friends of Joe will perform at the concert including Eva Corbett, Majella Cullagh, Mary Hegarty, Molly Lynch, John Molloy, Ryan Morgan, Richard Morris and Kim Sheehan.
“From the very beginning I fell a little in love with Joe,” said soprano Majella Cullagh. “He was so handsome and intelligent and truly talented. He was also the funniest person that I had ever met. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of repertoire, hugely impressive stagecraft, whirlwind enthusiasm, a beautiful voice and sublime acting ability. His loss is immense.”
The combined choirs of The St Vincent’s Male Voice Choir and The Clogheen Kerrypike Group will also perform as will the Good Vibrations Choir. The compere for the night will be Evelyn Grant.
“Joe’s voice, warmth and generosity touched many lives,” said the Lord Mayor. “His passing last summer left a huge void for all who knew him and admired his extraordinary talent. Joe was synonymous with many civic and community events such as the Lord Mayor’s Heritage Concert and the Over 60s talent competitions, and his absence from these events is keenly felt. While the sadness at his passing endures, we must be grateful for the beauty he brought to the world through music. This tribute night at Cork Opera House, featuring some of our finest performers, will be a celebration of Joe’s remarkable life, his talent and his legacy.”
Joe Corbett was born and grew up in Cork. He studied singing at CIT Cork School of Music, the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. His recent performances in Cork include the roles of Fergus Mac Roth in Morrigan, Ko-Ko in The Mikado, Major-General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance, Baron Zeta in The Merry Widow and Douphol in La Traviata in concert with Cork Operatic Society at Cork Opera House, and Rosetree in the premiere of John O’Brien’s opera The Nightingale and the Rose at the Everyman and on tour.
‘Joe’s professionalism and talent were combined with his uncanny abilities to connect with whatever audience was before him, and to make his fellow performers have a wonderful time,” said soprano Mary Hegarty. “I loved singing with Joe and I loved Joe. He was a brilliant and caring friend and an inspiring musician, with a wicked sense of humour and an unforgettable twinkle in his eye. This concert is a terrific opportunity to remember and celebrate him.’
Photo. Darragh Kane
Proceeds from the concert will be in aid of The Irish Cancer Society.
Tickets: €35 from www.corkoperahouse.ie
