RTÉ lyric fm: Recent Episodes
RTÉ lyric fm
RTÉ lyric fm is Ireland’s national classical music and arts station. It broadcasts a wide range of music from classical, opera, jazz, world and roots, traditional and contemporary, through to music from the movies, chamber music, sacred and more, as well as crafted speech programming, features, and documentaries, which assist the listener in their understanding of the music we play and the arts in Ireland and abroad.
This prestigious chorus was formed in 2011 specifically to perform at what was then known as Songs for a Summer Evening. It is made up of some of the finest singers in South Donegal, all of whom were hand-picked for their ability and skill – the depth of their ever-growing repertoire is testament to that ability. Their first performance was of Gabriel Faure’s much-loved Requiem and has been followed in the intervening years by a wide variety of musical genres and includes works as diverse as Purcell’s Dido and Aenaes, The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night, Barber’s Agnus Dei, Boublil’s Bring Him Home and a vast array of ensemble pieces from operas including Rigoletto, Marriage of Figaro, Tosca, Carmen, among very many others. In 2015, they commissioned Evan McGarrigle to write a four-part arrangement of Mary from Dungloe. This favourite Donegal song has now become one of the core pieces of their repertoire, and indeed is in much demand itself as a performance piece for other choirs.
The Bluestack Chorale has been privileged to receive invitations to perform throughout the county; most notably in 2013 when they were invited to perform Benjamin Britten’s Hymn to St Columba at The Glebe Gallery’s retrospective of the work of artist Derek Hill. This piece was a 1962 commission from Derek Hill to the composer, in appreciation of his home in Garten, Co. Donegal. The Bluestack Chorale was the first choir to perform this challenging work in Donegal.
We are delighted to submit a recording and a photo of the Music Generation Kilkenny’s Youth Choir (ages between 10-16yrs) for the RTÉ LYRIC FM’S call out to choirs across the country.
Here is a short description of the group. Very new indeed!
Music Generation Kilkenny’s Development Officer Sinéad Blanchfield was instrumental in setting up of the Vocal Programme for young people in Kilkenny.
The main aim of this programme is to give young people under 18 yrs of age, the opportunity in high quality vocal education and performance.
Due to Covid, this began on Zoom 2020 for half of the group and the remaining joined in 2021. As we were limited with singing through the pandemic, we offered the programme online. Once the restrictions began to lift, we were able to take two students per session face to face. This is still in place to date. We have had 3 opportunities to sing outdoors during the summer/Christmas 21 and for St. Patrick’s weekend festival on the Bandstand in Kilkenny.
The group featured on Nationwide for Christmas at the Kilkenny Castle outdoors too.
This is the group’s first performance all together in an indoor venue!!!
We were delighted to have taken the opportunity to do a version of our very own of the wonderful melody The West Awake and hear it in a prayer type version.
The two music educators for this programme are Barbara Kelly and Clare Kilkenny. Clare arranged it for two-parts and Barbara provided the beautiful piano accompaniment.
The young people heard it for the first time 2 weeks ago and we decided to have a blast of it and have fun doing it in one of the local churches in Kilkenny City.
The amateur recording was done on a tablet in St. Fiachra’s Church Loughboy in Kilkenny; thanks to the parish for having us.
Medtronic Harmonics is a Galway based work choir. We are all from Medtronic Galway (Parkmore branch). Our Musical Director is Ronan DeBurca. We have been together under his direction for 6yrs. Medtronic Harmonics were initially formed in 2013 for a charity event “Choir Factor” in aid of SCCUL Sanctuary based in Galway.
St Kieran’s Primary School Choir
St Kieran’s School Choir plays an integral role in the school’s community. It has a non-selective membership policy and the choir averages 40-50 members ranging in age from 9-11.
The choir has a reputation for its fun enthusiastic performances and its interpretation of a variety of musical genres. The Children perform regularly in school and in public within the local community. The Choir has also performed with the Ulster Orchestra at The Ulster Hall and The Waterfront Hall.
St Kieran’s School Choir has made many TV appearances and performed as part of the 5000 strong Children In Need Choir. The Choir’s achievements include runners up in UTV School Choir of the Year and two times winners of the Lisburn City School’s Choir Competition.
Choir performances have been curtailed due to the Pandemic, and we welcome this opportunity to perform for a public audience.
Kathy McKeagney (Music Co-ordinator)
The ‘This is Me Dementia Friendly/All Ability choir’ is based at The Music Yard, Larne Co Antrim. The choir, founded by Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, was set up in 2018 to provide a service for people affected by dementia, their carers, volunteers and people of all abilities.
It has proved to be a wonderful support network and the choir has went from strength to strength, winning the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Community of the Year Award 2019!
The choir is led by Thomas & Angela Hamilton and meets once a week for some singing, lots of fun and laughs and a wee cup of tea afterwards. The group has only recently been able to meet in person again after the last few years of restrictions, however we were able to continue our choir practising online via Zoom every week in the interim.
After hearing about this wonderful project from Elaine Agnew herself everyone was very excited to take part and most relished the opportunity to learn a ‘new’ song. Volunteer Gemma Larkin has provided the solo parts of the song, with the choir joining in on the 1st verse and all the choruses.
We hope you enjoy it! Many thanks for the opportunity
Thomas & Angela Hamilton
The Music Yard, Larne
Wicklow Parkinson's Choir is for people with Parkinsons, family members and friends. Started in 2014, the choir meets every Monday morning in the Ashford Community and Heritage Centre, led by Musical Director, Dara MacMahon. The choir is a place to come together in a community of support, positivity and fun. After a two year absence during Covid, when many cherished members and friends were lost, it is wonderful to be meeting again in person. The choir recorded A Galway Blessing at their weekly rehearsal last Monday, which happened to coincide with World Parkinson's Day on 11 April. The choir really loved the song and the experience of recording it. Thank you for the opportunity! Dara MacMahon (conductor)
Brief Chorus Biog: This group consists of around 35 talented, young singers from Galway, Athenry, Gort and Tuam. They have been rehearsing individually with their directors Helen Farrell & Sinead Pokall (Athebry), Noreen McDermott & Joan O' Neill Kelly (Gort), Connie Burke (Tuam) and Mary Murphy (Tuam). The group also featured choristers from St. Nicholas' Schola Cantorum (director: Mark Duley). The group have come together under the directorship of Mark Duley for the new opera Paper Boat, and they will perform as part of the opera on 23rd April in St. Nicholas' Church in Galway conducted by Sinead Hayes. Director Mark Duley Pianist Ronan de Burca
DCU Campus Choir Musical Director - Christina Whyte Piano - Eoin Tierney
The DCU Campus Choir comprises current and retired staff from Dublin City University. Under the direction of Christina Whyte (Chamber Choir Ireland) the choir sings a broad repertoire, from medieval to modern musicals. The choir was formed 13 years ago and mostly performs on the Glasnevin and All Hallows' Campuses in DCU.
Hey folks,
We are so delighted to send you in our entry for A Galway Blessing. Firstly let me thank you for the opportunity, what a beautiful song! Absolutely amazing, we really enjoyed this. We are a family run music school based in Kilcock, SpeakUp SingOut. We specialise in choirs and have many groups, but we decided to give this opportunity to our two retired groups.
We have a ladies choir called The Refired Choir! These ladies are between 65-81 and they absolutely love meeting every week. They love telling stories, having a cuppa after choir, and they are full of laughs and wisdom! They had been together just over a year when the pandemic happened but like the inspirational ladies they are, they adapted and they never missed a session over zoom and they adapted to a new way of being - they didn't give up on the choir and it really stands to them.
The second group is the Kilcock Mens Shed Choir who are fantastic and have such an interesting story - they have gone from being complete non-singers to being bitten by the bug and have lots of incredible creative stories to tell. We have been working with these men for 7 years and it all came about because our father died while building the Kilcock mens shed. Its a beautiful story that maybe I can tell you some time. The men in this recording are from aged 65-92!!
We recorded this ourselves with no budget and no fancy tricks - they really are inspirational and I love working with both groups!
Thanks for listening, Eimear Crehan http://www.speakupsingout.ie
Eden Chorale is a SATB community based choir from Edenderry in Co. Offaly but also has members from neighbouring Kildare. The choir perform locally at fundraising events, social gatherings and also perform two Christmas concerts annually.
Choir Director Ciara O’Connor Hackett makes rehearsals and performances enjoyable and memorable. Ciara is a Galway Girl born and bred so The Galway Blessing project is very close to her heart and her native Tuam where she visits her parents regularly.
The choir meets weekly from September to May and a shared love of music and singing in the company of an excellent director binds a lovely group of people together.
Matties’ Sessioneers are a group of part-time musicians and singers who play and sing locally in the East Antrim coastal area and beyond. The Sessioneers cover a wide genre of music including, Folk, Trad, Pop, Rock, Blue Grass, Americana and Sea Shanties and play a regular weekly Open Session in Carncastle, just north of Larne.
Brendan trained at the Cork School of Music and the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, and was granted a scholarship to study at the Opera Studio of La Monnaie de Munt in Brussels under renowned bass-baritone José van Dam. He made his Irish National Opera debut as Crespel in Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann in 2018, and returned to sing Yamadori in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in March 2019. His repertoire of over 60 roles includes the title role in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Conte Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Marcello in Puccini’s La bohème, Escamillo in Bizet’s Carmen, Tonio in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Alfio in Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana, Germont père in Verdi’s La traviata, Paolo Albiani in Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Pietro de Wisants in Donizetti’s L’assedio di Calais, Marullo in Verdi’s Rigoletto and Count Gil in Wolf-Ferrari’s Susanna’s Secret, in productions with Opera Theatre Company, Wide Open Opera, Cork Operatic Society, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, English Touring Opera, Scottish Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Iford Opera and Northern Ireland Opera. He has performed at many of the world’s leading venues including the Royal Albert Hall in London, Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, the National Opera House, Wexford, Kennedy Center, Washington DC, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, Stephansdom, Vienna, Kajetanerkirche, Salzburg, Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg, Opéra de Lausanne, Westminster Cathedral, London, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Josh Healy (voice/guitar) - Josh Healy is a young Belfast singer/songwriter, and has his own band Buí
BBC Radio Ulster presenter performs A Galway Blessing from Elaine Agnew's Community Opera Paperboat with lyrics by Jessica Traynor
Gerry Noonan has directed this choir since 2015. The Living Well with Dementia, Sweet Memories Choir, which meets on Saturday mornings in St. Raphaela's Convent in Stillorgan. The choir has been in existence for several years now and kept going, via Zoom, throughout the years of Covid restrictions, but it's great to be back together again. The choir is open to new members. The choir has performed in concert in Foxrock Church, pre-Covid. The choir also participated in the DLR Big Sing, over a number of years, as part of the DLR Age Inclusive Week. We have a wonderful group of volunteers, who help make everyone welcome each week; we could not survive without them! On our recording, the choir is accompanied on piano keyboard, by Rob Connell and on violin, by Jennifer Sullivan.
CCMA Memory Lane Choir, meets in the Centre for Music and Art. It is a choir for older people and people living with dementia, as well as their carers, family members and volunteer helpers. The Choir was started by Sr. Bernadette Sweeney, in 2015 and Gerry Noonan has been its Choral Director since then. They kept going, via Zoom, during the last two years, but are delighted to be meeting again in person. The choir always welcomes new members and they meet on Mondays at 11.00, in the CCMA in Crumlin. The choir has performed at a number of events in the CCMA and also appeared on Nationwide a couple of years ago, as part of a feature on Sr. Bernadette and the CCMA. Our accompanist, Celine Carroll, is the pianist on this recording.
About Suara Suara is a Women's Community Choir, based in Ennis, County Clare and conducted by composer Fiona Linnane. The choir are back rehearsing in the beautiful Cois na hAbhna venue in Ennis, after a two year break where both the singing and the companionship were missed. Their repertoire has no limits - in this week's session alone they rehearsed a Ukrainian lullaby, a jazz classic and this arrangement of the Galway Blessing. As they are an a capella choir, the piano line for this song was replaced with some delicious alto harmonies! Every rehearsal finishes with a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat - who could resist that?
Join Choirs all around the country in performing and recording your own rendition of The Galway Blessing from Elaine Agnew & Jessica Traynor's PaperBoat Opera.
Join Choirs all around the country in performing and recording your own rendition of The Galway Blessing from Elaine Agnew & Jessica Traynor's PaperBoat Opera.
We love Garret Daly's weekly Movie News slot on Aedín Gormley's Movies and Musicals. But we also love his clever opening jingles that include clips of recent films and this latest one is a real head-scratcher.
'Golden Opportunities' is a new weekly series broadcasting on Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive that explores how engaging in creativity can provide a lifeline in difficult times. In Episode 3 we meet members of the Dunshaughlin Choral Society as they collaborate remotely. Together they have been writing their own powerful song, expressing their thoughts on grief and loss during the pandemic. Here they sing their own composition.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, Evelyn Grant talks to Gillian Smith about her mother Olive who founded the orchestra.
To mark the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland's 50th anniversary this year, Evelyn Grant talks to conductor Gearoid Grant who began his association with the orchestra 40 years ago.
To mark Cruinniú na nÓg 2020, Ireland's national day of free creativity for children and young people, we meet the musical Lawlor family who explain how they make music together during lockdown.
“My Creative Life” is made by Grey Heron Media for RTE Jr and Creative Ireland. Subscribe to My Creative Life wherever you get your podcasts.
The Fourth Symphony by Piotr Tchaikovsky is Sandy Burnett's subject in this episode of Great Moments in Classical Music. An astonishingly dramatic work written in the composer's late thirties, it's also one of those works which it's difficult to disassociate from the personal life of the composer, a man who was still reeling from the disaster of a short-lived marriage to someone entirely unsuitable. But Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony is also a gripping work on the purely musical level too; at a time when Austrian and German music reigned supreme right across Europe, Tchaikovsky was injecting the symphonic form with something essentially Russian, with unforgettable melodies and dazzling orchestral colour.
The Marriage of Figaro (1786) is Sandy's focus in this episode, the first great collaboration between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Lorenzo da Ponte. The original version of the story raised both eyebrows and concerns as a dangerously seditious play in pre-Revolutionary Paris. Sandy examines how Mozart and da Ponte took eighteenth century politics out of the equation and reworked the plot into something relevant to any age: a heartfelt comedy which shows how love can make fools of us all, something brought out in different ways in modern productions.
Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time (1941) comes into focus in this episode of Great Moments in Classical Music. Rich in the shimmering sounds of nature with its arresting bird calls, and glowing with ecstatic spiritual warmth, with texts drawn from the Biblical Book of Revelation, the Quartet was nonetheless composed in the grim setting of the German prisoner of war camp Stalag VIII-A where Messiaen was incarcerated; Messiaen premiered it there with three fellow prisoners - outdoors, and in the rain - one January day in 1941. Sandy Burnett explores the work's almost incredible story.
The Classical legend of Cupid and Psyche is Sandy's subject in this episode, as retold for the aristocratic Parisian audiences of the 1670s by Jean-Baptiste Lully. Psyché is a score brimming with power and pathos, but it has plenty of charm and balletic energy too. As well as charting Psyché's journey to hell and back, Sandy examines Lully's own remarkable course through life: from his improbable beginnings as a Florentine miller's son to his foothold in - or stranglehold on - all of French opera at the time of Louis XIV.
Heinrich Ignaz von Biber - the Mystery Sonatas (1676) In this episode of Great Moments in Classical Music, Sandy Burnett examines the Mystery Sonatas (1676) of the Bohemian Heinrich Ignaz von Biber, the standout violinist of his day and someone who drew on both a brilliant musical imagination and some unorthodox violin tunings to shed light on the Christian message in a work written during his time at Salzburg Cathedral. The manuscript title page of the Mystery Sonatas is missing, and the sonatas are themselves a mystery: were they meant to be played in front of a series of mystery paintings as part of a Jesuit tradition of Rosary devotion?
Great Moments in Classical Music examines the story behind the Eighth String Quartet by the great Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovitch. In the summer of 1960 he paid a visit to bomb-ravaged Dresden, and wrote the work in an incredible three days, dedicating it to the victims of fascism and war. But there's rarely one meaning in any Shostakovitch work, and running through the fabric of this one is a musical motif that spelt his name out in musical notes. In a world in which it was dangerous to articulate things too clearly, Shostakovitch was giving a coded clue: this quartet is also about him.
:Duke Ellington was one of the twentieth century's most creative and innovative musicians. Recognisable onstage as a sharp-suited showman, every inch the charming performer, in his private life he was deeply religious, with a profound knowledge of the Bible. A cathedral commission from the early 1960s allowed him to bring together both sides of his personality; his First Sacred Concert is a musical meditation on Christian faith that calls for everything from jazz big band and choir through to vocal soloists - and even a tap dancer! Join Sandy Burnett as he dips into this remarkable score.
In the year 1720, Johann Sebastian Bach wrote a collection of six works for solo violin which have since been recognised as one of the greatest achievements of their kind. Sandy Burnett takes one of them - the G minor sonata BWV 1001 - as his subject for this week's Great Moments in Classical Music. Speaking from the standpoint of a violinist, Sandy explains what it is that makes this sonata so special - the ingenuity of crafting a four-part fugue for violin for example - and the challenges a player faces in bringing this astonishing music off the page.
György Ligeti - Atmosphères (1961) In this episode of Great Moments in Classical Music, Sandy Burnett examines György Ligeti's Atmosphères, first performed at the Donaueschingen Festival of 1961. Ligeti uses a huge orchestra to create an extraordinary spider's web of sound composed of dozens of individual instrumental strands. Amosphères so impressed the director Stanley Kubrick that he chose it to open his 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sandy reflects on what has been called one of the greatest misadventures in film music, and asks what rights film makers have to reuse great works of classical music for their own ends.
In the summer of 1904, the composer Béla Bartók happened upon an eighteen year old girl singing a Transylvanian melody to the children she was looking after. That encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with folk music which saw him making several trips into the remotest regions of Central Europe to record and write down the folk music which was at risk of dying away. Bartók's Romanian Dances of 1915 preserve some of that music for posterity - music that's catchy, beautiful and exilharating. Sandy Burnett explores how Bartók works with the tunes, 'mounting them', as he put it, 'like a jewel.'
Steve Reich (b. 1936) is one of the leading exponents of minimalism, a way of composing which uses repeated patterns of notes that gradually change over time. If that makes it sound mechanical and soulless, well the Reich piece in this week's Great Moments in Classical Music is anything but. Different Trains, written for string quartet and tape in 1988, brings together childhood memories of long rail journeys across America from coast to coast with the fate of Jews bundled into rail carriages in war-torn Europe; Sandy Burnett explores the techniques and the soundworld of this fascinating work.
In this Great Moments in Classical Music, Sandy Burnett dips into one of Claudio Monteverdi's masterpieces: his Vespers of 1610. Now seen as one of the major masterpieces of the Baroque era, it's only really become well known in the last few decades. An irresistible blend of instrumental virtuosity and a wide range of vocal textures, it contains everything from operatic solo writing to massive imposing chordal blocks of sound, ingenious word play and several inventive ways of using plainsong to shape a composition. Is it one of the greatest job applications in all of music history?
"It was as if God the Father had thrown down the shards of a mosaic from the floor of heaven and asked me to find out what it had looked like" Jean Sibelius describing in his diary the creative process of his Symphony No.5 (1915-19). He was just reaching his fiftieth birthday at the time, cause for huge celebrations in Finland in honour of their most eminent musical figure. But although Sibelius had made his name by writing rousing Finnish music, his mature work has international value by anyone's standards; Sibelius ought to rank as one of the greatest symphonists there's ever been.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor, Pathétique (1797-8) An early piano sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven, his Pathétique, is this week's Great Moments in Classical Music. It's a work that he composed just a few years after arriving in Vienna to learn his trade and make his name in that most competitive of musical cities, establishing himself by improvising at the piano at aristocratic salons. But what was so distinctive about Beethoven's piano playing that it shocked and stunned his listeners, even moving some of them to tears? This sonata, with its violent mood swings between brute force and serene calm, is our key to finding out.
Richard Wagner's was a composer who scored the greatest success of his lifetime with his opera Tannhäuser of 1845. Its far-fetched plot chimed entirely with his audience's mid-Romantic sensibilities, telling the story of a brave knight who falls under the erotic spell of the goddess Venus, and falls into debauchery. Rejected by his community, Tannhäuser repents and travels to Rome to ask the Pope for forgiveness, which is ultimately granted.
Great Moments in Classical Music this week focuses on Die Dreigroschenoper, or the Threepenny Opera. The source of the hit song Mack the Knife, it's not so much an opera as a play with music, created in 1928 by the poet Berthold Brecht and composer Kurt Weill. Five years after its Berlin premiere, the Threepenny Opera had clocked up 10,000 performances across Europe and took America by storm in the 1950s. Relations between Brecht and Weill were stormy to say the least, the cast members were remarkable in themselves, especially the young star Lotte Lenya, while the political atmosphere of the time became increasingly volatile - the story behind the Threepenny Opera is just as colourful as the music itself.
This week's Great Moments in Classical Music examines an orchestral masterpiece by Claude Debussy. Growing up as a boy, he had earmarked the career of a sailor for himself; in the end, the closest he came to it was an evocative orchestral score he wrote as an adult in 1905, La Mer. His three symphonic sketches were partly inspired by paintings by Turner and Hokusai and La Mer underlines the similarities between the music of the time and parallel developments in the world of fine art: so-called musical impressionism. In the words of the critic Camille Mauclair, 'the landscapes of Claude Monet are in fact symphonies of luminous waves.'
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade (1888) The story of classical music in nineteenth-century Russia is extraordinary; it went from backward beginnings to a remarkable powerhouse of talent, training and ideas. A critical figure in this process was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, whose textbook of orchestration showed what could be done when instruments were combined in a new and brilliant way. How did his approach differ from the Western European orthodoxy; what are the defining characteristics of this new Russian sound? With a copy of the score of the evocative orchestral suite Scheherazade in one hand, and Rimsky's legendary textbook "Principles of Orchestration" in the other, Sandy aims to find out.
If there is one aspect that distinguishes Beethoven from any other composer, it's his ability to think big: to push the boundaries of what was possible for any given genre, and even for music itself. And so it is with the work in focus this week in Great Moments in Classical Music: his Violin Concerto of 1806. Beethoven wrote it for the stunning violin virtuoso Franz Clement, but the concerto is far more than just a decorative solo showpiece. It reaches far into the sublime, right from the first movement's stunningly original opening: five identical notes, tapped out on the kettle drum.
In 1831, the brilliant young Felix Mendelssohn spent several months travelling through Italy, as part of a Grand Tour taking him right across Europe. Musical standards there might have left him cold - he described the opera singers he heard in Naples as 'the worst Italian ones I ever heard anywhere' - but the landscapes and people he came across inspired him to write an Italian Symphony as he went, calling it 'the jolliest piece I have ever done.' Sandy Burnett explores how Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony balances atmospheric description with musical polish - and boundless youthful energy.
One of the best-known English compositions of all, the Water Music was nonetheless written by one German for the edification of another. The Elector of Hanover had recently ascended the English throne as George I, and it was for one of his spectacular royal boating parties in July 1717, during which several vast gilded barges navigated the waters of the Thames, that Handel, a recent German immigrant himself, wrote three suites to be played on board. Matching the splendour of the occasion with opulent orchestral music every bit as grand and sumptuous, this truly is music fit for a King.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem (1791) Mozart's Requiem is the subject of this week's Great Moments in Classical Music. Not only is it one of his most profound compositions, it's also a work shrouded in mystery and controversy. Mozart died before he could complete it, so of the version most often used these days, how much of it is pure Mozart? The 1984 film Amadeus makes out that he was the subject of deadly jealousy by a rival composer Antonio Salieri, and that the Requiem plays a key part in their interaction. But were things really like that? Over to regular programme host Sandy Burnett to separate Mozartean fact from fiction.
Hector Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique (1830) Sandy Burnett considers the Symphonie fantastique of 1830 by Hector Berlioz. Part autobiography, part Romantic literary fantasy, and part opium trip, it's the most extravagant orchestral score of its time. Sandy examines the background to the work - the influence of Beethoven, Berlioz's own extravagant imagination, his distinctive use of orchestral colour, the all-important idée fixe which runs through the work - and above all the woman who inspired it: Irish actress Harriet Smithson, described at the time as the "figure and face of Hibernian beauty."
Sergei Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (1934) The astonishing pianist/composer Sergei Rachmaninov is Sandy's focus, and in particular, his magnificent Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, a set of twenty-four variations covering music that's both virtuosic and lyrical. Rachmaninov is one of the earliest composers to have much of his music adequately preserved in the relatively new medium of audio recording - both in the form of piano rolls and on early gramophone records. What do they tell us about how music was played a century ago? And to what extent should present-day performers seek to imitate Rachmaninov's recorded interpretations?
Initially it almost bankrupted the Disney studios, but went on to be recognised as a great piece of animation, and one of the most stunning uses of classical music onscreen: Fantasia (1940) is the subject of this Great Moments in Classical Music. Its talented production team included the distinguished conductor Leopold Stokowski, gifted animators Joe Grant, Fred Moore and "Norm" Ferguson, revolutionary audio designer William E. Garity - and above all Walt Disney himself, a man who set out to bring classical music to people who, like himself, had "walked out on this kind of stuff."
Sandy Burnett takes a fresh look at Antonio Vivaldi's the Four Seasons (1723)- a remarkable piece of classical music by anyone's standards. Written for orphan girls to perform in Venice, the set of four concertos draws on Vivaldi's own wealth of experience as a string player to paint the course of a year in dazzling musical colours. Neglected for two centuries, the Four Seasons has made a spectacular comeback in recent decades to achieve spectacular chart success and inspire some contemporary reinterpretations
🎄Choirs for Christmas 2019 | Tuesday 24th Dec | 1pm 🎄
It's the final programme in this year's competition when Evelyn Grant reveals the winners! Before that, hear the final 7 entries:
Carrickfergus Grammar School Antrim Carrickfergus Grammar School Music Society Dublin Youth Junior Choir Dublin Youth Choir Rathdown School Senior Choir Hollypark BNS, Dublin Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny Continuum Youth Choir, Dublin Cantores Youth Choir, Waterford
Choirs for Christmas 2019 is supported by Sing Ireland
🎄Choirs for Christmas 2019 | Monday 23rd Dec | 1pm 🎄
Nearly there...Monday's finalists are:
UCC Singers Bunscoil Chriost Rí, Cork Rathdown School Chamber Choir, Dublin Cross Border Youth Choir, Dublin & Belfast Holy Child Killiney Choir UCD Community Choir, Dublin CIT Cork School of Music Children's Chorus Sutton Park School Choir, Dublin Credo Vocal Ensemble, Meath ....AND there are more choirs on Tuesday before the winners are announced.... stay tuned...
Choirs for Christmas 2019 is supported by Sing Ireland
🎄Choirs for Christmas 2019 | Friday 20th Dec | 🎄
Tune in to RTÉ lyric fm for Friday's finalists:
CBS Kilkenny Senior Choir CBS Kilkenny - an Edmund Rice School Rockwell College Music Academy Junior Choir, Tipperary St. Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School, Dublin 8 Grosvenor Chorale, Co. Down Classic Harmony, Co. Wicklow Mercy Secondary School Schola, Mounthawk, Tralee, Co. Kerry Accenture Phonics, Dublin Accenture Ireland Solas Vocal Ensemble, Dublin City
Join us on Monday 23rd December for the last group of finalists and again on Tuesday 24th December when Evelyn Grant will announce this year's winners!
Thursday's live Choirs for Christmas programme presented by Evelyn Grant will feature:
St Aloysius' College, Cork Kill O’The Grange National School Choir, Dublin Scoil Angela Choir, Ursuline Primary School, Thurles Convent of Mercy Secondary School, Roscommon Kilshanna Junior Choir, Cork The Ramparts Chamber Choir, Dublin Wicklow Choral Society St. Joseph's Primary School, Tipperary Town Glaslinn Choir, Cork Stellar! - Dublin
🎄Choirs for Christmas 2019 | Wednesday 18th Dec | 1pm 🎄
Below are the Wednesday entries on RTÉ lyric fm - and enjoy!
Stillorgan Youth Choir, Dublin Old Leighlin N.S Choir, Co. Carlow Wesley College Senior Choir, Dublin Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny Maynooth University Chamber Choir St Mary's Youth Choir Lucan, Co. Dublin GMIT Voices, GMIT Student Choir & Scoil Íde Children's Choir, Galway Coláiste Nano Nagle Choir, Limerick Killaloe Male Voice Choir, Clare Baldonnel Singers, Kildare
Choirs for Christmas | Tuesday 17th December🎄
Tune in to hear the following entrants:
Oatlands College Senior Choir, Dublin Millicent Singers, Kildare Seoda Chamber Choir and Cantette Children's Choir, Limerick Dublin Youth Chamber Choir Tipperary Musical Society NUI Galway Staff Choir Little Stars Choir, Scoil Angela, Ursuline Primary School Thurles Ursuline College Sligo, Hollypark GNS Choir, Dublin
Pipers Hill College choir is a mixed choir from Naas, consisting of 40 students ranging from 1st to 6th year. Membership of the choir is made not to be an audition as we believe everyone should be given the opportunity to perform in a choir and have fun. The PHCOL choir has performed at numerous events fundraising for charities, competed in the Inter schools music festivals and performed at various school events. The choir is under the Artistic direction of Ms Olivia Roche and our accompanist is Ms Laura Byrne.
Piece performed: Winter Song, words and music by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Arranged by Mac Huff. Music for 3 part choir ,soloist and Piano accompaniment. Our soloist in our recording is 6th year music student Grace Kisombe. Accompanist: Ms Laura Byrne Choir Director: Ms Olivia Roche
Composed by Brendan Graham from an original poem by Macdara Woods. Piano: Brian Connor Violin: Peter Ryan, Sutton Park School Choir Director: Fionnuala Howard
We kick off the competition on Monday with:
Aeterna, Clontarf, Dublin Solas Workplace Choir & Mountjoy Inhouse Voices, Dublin Wesley College Girls Choir, Dublin St Joseph's Church Choir, Boyle, Co Roscommon St Conleth's College Junior School Choir, Ballsbridge, Dublin Glenageary Killiney National School The Plurabelles St Mary's Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir, Dublin 1 Dublin Youth Choir
We hope you enjoy the wealth of talent from choirs around the country and don't forget to let us know your favourites!
Choirs for Christmas 2019 is supported by Sing Ireland.
The idea of The Ard Curam Community Choir was created in June 2018 by Mairead Hanlon. Because of rural isolation and a growing population of elderly people living on their own in North Kerry, Mairead felt it would be a wonderful social gathering for the community. Mairead appointed Mary Culloty O'Sullivan as Choral Director. The choir first began with 48 members and has now over 100 registered members. In approximately 18 months, the choir have raised over €25,000 for the new Dementia Centre in Listowel through performing. It has been a phenomenal success story so far. Members include people from all walks of life and include people with the onset of Alzheimer's, people living in sheltered housing, one member is blind and others come from nursing homes to enjoy the weekly rehearsals.'
Song Title: A Spaceman Came Travelling - Chris De Burgh Arranged by: Mary Culloty O'Sullivan
Piano Accompanist: Kieran Finnegan.
Carrickfergus Grammar School Choir are delighted to continue to be associated with RTE Lyric FM and recently enjoyed a weekend in the cultural centre that is Limerick kicking off the Christmas season with musicians from across the island. The singers are drawn from years 11 to 14 in the school and although no auditions are ever required for any of our singers, we strive to achieve the best sound and performances that we can together. The choir go on tours each year with recent destinations ranging from Vienna and Paris to York and Dublin where they have performed in many amazing cathedrals and grand venues including the United Nations Building, the Áras an Uachtaráin and last month in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
The choir have been runners up for the past three years in the BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year and have won the RTE Choirs for Christmas competition on several occasions. The choir is directed by Edward Craig, a name synonymous with choral music in Northern Ireland.
Piece Performed: "Ding Dong! Merrily On High" is a carol derived from an old French dance but first published as a Christmas Carol only 95 years ago arranged by Irishman Charles Wood.
Choir Director: Edward J. Craig (Director of Music Carrickfergus Grammar School)
St. Attractas’s National School, Ballaghaderreen , Co Roscommon has a long tradition of choral singing. Ms. Coyle leads our school choir and fosters a love of singing among the boys and girls. The choir consists of over seventy very enthusiastic pupils from 3rd Class to 6th Class who express an interest in singing. Weekly practise is complemented by after-school workshops when preparing for public performances.
Everyone is welcome in our choir. We have a harmony group who rehearse before school every day. We love sharing our love of singing with the whole community . We believe singing is good for everybody!
Piece - Do you hear what I hear? Words and music by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne Harmony arrangement - Catherine Coyle Accompanist - Catherine Coyle Choir director - Catherine Coyle (teacher at St Attracta`s National School)
Kilshanna Junior Choir is a choir for junior musicians who attend Kilshanna Music Studio, Mitchelstown and local primary and secondary schools in Kilworth, Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Ballyporeen, Ballygiblin, Ballylanders and Glanworth. They raise funds each year for the singer's chosen charities, this year raising over €2000 for Bumbleance, Liam's Lifts, Crumlin and Templestreet Children's Hospitals through busking, caroling and recording a CD. They perform each year for numerous public and charity events which creates in them a sense of pride and giving in their local community. The young singers are like a close knit family with each singer guiding the newest members when they join the choir, performances, photoshoots and recordings are often filled with giggles and laughter. Kilshanna Junior Choir has successfully competed in Sligo, Kilkenny and Aims choral competitions. Kilshanna Choir was established in 1998 by Choir Director Pearl Robinson, to promote choral work, friendships and a love of music amongst young singers and musicians gratuitously.
Song: Away in a Manger Composer: Martin Luther Arranger: E.P. Genre: An Old Normandy Carol Accompanist: Michael Young, Limerick Choir Director: Pearl Robinson,
St Brigid’s Community Wellness Choir,Tralee County Kerry
We are a new choir that was formed in November 2018 and the purpose of this choir is to promote wellness through singing.
We meet each Tuesday morning from 10am to 11.30am and we always start the session with a seated meditation. Then we practice a range of different breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, singing techniques as well as some physical practices to warm up the body/muscles needed for singing! After that we attempt to learn an entire piece so we are slowly building up our repertoire.
The choir is all female and mostly retired although we do have a couple of young people and we encourage people of all ages to join. We are not the most experienced choir however what we lack in pitch we more than make up with lots of heart and joy! It is an enjoyable and a social get together and the group is now beginning to gel!
We have submitted a piece – very short (33 secs) called “Soualle” which translates as “good night”. It is an African lullaby and this arrangement is by T. Abrams.
Choir Director: Caroline O’ Callaghan
MEZZO LADIES CHOIR
This Fabulous group of Gals hail from Mezzo Music Academy in Terenure.. Where they can be found singing, laughing and occasionally sipping Prosecco on Tuesday nights! Mezzo is a family-run Music Mecca, where the choir sing, under the direction of Maria Stanley and are thrilled to take part in this fantastic celebration of Festive music. ‘Christmas Forever’ was written by the wonderful Dermot Lambert, formerly of BLINK, and performed for the first time publicly in the National Stadium on November 2nd, at Aidlink for Turkana…an amazing Charity Concert supported by lots of lovely choirs. The Mezzo Ladies had a blast singing this poignant Christmas song with Dermot. We hope you enjoy….
Song Title : Christmas Forever / Written by Dermot Lambert - Choral arrangement and conducting by Maria Stanley - Publishing IMRO Additional Player : Piano - Blaithín Carney Choir Director - Maria Stanley - Mezzo Music Academy
Bunscoil Chríost Rí Turners Cross Cork
The choir is composed of boys and girls from 3rd to 6th class. Rehearsals are held after school and during lunch breaks. The choir won the Irish section of Feis Cheoil in 2019. They recently sang at a wedding and also entertained at a special event to mark the official opening of their school extension. At present, they are rehearsing for the Christmas Season and for the Peace Proms Concert to be held in Waterford in 2020.
Performance Piece: "When Children Rule the World" from "Whistle Down the Wind" Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Jim Steinman.
Piano Accompanist: Kate Walsh
Choir Director: Mrs. Anne Murphy.
Saint Patrick's Primary School Choir is an award winning children's choir from Derry City. They were winners of RTE Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas 2016. They performed on The Late Late Toy Show in December 2017. They were the BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year for 2013. They were runners up in the 2012 Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year. They have also won numerous prizes and awards at competitions throughout Ireland. The young choir is made up of children aged 8-11 and has been directed by Ursula Cullen since 2010.
The choir have had the opportunity to perform at various prestigious venues throughout the UK, including Belfast City Hall, the Great Hall at Magee University in Derry and the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool. In April 2012 they performed for President Michael D. Higgins when he visited Derry. The choir were acknowledged by the then Mayor of Derry, Kevin Campbell at a special civic reception in May 2013. The Minister of Education John O'Dowd made a special visit to the school to meet the choir and hear them perform.
The choir have performed at various choral festivals throughout Ireland including Navan International Choral Festival, Bangor International Choral Festival and Coleraine Festival, Ballymena Music Festival and Feis Doire Colmcille. They have collected prizes and awards at all of the above festivals.
For their performance of “Somewhere in my memory” Saint Patrick’s Primary School Choir are directed and accompanied by Ursula Cullen.
While working on TEDxMountjoyPrison, both choirs, Mountjoy Inhouse Voices, made up of prisoners, and the SOLAS Workplace Choir were invited to sing at the interval. We discovered that we had both learned ‘The Parting Glass’, and decided to have a quick rehearsal to see if we could perform this one song together. We performed together and what started out as a supposed once-off performance at the TEDx event has led to the two choirs producing an album together, with the sole purpose of raising funds for Dublin Simon.
It has been a fascinating journey for all involved, and we are delighted to now have a really excellent Christmas album, which is being sold to raise funds for a hugely worthwhile cause. Both organisations are very proud of what the choirs have achieved throughout the entire collaboration project.
Jingle Bells, the song submitted was specifically arranged for the choirs by Blath Conroy Murphy who is also our piano accompanist, together with percussionist Caitriona Frost.
There are two choir directors, one for each choir, Mr. Ruaidhrí O’Dalaigh, Mountjoy Inhouse Voices and Mr. Stephen Carroll, SOLAS Workplace Choir.
St. Patrick’s Boys’ National School choir is made up of the 74 boys currently in 6th Class. Over the last few years, they have participated in the Laudate concert, as part of the National Children’s Choir, represented their school at many school masses and other occasions and, last year, held a concert for their grandparents on Grandparents’ Day.
They are currently practising and preparing diligently for the annual school Christmas Carol Service. They get together twice a week, along with their teachers Mrs. Regan and Ms. O’Brien and their SNA Ms. Walsh, to sing with Mrs. Lawlor and always give it their best!
Song Name: Silent Night Medley (Silent Night/ Night of Silence)
Arrangement: Unknown
Choir Director: Rachel Lawlor (teacher)
Aeterna is one of Dublin’s newest choral ensembles. Its six members have sung together in various Dublin choirs over the years and, united by their love of singing, they have come together to present a wide range of music written for male a cappella chorus. The group is directed by Bernard Sexton who also performs with the group.
Aeterna will be making guest appearances at two Dublin concerts this Christmas.
The Dolce Christmas Concert on 12 December - Church of Our Mother of Divine Grace, Raheny, Dublin 5
Cantando Christmas Concert on 16 December - St Raphaela's School, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
Piece: It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas - Words and music by Meredith Wilson . Arr. Stefan Wyatt
The soloist on the recording is Stephen Kernan
The current Tulla Parish Choir has been in existence for 35 years. Over this extended period of time, young choristers have graced us with their joyful voices, have left for distant shores and thankfully, many have returned and settled in Tulla, now bringing their own children as an integral part of the choir.
We are a mixed choir, approx 35 strong, and of every age. We gather on Sundays for 11am mass in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Tulla, throughout the year. Our primary objective is one of service to our church community, its celebrations and its sorrows, and the enriching of our faith practice through the gift of music and song. Being a small choir in a rural parish in County Clare, there is an overlap of truly active persons in many other community clubs, so rehearsals are confined to a half hour before our weekly gathering.
There is no audition to participate in the choir. We have always been more than fortunate over the last 35 years, to have the magnificent home grown talent, of young local school going students, who, without musical scores, add immensely to our whole repertoire, regardless of musical genre. The choir`s strongest assets are its heart, its soul, and its long term commitment to the belief that music supports, heals, comforts and uplifts each one of us on our journey, both individually and collectively, through the trials, sorrows and joys of this life.
Tulla Parish Choir Entry Canon in D (Pachelbel) / The First Noel (Traditional) Arrangement loosely based on arrangement by Michael Clawson.
This is an arrangement which combines the traditional carol ”The First Nowell” with the simple chordal progressions of Pachelbel`s Canon in D. Instrumentalists Violins ; Aisling Clarke, Aine Murphy, Cushla Murphy, Accordian : Cara Murphy Piano : Joan Culloo McNamara
Choir Director : Joan Culloo McNamara,
The Girls Choir of Wesley College Dublin is an ensemble open to girls in Years 3 to 6. The choir focuses on having fun, making beautiful music, while also developing their music literacy skills. In addition to performing at school services and events, the Girls Choir also enjoy taking part in local and national feiseanna. The Choir were recently awarded Silver in the post-primary schools three/four-part competition in the City of Derry International Choral Festival.
Piece performed: Sanctus (Richard Oswin)
Accompanist: David Callaghan
Choir Director: Holly Woods
We are pleased to attach our recording of 'On a Christmas Day', an original composition by a composer from Boyle, who is also a member of the choir and who has composed a number of pieces of sacred music for the choir including a suite of mass parts.
Title: On A Christmas Day Composer: Frank Simon Choir: St Joseph's Church Choir, Boyle Choir Director: Anne Kielty Accompanist: Lizi Hannon
Formed in 2016, the choir sings in St Joseph’s Church Boyle on the 4th Sunday of each month and at other church ceremonies. This four-part choir has over fifty members, a number of whom share the teaching and programming, together with Choir Director Anne Kielty. The choir were delighted to perform in concert at Boyle Arts Festival 2019, together with Con Tempo String Quartet. The concert was sold out and the night was a real highlight for BAF and for the choir. At this concert, the choir premiered two pieces - an arrangement of ‘The Plains of Boyle’ for choir, string quartet and accordion by Frankie Simon; and a choral accompaniment to a song by Donal O’Connor ‘The House in The Hollow’. Both men are members of the bass section of the choir. The choir has also performed in church and in concert at Sitges Live Festival, Spain, in 2017 and 2018.
St Conleths College, 28 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
The choir was formed in 2017 and is used primarily to sing at school events. It started off as an all-boys choir but with the introduction of girls to the school has now become a mixed choir.
Piece Performed: When you believe (There can be miracle’s) written by Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston from Disney’s Prince of Egypt.
Choir Director: Emer Hartnett
Glenageary Killiney N.S.
Glenageary Killiney National School Choir meet weekly at 8.00 a.m. They sing at school assemblies, local church services, take part in Festivals and Competitions. They are highly motivated, very talented and 100% attendance at rehearsals is a common occurrence.
Piece Performed: Codladh Sámh
Conductor: Mr Frank Hughes
Note from the Principal
The Choir is open to all pupils from 3rd to 6th class each year. This year the choir comprises of eleven 3rd class pupils who joined the choir in September 2019. Fifteen 4th class pupils who joined the choir in September 2018, eleven 5th class pupil who joined in September 2017 and one 6th class pupil who joined in September 2016.
Parents volunteer to assist in the supervision of the choir. We are very fortunate to have the enthusiastic, dedicated and talented Mr Frank Hughes to conduct our choir.
S. Honner
Voices of the Boyne is an all-female community choir based in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Set up by Louise Mahony and with Claire Grogan as musical director, the choir has an ethos of openness and inclusivity. With a strict no-audition policy, they opened their doors in September 2018, after a call went out online in search of like-minded people to join together for music-making and merriment.
They have gone from strength to strength since. Within months of forming, the choir had three successful Christmas performances under its belt and won the First Time Competitors award at the Mayo International Choral Festival in May of this year. Voices of the Boyne are now looking forward to many more events in 2020 and beyond.
Piece Performed: Title: Sing Ding-a, Ding-a Dong! Composer/Arranger: Lynn Shaw Bailey
Piano Accompanist - Emer Leddy
Choir Director: Claire Grogan
Choir Full Name: The Eleventh Hour Song Title: Plaisir D’Amour.
The Eleventh Hour are a choir of willing volunteers literally formed at the eleventh hour, for a performance of this wonderful song at Aidlink for Turkana Charity Concert on November 2nd last.
They are made up of members from 3 other choirs and only met for the first time that afternoon! With some members from St Marys College Singers, Rathmines; Mezzo Ladies, Terenure; and Legally Sound (workplace Choir, Byrne Wallis, Harcourt Street) a choir was born!
Directed by Maria Stanley, in an arrangement she also composed, The Eleventh Hour accompany Wexford singer/songwriter, Davy Lyons. You are bound to savour the poetic elegance of his lyrics together with his unique, spellbinding voice.
Choral Director: Maria Stanley
BellaCapella
The Carol we have performed is Star of Wonder, A Ukrainian Carol arranged by Vladimir Morozov.
Choir Director -Sarah Lawrence
BellaCapella are an all female community choir that formed in September 2018 under the baton of our director Sarah Lawrence. We meet in Foxford Leisure Centre on a Wednesday evening and sing together for two hours.
In the past year we have performed at 2 Concerts, one Pop Up Concert and one at Easter. The purpose of the Easter Concert was primarily to raise funds for a local charity in Foxford.
We took part in our first ever competition in May. This was in Castlebar (Mayo International Choral Festival) and we were delighted to come second in this competition.
The highlight of our first year was to be part of a recording for RTÉ Sunday morning Service with Canon Andrea Wills. Talk about hitting the ground running! What a great opportunity to do what we love, sing and make new friends along the way.
Our ethos is to get involved in the local community, help raise funds for local charities and bring people together who enjoy singing. We work hard but enjoy what we do and have a few laughs along the way.
Details of piece:’So fair and Bright’, composed by Bob Chilcott Name of Choir: The Plurabelles Accompanist: Lorna Horan Choir Director: Aine Mulvey
‘The Plurabelles' is a girls’ choir of 23 members aged between 12 and 18 years, based in Dublin. The group first came together at a summer camp in 2016, performing their first concert as an ensemble in June 2016. In 2017, the girls won their first choral competition when they won the Junior Choirs section at the inaugural Clontarf Choral Festival in Dublin.
In July 2018, they travelled to the World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa, where they achieved a Silver award in the Open Competition for Youth Choirs. In March of this year, the choir were awarded “Choir of the Year” at the Limerick Choral Festival, where they also won the Youth choir and Sacred Music competitions. The girls are currently preparing to sing with the Army No.1 band at the Defence Forces Carol Service in Arbor Hill, and future plans include a return to the World Choir Games in July 2020, when they will travel to Flanders.
The choir is under the musical direction of Áine Mulvey, and their repertoire includes arrangements of Irish and international folksongs, classical art songs, sacred music, jazz, gospel and contemporary choral works.
In-keeping with many of the great cathedrals in Europe, the establishment of the Girls’ Choir of St Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin, in 2009 was an important development in the musical life of the Pro-Cathedral. Spanning ages of 9 up to 16, this is a choir with members who come from all over Dublin. They sing with a fresh and youthful sound and have a wide range of sacred music repertoire which they use to sing at liturgies each week at the Pro-Cathedral. They also enjoy presenting Irish repertoire and other secular music at home and abroad.
Carol sung There is no Rose from Songs of Celebration by Emma Johnson.
The carol combines clarinet and high voices in a unique way to create an atmosphere of celebration.
Solo clarinet: Conor Sheil (father of two of the girl choristers)
Choir Director: Ms. Blánaid Murphy
Sligo Academy’s Girls’ Chamber Choir, Sligo, Co. Sligo
The Academy’s Girls’ Chamber Choir is a new venture for Sligo’s Academy of Music. It was founded in May of this year. Its vision is to encourage secondary school students to participate in choral singing of a high standard, covering a range of repertoire from classical through to contemporary. The hope is to expand its numbers and, perhaps sometime in the future, to form a mixed voice choir sharing the same vision! The recording attached features 7 of the 8 singers currently in the group.
Piece Performed: ”Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella” is a French traditional carol. The arrangement used in this recording was taken from David Willcocks’ book, “Carols for Christmas”
The accompanist on piano is also the choir director, Aoifín Shorten
Euphonics is an a cappella chorus based in Dublin. The group was founded by Ardú in 2018 and consists of 14 young singers from across the city, specialising in contemporary a cappella music. They have won the national contemporary competition at Derry Choir Festival 2018 and perform regularly at venues such as Liberty Hall, City Hall and Freemasons' Hall in Dublin. In 2020 Euphonics will undertake their second recording, with music arranged by the group, and perform at Cork International Choral Festival. They are directed by Ciarán Kelly.
Piece: Carol of the Bells (M. Leontovich, arr. Peter J Wilhousky)
The Glaslinn Choir is a female voice Community Choir. It is based in Bandon, Co Cork but its 35 members come from all over the West Cork area. The Choir performs at many recitals and fundraising events and has raised tens of thousands of euro for charities over the years.
The Glaslinn Choir also participates in choral festivals and competitions and has enjoyed success in recent years at Feis Maitiú, AIMS Choral Festival and Kenmare Choral Festival. It has also participated in choral festivals in Vienna and Berlin. This year, the Choir is delighted to be celebrating its 50th birthday. It marked the occasion with the commissioning of a piece of jewellery, a trip to a choral festival in Amsterdam and a gala charity concert in Bandon in May which was a great success.
Piece performed: Coventry Lullaby - 16th Century English Carol, arranged by Earlene Rentz.
Piano accompanist - Ruth O' Shea
Choir Director : Antoinette Baker
Piece Performed: There is Faint Music (TTBB) composed by Dan Forrest. Accompanist: Sinéad Rodger Choir director: Sinéad Rodger,
The Oatlands College Senior Choir is made up of 4th, 5th and 6th year students. Conducted and facilitated by Miss Sinead Rodger, they enjoyed a transformative twelve months of success in the academic 2018/2019 school year which they are hoping to build on this year.
In October 2018, the choir took part in a series of vocal and performance workshops in London’s West End, bookended by viewings of Matilda and Les Misérables on the West End stage. The choir’s first performance of the year took place in Mount Merrion church as part of the memorable “Sing While You Can” concert for our school chaplain and dear friend Father Tony Coote. Although Father Coote recently and regrettably lost his battle with motor neurone disease, his immeasurable goodwill will live on in the more than €700,000 he raised to bring awareness to the illness. It was a great honour to perform in his company.
In November the choir finished an impressive 2nd place at the Sligo International Choral Festival. This was the choir’s first time placing at a competitive level – and was a sign of things to come. At the turn of the year, the choir were selected to participate and perform in a master class held in the National Concert Hall with world renowned male voice choir “Chanticleer”. In the run up to March’s Transition Year musical, the choir – including some of our musical stage performers – spent an evening away from rehearsals to finish an impressive 2nd at the Wesley Interschool Music Festival in the male voice competition.
All of the choir’s hard work culminated in a memorable month in May beginning with the Chamber Choir finishing 2nd in the Liturgical Music section at the Navan Choral Festival - and ending with the Senior choir placing 1st as National Youth Choir of the Year 2019 at the very same competition.
This is the choir’s first time to enter the RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition and they really enjoyed rehearsing and recording There is Faint Music. This song will be part of their programme in their Christmas Concert Winter Festival of Choirs of Wednesday 11th December in the Church of St Thérèse in Mount Merrion which will feature performances from the Oatlands College Senior, Chamber and Junior Choirs and the Oatlands Primary School Choir.
Seoda Chamber Choir comprises a group of friends who have been singing and performing together since their foundation in November 2004. They have travelled extensively and perform regularly in Limerick. They are recipients of several awards in various competitions around Ireland and abroad and were runners up in Choirs For Christmas in 2006.
Cantette Children's Choir caters for children between the ages of 9 and 16 who enjoy singing. Since its founding by its conductor, Máire Keary-Scanlon in 1998, many past members have gone on to have successful solo careers in singing, and several past members continue to sing with choirs around the country on an amateur and professional basis. Cantette has won several awards at competitions, including Choirs For Christmas on two occasions, and they have performed with Seoda Chamber Choir on a number of occasions, though this is the first time they have recorded together.
They are performing "The Song Of The Stars" by Bob Chilcott.
Glór is a vocal ensemble newly set up by the undergraduate students of Cork School of Music, CIT. Its repertoire ranges from early music to modern, both sacred and secular. Glór is constantly welcoming new members in hopes to spread the joy of group singing.
Glór is currently working towards performances and competitions for 2020. Since September 2019, Glór has been directed by Mary Walsh, who is currently undergoing a Masters in Performance (Conducting) at CIT Cork School of Music.
Piece Performed: Deck the Hall
Mark Armostong’s arrangement of the Christmas favourite Deck the Hall radiates happiness, frivolity and nostalgia of this time of year. The familiar holiday tune is swept along by the jaunty choral accompaniment full of warmth and rhythmic playfulness. His use of lush harmonies further help engulf us in the christmas spirit.
Recording done by Christine Caldbeck, student of Cork School of Music.
Carrigaline Gospel Choir
Carrigaline Gospel Choir, based in Carrigaline, Co Cork, was founded in 2005 by Sr. Nóirín Foster. The choir, currently under the direction of Karen Byrne, has almost 40 members and sings at mass once a month in the Church of Our Lady & St. John in Carrigaline. In addition to church performances, the choir participates at concerts and fundraising events around the county and have performed with the City of Cork Symphony Orchestra, Katherine Jenkins, José Carreras, Amanda Neri and Plácido Domingo Jr.
The choir is accompanied by Niall Macken on Keyboard, Jack Eaton on Guitar and Sharon Eaton on Drums.
Musical Director: Karen Byrne
Mary Did You Know?
Music by Buddy Greene
Words by Mark Lowry
Arranged for Choir by Jack Schrader.
Accompanists
Niall Macken – Keyboard
Jack Eaton – Guitar
Sharon Eaton – Drums
Carrigaline Gospel Choir, based in Carrigaline, Co Cork, was founded in 2005 by Sr. Nóirín Foster. The choir, currently under the direction of Karen Byrne, has almost 40 members and sings at mass once a month in the Church of Our Lady & St. John in Carrigaline. In addition to church performances, the choir participates at concerts and fundraising events around the county and have performed with the City of Cork Symphony Orchestra, Katherine Jenkins, José Carreras, Amanda Neri and Plácido Domingo Jr.
The choir is accompanied by Niall Macken on Keyboard, Jack Eaton on Guitar and Sharon Eaton on Drums.
Musical Director: Karen Byrne
Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child
Traditional African American
Arranged by Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff and Loris Holland.
Soloists
Margaret Fitzgerald
Claire McCormack
Accompanists
Niall Macken – Keyboard
Jack Eaton – Guitar
Sharon Eaton – Drums
‘Athlone A Cappella’ – A group of more than 50 Female Singers, who love to make music, was formed in 2012, and has since developed into a multi-award winning chorus, achieving a myriad of International Choral Festival, and other Trophies, performing a cappella style 4-part close vocal harmony. They are also proud to have been judged as the National Female Barbershop Chorus Champions on 4 separate occasions, and are the current National Champions.
The group is based in Athlone but attracts its membership from in and around the Midlands. And under the Direction of their Musical Director, David Farmer, the Chorus travels the length and breadth of Ireland, with occasional trips abroad, performing their rich and varied repertoire, which includes songs from the ‘Musical Theatre’, Jazz, Gospel, Rock, and ‘Popular’ Music of every era.
Piece Performed: Ding Dong Merrily On High Music : Traditional. Lyrics : George R Woodward & Joe Johnson. Arranger : Joe Johnson. Choir Director : David Farmer..
As well as singing for Church services, both choirs are involved in local music making by collaborating with the highly regarded Blanchardstown Brass Band for an annual Carol Concert and an annual Christmas fundraiser for Coolmine Rehabilitation Centre – where the choir members get to do some secular music and a little bit of stage work in Draoicht’s wonderful theatre.
The Junior choir began in 2016 with children from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds reflecting the area’s rich tapestry of cultures. They took part in the Feis Ceoil for the first time last April and both choirs have sung for RTE TV masses. This recording also features instrumental sounds from Blanchardstown’s fabulous ‘Content’ church organ from Holland which was inaugurated in 2016 after a big fundraising drive.
Piece Performed: The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy
a traditional West Indian Carol
Arranged and Conducted by John White
Accompanied b y Michael Minnock
Choir Director: John White
Dublin Youth Choir began in January 2017 with the launch of Dublin Youth Chamber Choir. 24 young singers were chosen to perform challenging choral music in this exciting new chamber choir for young singers. Directed by Lynsey Callaghan, the singers, now ranging from 16-20 years old, receive expert tuition from experienced vocal tutors and highly skilled musicianship staff. The singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from medieval and renaissance music to compositions by living composers. Dublin Youth Chamber Choir was delighted to win the Youth Choir category of RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas competition in 2017. As well as winning the Youth Choir competition in the Cork Choral Festival 2019, they were named Champions of the European Choir Games in the Youth Choir category and were awarded two gold medals, including one for the international Grand Prix, and a gold diploma for their performances in Sweden. Dublin Youth Chamber Choir was honoured to be the only choir representing Ireland out of the 171 choirs and 6300 participants from 47 nations who took part in the European Choir Games. They were invited to perform for President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in October 2019 and returned to sing for his Tree Lighting Ceremony in December.
All DYC choirs have recorded music by Irish female composers for RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas 2019 to highlight the wonderful music created by women in Ireland. This reflects Dublin Youth Choir's ongoing commitment to the representation of women and the promotion of Irish composers in their programming.
Piece: Make We Merry (2014) - Rhona Clarke (b. 1958) Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
Dublin Youth Choir began rehearsing in September 2017. The choir rehearses every Tuesday in the Unitarian Church, Stephen's Green. The singers develop skills relating to aural awareness and musical literacy, placing emphasis on musicality and direct engagement with music. The singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from medieval and renaissance music to compositions by living composers. Dublin Youth Choir won the Youth Choir competition in Feis Ceoil 2019 and were awarded the Oliver O'Brien Award for the best overall choir. They are looking forward to travelling to Cork for their debut performance at the Cork International Choral Festival in May 2020.
Dublin Youth Choir was delighted to perform the world premiere of Laura Sheils’ SATB version of Hodie! on 1st December 2019 at the Trócaire Christmas Gala Concert. The singers loved meeting Laura and asking her questions about her compositions. DYC has commissioned Laura to write them a Christmas Carol for 2020 and we are all so excited to work with this incredible emerging composer throughout the year!
All DYC choirs have recorded music by Irish female composers for RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas 2019 to highlight the wonderful music created by women in Ireland. This reflects Dublin Youth Choir's ongoing commitment to the representation of women and the promotion of Irish composers in their programming.
Piece Performed: Hodie! (2016) - Laura Sheils (b. 1995) Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
In September 2018, second-class pupils were chosen to take part in Dublin Youth Choir's exciting new initiative - Dublin Youth Junior Choir. In 2019, another cohort of second-class pupils joined the Junior Choir. Alongside their choral singing, the young singers receive musicianship training through a Kodály-inspired musicianship programme. Directed by Lynsey Callaghan, the singers receive expert tuition by experienced tutors and highly skilled musicianship staff in the heart of Dublin's city centre. The young singers will continue in Dublin Youth Junior Choir until they are ready to audition for Training Choir, then Youth Choir, and hopefully even Chamber Choir! The Junior Choir members love their rehearsals and they are particularly grateful to the new DYC music assistants Samie and Chloe, both of whom sing in Chamber Choir and help every week with Junior Choir.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Christmas Star was written especially for Dublin Youth Junior Choir by their conductor, Lynsey, and the accompaniment was arranged for piano by their pianist, David Callaghan. Their sold-out Christmas concert was named after this piece and the choir absolutely loves singing it!
All DYC choirs have recorded music by Irish female composers for RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas 2019 to highlight the wonderful music created by women in Ireland. This reflects Dublin Youth Choir's ongoing commitment to the representation of women and the promotion of Irish composers in their programming.
Piece Performed: Twinkle, Twinkle, Christmas Star (2019) - Lynsey Callaghan (b. 1990)
Accompanist: David Callaghan Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
The Cross Border Youth Choir was formed in October 2017 and made its debut public performance in Belfast that same weekend. The choir comprises two regional choirs: the Belfast Philharmonic Youth and Chamber Choirs and the Dublin Youth and Chamber Choirs. The two groups first came together to take part in a workshop with the BBC Singers through the BBC 10 Pieces Coaching Scheme in April 2017 and the sound was so inspiring that it began a more permanent relationship between the two ensembles. In October 2018, Cross Border Youth Choir won the National Youth Choir competition at the City of Derry International Choral Festival and the Youth Choir category of the RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition in 2018. Cross Border Youth Choir represented the island of Ireland in the Royal Albert Hall, London in October 2018, performing in the world premiere of 'The Great War Symphony' by composer Patrick Hawes.
Both ensembles are conducted on a weekly basis by Lynsey Callaghan. It is therefore fitting that the two organisations have come together to make beautiful music and to learn from each other. Through workshops, rehearsals, and informal performances, great friendships have already been created and there is much excitement for the future. In June 2020, the choir will perform John Rutter's Mass of the Children in a concert with the Ulster Orchestra in the Ulster Hall.
Piece Performed: Away in a Manger - William J. Kirkpatrick, arr. David Willcocks
This recording features over 100 singers from Dublin and Belfast and the melody of the final verse is sung by the young singers of the Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir. It was recorded during their November 2019 rehearsal weekend.
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
Dublin Youth Training Choir began rehearsing in September 2019. 30 singers aged 10-14 were chosen to take part in the new Training Choir. The young singers also receive musicianship training through a Kodály-inspired programme. It is hoped that these singers will progress into the Youth Choir when they are old enough and when they have attained a high level of musicianship.
The piece that they have recorded was arranged by their conductor, Lynsey Callaghan for the Belfast Philharmonic Youth and Chamber Choirs on the occasion of their 10th anniversary and, originally a piece for orchestra and children's choir, was premiered by the Ulster Orchestra in May 2016. It has since been published by Santa Barbara Music Publishers and had its US premiere in Carnegie Hall in July 2019. The second verse is in Welsh and is sung by Ethan, a second soprano in Training Choir.
All DYC choirs have recorded music by Irish female composers for RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas 2019 to highlight the wonderful music created by women in Ireland. This reflects Dublin Youth Choir's ongoing commitment to the representation of women and the promotion of Irish composers in their programming.
Piece Performed: Suo Gân - arr. Lynsey Callaghan (b. 1990) Accompanist/Instrumentalists Soloist: Ethan (member of Dublin Youth Training Choir) Piano: David Callaghan Flute: Darragh Montague (member of Dublin Youth Chamber Choir) Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
Little Stars Choir, Scoil Angela, Ursuline Primary School Thurles was set up in September 2016 by class teacher Cathy Keane. It is open to girls from third to fifth class with a shared love of singing and we meet every Thursday afternoon after school . It has a current membership of 21 girls. The goal in Little Stars is to learn beautiful songs of various genres, including two-part harmony, while building self- confidence, performance skills, musicality, forging friendships and having lots of fun. The choir perform twice a year for their parents.
Song title: ‘I trust You’ by Skip Ewing and Don Schlitz
Accompanists: Anne Marie Dwan -piano, Mary -Rose Mc Nally-violin
Choir Director: Cathy Keane
Tipperary Musical Society was established in 1944. In 1946, it was formally organised, with its first production being Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance in 1947. The society lapsed in 1962, and was revived again in 1982, and has been running successfully ever since.
Tipperary Musical Society has been hugely successful in the AIMS Awards and has many accolades under its belt. Chorally, Tipperary Musical Society has a well-established competitive record nationally. The society has frequently entered the New Ross Choral Festival. Tipperary Musical Society won the coveted Frank Cullinane Trophy at this festival for two years running, in 2018 & 2019.
Submitted Piece: There Is A Santa Claus(from the Broadway Musical, Elf) Words & music by: Chad Beguelin & Matthew Sklar Arranged by Andy Beck Backing Track - No additional musicians/instruments Choir Director: Helen Colbert
The Hollypark Girls’ School Choir was formed in 2015. Every September girls from 4th class to 6th class audition to become members and successful candidates rehearse on Wednesday afternoons after school. There are currently 70 girls in our choir.
We perform a wide-ranging repertoire and have sung at Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna, at school concerts, religious ceremonies and at fundraising concerts when we have supported LauraLynn, the Peter McVerry Trust and Merchants Quay Ireland. We have collaborated with adult choirs during this time including Foxrock Choir and Anima.
We have competed at New Ross AIMS Choral Festival and Kilcoole Music Festival and have come first on each occasion.
We have also recorded a number of CDs including a CD to celebrate our school’s jubilee year in 2016 and most recently a Christmas CD.
In 2018 we formed the chorus in the musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’, which was performed in our school and we are currently preparing for our next musical – ‘Mary Poppins’.
Our collaboration with the students in the Central Remedial Clinic School, Clontarf is an integral part of our choir. We regularly visit the CRC to sing and perform alongside the students in the school. We really enjoy these visits.
The choir is going from strength to strength with many of our younger students aspiring to choir membership when their time comes.
The chosen piece of music is: Angels’ Carol, words and music by John Rutter. This piece was commissioned by BET for the 1987 BET Choirboy of the Year Competition.
Choir accompanied on piano by Niamh McDonough.
Choir directors: Berni Gunning & Siobhán de Fréin
The Moy Singers is a four part mixed choir based in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland. It's members hail from the small towns and villages of Ballina's hinterland of North Mayo and West Sligo. The group takes its name from the glorious River Moy which flows through Ballina and meets the Atlantic Ocean at Killala Bay at Enniscrone, Co. Sligo. The choir has a strong traditiaon of raising money for charity and since having been formed in 1986 has donated in excess of €55,000 to local charies. Each year the group stages two major concerts, one in December "Carols by Candlelight" and a spring concert.
The current musical director is Jonathan Carter.
This is the choir's debut single which is in support of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
Detail of our entry piece Title: Christmas Canon in D Johann Pachelbel (music) Paul O'Neill (lyrics) Instruments: Backing Track
St. Marys Youth Choir Lucan Co. Dublin has been in existence for over 20 years. Our members range in age from 7-14 and they sing at the family mass in St Marys Church Lucan at 9.45am. Their musical director and accompanist Aideen Cooney has been with the choir since January 2018, and since September 2019, they have been joined by Orla Kennedy s their vocal coach and conductor.
Last Christmas they performed their first ever carol service in the parish and this year on December 19th they will be performing with the adult choral at a joint carol service for the first time. Lyric FM's choirs for Christmas is their first competition and they are very excited to be taking part. They are hoping it will the first of many opportunities to participate.
Name of the piece : Go tell it, Children - (Two-part) Arr. Ruth Elaine Schram Conductor: Orla Kennedy Accompanist : Aideen Cooney
The NUI Galway Staff Singers is a non-auditioned workplace choir, comprising staff from across the University, including academic staff, researchers and support staff. The choir first came together in 2013 to compete in the ‘Choir Factor’ charity competition for workplace choirs in Galway and have stayed together ever since. They meet twice weekly to rehearse songs from a wide range of genres, including folk, pop, classical, gospel and religious music. The NUI Galway Staff Singers perform regularly at events on campus and in Galway city, and they have competed in a number of Irish choral festivals in Limerick, Sligo, Mayo, Dublin and Derry. Choir rehearsals offer a welcome break from the working day, and the choir enjoys the social aspects of singing together, as well as the mental health benefits. Their choir director is Michel Durham-Brandt.
Piece Performed: Winter Wonderland Words by Richard Smith Music by Felix Bernard Arranged by Mark De-Lisser Keyboard: Colm Henry
Ursuline College Sligo have a great choral tradition which is developing all the time. We have a vibrant music department which encourages and promotes all forms of music. All students participate in choral classes. Our choirs have entered choral competitions in Dublin, Sligo, Cork and Wales.
This Ursuline College Senior Choir is a three part choir drawn from 4th, 5th and 6th year. They are a newly formed choir group. We practice once a week at lunch time. All of our choir would have performed on stage in the Transition Year musical production. Each year we participate in School Masses and Carol Services. We also go Carol singing for charity in our town.
Name of song: Coventry Carol Composer: arranged by Audrey Snyder Voices: SSA Arrangement: Hal Leonard Conductor: Fiona McQuillan Accompanist: Leonard Dorian
Melody Maestros was established in 2018 and is comprised of children aged 4 to 12 in Gorey, County Wexford. The choir focuses on music from classical, musical theatre and contemporary styles. We participate in local talent competitions, choral competitions and festivals such as the Festival of Choirs, Kilcoole Music Festival etc. and are really looking forward to the upcoming Feis Ceoil and Arklow Music Festival in the new year! Our ultimate aim is to inspire and enrich the lives of children in our community, creating a musical family and giving them a lifelong love of singing.
Piece Performed: Sing up, it's Christmas! - Words and Music by Emily Barden Accompaniment: Backing track used with permission of Singup.org Choir director: Genevieve Molloy
Scoil Bhríde is an all-girls primary school located in Clane, County Kildare. Founded by the Presentation Sisters, today there are 522 pupils attending. Music is very important in our school, pupils play recorder. The school choir was set up in September of this year and comprises of 36 girls from 5th and 6th class. The choir meet for an hour every Monday after school and sometimes come together for lunch-time practices. The girls enjoy singing a range of genres and have performed for their classmates and residents of a local nursinghome. We would like to wish a huge ‘Nollaig Shona Daoibh’ to everybody listening!
Piece performed: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Arranged by choir teachers. Accompanist: Louise Johnston Choir Directors: Eimear Sheehan
Picturesquely located on the banks of the River Suir and flanked by the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption, Scoil Angela is a mixed primary school catering for more than 260 pupils. Our school has a strong tradition of music and we love to perform! Scoil Angela is always a busy hive of musical activity throughout the year. We have a wide repertoire of songs, contemporary, classic, religious and traditional and our weekly practices are always busy. Our choir is made up of all the children from fourth, fifth and sixth classes and our current membership is eighty-six! We have participated in Peace Proms and sing for many special occasions in the Parish. Our 'Christmas Carol singing tour' takes us to the local Hospital of the Assumption, the Source library, local banks and Stakelums toy show. Last week our special Christmas song for this year was aired on Tipp FM and we have been invited by the radio station to sing at a live show next week. We are proud of our music tradition and were delighted to be nominated for Best Musical Number in the Bord Gais energy Awards 2016 with our own school production of 'Think'.
Song title: ‘Christmas is’ by Jay Rouse Accompanists: Anne Marie Dwan -piano, Mary -Rose Mc Nally-violin Choir Director: Cathy Keane
Meet ‘Our BIG little choir’! We are a children’s choir from Monkstown in Cork, with over 50 choir members ranging from ages 4 to 13. We began our all-inclusive, feel good, special community choir in 2016 with the motto ‘We are children singing for children’.
‘Our BIG little choir’ was set up in memory of Jamie, a very sick little boy who lost his life to a rare illness 3 years ago. His relative, Debbie, decided to honour his memory by forming a children’s choir. Her wish was to bring kids together to ‘sing’ their socks off’ and spread the feel-good vibes to everyone that listens to them.
Debbie with her four friends, Deirdre, Sinead, Evelyn and Sean have exceeded all expectations of forming a little singing group, to a choir that has grown in reputation. Our first charity debut was in December 2016 when we performed two numbers at a Pieta House fundraising concert. Our biggest achievement to date was last May when we performed our very own concert for the local community and raised over 3000 euro for the Jack and Jill foundation. We were thrilled to be one to the final 100 acts to audition for the Late Late toy show this year, and we are currently excited about singing in Cork airport this Saturday the 7th of December.
Piece Performed: Our own child friendly version of: Night of Silence / Silent Night David Haas Accompanists Evelyn Murphy on violin Paul Hayden on piano Choir Director: Debbie Foy
The Coláiste Nano Nagle Choir has played a huge role in our school community since its founding by the Presentation Sisters in 1928 (as Presentation Secondary School). The choir is made up of between 30 and 40 students from 1st to 6th year. We have a busy yearly calendar of school liturgies and celebrations as well performances at community events. We are a close-knit, dedicated choir, and the enjoyment of singing is at the centre of everything we do.
Piece: 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen’, a traditional English carol and one of the oldest. This arrangement is by Audrey Snyder.
Choir Director: Thérèse Gaughan Accompanist: Una Clune
Choir Club was formed 8 years ago in Stepaside, Co. Dublin to meet the need of busy women who wanted to sing and perform but couldn’t commit to a weekly choir session! We meet once a month in Spring term and every 2-3 weeks in Winter term, and put on an annual Christmas concert for charity. This year we are supporting Mustard Seed Ireland. Our main claim to fame is that we are a choir who love to sing and eat cake...in equal amounts!
This year has been a tough one as we lost one of our amazing members, Antoinette Leonard. She was a vibrant, fun filled, caring person, mum to 3 wonderful kids and wife to Mark. She sang with us from our very first session, and throughout her chemo for Ovarian cancer, right up to last years Xmas concert. We were devastated when she lost her fight with cancer in August this year, but were so proud that her choir folder took pride of place on the altar as we sang Count the Stars for her. Our recording of Night of Silence will definitely not be the most polished or professional entry you will receive, but it was Antoinette’s favourite Christmas song, and we sing it to honour her memory. She is in the attached photo which was taken at our Xmas concert 2018, second row centre in a sparkly collar and the biggest smile, which is how we will always remember her.
Piece performed including: SILENT NIGHT (traditional)/NIGHT OF SILENCE (Daniel Kantor)/PEACE, PEACE (Rick and Sylvia Powell) Arranged Caoimhe O’Neill Piano: Caoimhe O’Neill Choir Director: Caoimhe O’Neill
The Galway Sings Project is a class based introduction to choir and group singing. Based in Galway city this is a brand new approach to singing where new, nervous or novice singers can experience choral music in a friendly environment where everyone is starting from a basic level.
This fun and novel community approach uses popular music to teach the fundamentals of singing in a group and the class based approach means the singers join a class and can meet other new singers and share the experience.
The central aim of the Galway Sings Project is to create a space for adult singers in Galway to experience the joy of choral and group singing without having to audition and ultimately equip the singers with the skills and confidence to join any of the other established choirs in Galway.
Musical Director: Peter Mannion Title: Silent Night Arranger: Mark DeLisser
Solas Vocal Ensemble is a bespoke A Cappella group made up of close friends from a variety of musical backgrounds, including Irish Youth Choir, Kodaly Society of Ireland and North Dublin Opera.
Piece Performed: Suantraí ár Slánaitheora - Fiontán Ó Cearbhaill (1979)
CHOIR DIRECTOR: Shane Barriscale
Inspire choral group are a group of enthusiastic singers with a broad and eclectic range of musical tastes and talents who have been singing together for about 6 years now. We have singers from lots of backgrounds, musical theatre, classical and some who love to sing and had no outlet until they joined the choir. We rehearse once a week and perform at local seasonal events, national competitions, festivals, weddings, shows and charity fundraisers. We have recorded a CD of our favourite pieces entitled “True Colours”.
Choir Director: Nessa Olohan Piece Performed: "Somewhere in my Memory" by John Williams from the movie "Home Alone"
We're the Cassidy Academy Choir, an amateur choir in Sandyford, Co. Dublin. We are passionate about making music and having a great time as we sing! We love singing Christmas songs and we truly believe the spirit of Christmas lies in music-making. We rehearse once a week in the Cassidy Academy of Music in Sandyford, and we put on one concert at the end of each academic year. For the competition we have recorded 'Winter Song' by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Our Accompanist was Lewis Dillon on Piano. We hope you enjoy.
Choir Director: Rachel Manning
Piece Performed: Hyfrydol (Come, thou long expected Jesus)- Traditional Welsh Carol
Hyfrydol (Welsh pronunciation: [həvˈrədɔl], meaning "cheerful")
Melody by Rowland Hugh Prichard 1811 - 87
Choir Master & Artistic Director: Mr. Timothy Schinnick Accompanist: Mr Paul Chawke
Piece Performed: The Christmas Song by Mel Torme and Robert Wells in an a cappella arrangement by Frank Kelly Choir Director: Frank Kelly
Classic Harmony comes from Ashford in Co. Wicklow. This Vocal Ensemble are all members of one family and have sung together since the young people were very small and now produce a unique blended sound born of their familial relationship. Four members are now Graduates n Music from TCD, NUIM (2) and UL and the fifth and youngest, is currently studying for his Degree in Jazz Performance and Composition at DCU. Four out of five members of the group are vision-impaired, including father - Frank who is a musical director of five choirs in Wicklow and a choir for blind and vision-impaired people in Dublin.
The group sings in close harmony, a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment on Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Harp and Tin Whistle.
Classic Harmony are an award-winning ensemble having won many competitions including the Family Ensemble category at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin, three years in a row, at the Derry International Choral Festival in 2016 and 2017 and the Mayo International Choral Festival in 2018. They were also finalists in The Soloist competition run by The Cross-Border Orchestra in 2018 and 2019. The group won six gold and two silver medals at the WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) in L.A. USA in July 2019. Most recently, the four VI members won the Lions World Song Festival for the Blind competition in Krakow, Poland out of 23 competitors from 14 countries.
In performance, Classic Harmony have appeared on television on RTE, TV3 and TG4 and on national and local radio. They have performed in concerts at local venues in Wicklow, at the National Concert Hall, Dublin and at venues around the country including, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and St. Columba’s Long Tower in Derry and most recently at City Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Ann’s Church in Dawson St. Dublin as part of the Dublin International Choral Festivals in 2018 and 2019.
Classic Harmony has performed to small audiences of around 120 in the likes of the Whale Theatre in Greystones on two occasions in 2018 and the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray in June 2019 and to large audiences at venues including the National Concert Hall or St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin where they wowed audiences of over 1000. They have also performed at Corporate functions such as Dublin City Council’s launch of the Dublin International Choral Festival, the launch of the Mayo International Choral Festival and most recently the Awards Ceremony at the World Blind Golf Championships in Portmarnock Golf Club in June 2019.
The Ensemble covers music in a wide range of genres from Classical to Traditional/Celtic and Popular/Jazz styles; and Christmas music from ancient to modern. Follow Classic Harmony on Facebook and Twitter to keep track of their performances, recordings etc.
The 5th and 6th year choirs have come together as part of our preparation for Christmas to perform “Sing Ding A Ding Dong”. Choir is voluntary in the school and each choir has one 40 minute class for choir each week. We perform for all school events and provide music for charity at Christmas time and during the year alongside the orchestra.
The 6th year group performed in Bratislava in their folk” Festival of Choirs” last October with great success! We have two choral directors in the school Jacinta Cantwell and Lorraine Maher with a total of 12 choirs in the school. These choirs are accompanied by Mary Butler our very valuable team member.. These choirs were involved in the celebrations of 150 years of Loreto in Kilkenny last year with great success.
Choir is an integral part of school life in Loreto Kilkenny. There are no auditions and all are welcome!!
Sing Ding A Ding A Dong is composed by Lynn Shaw Bailey and published by Heritage music press. It is for SSA.
Our choir, or rather weekly singalong gathering, started in March 2019. We do a lot of work in our school around Wellbeing for students and staff. The idea of a weekly singalong was suggested to promote staff Wellbeing. We meet each Thursday after school and sing together. Very informal but very enjoyable.
Song Details: Somewhere Only We Know originally by Keane. We chose to sing the version Lily Allen performed for the John Lewis Christmas advertisement 2013. We used a backing track.
Last year I applied to the Schools for Excellence Fund under ther 'Creative Cluster' initiative. We are 6 rural primary schools in Wexford, clustered together to develop a new project that we believe is needed in our schools. For our pupils' wellbeing and improved mental health we are determined that every child sings EVERY DAY! And from all of our classrooms can be heard the referain 'DRop Everything And Make Music' - DREAMM - we are all DREAMMers! The project has been supported by Mary Amond O'Brien who has given a workshop to all teachers we are delighted by the success of the project. There are over 40 teachers and 500 children involved in the delivery of DREAMM.
As an added extra to the work being done in the classrooms, 4 of the schools got together to record an entry for this competition. The song is Amhrán na n-Aoirí, written by the incomparable Sue Furlong. Sue's compositions are so well suited to children's voices, but they always have a magical quality that makes them so special. Sue will always have a special place in our hearts in the southeast and we felt that this was a fitting tribute to her as we approach her second anniversary.
The 4 schools are : St Margaret's Curracloe, Piercestown NS, St Anne's NS Rathangan and St Fintan's NS Mayglass. We had 120 voices singing on the day. The accompanists : Niall Lacey on the bouzouki, Nora Lacey on the violin and Sinead Cullen on the flute. The song was recorded in Mayglass Church,
Thank you for listening!
Yours in music,
Bernadette Leahy (Principal and Chief DREAMMer)
This is a choir compromising all 3rd class students in Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa. The children are 8 and 9 years of age, are singing chorally for the first time ever. The group is very inclusive, including numerous children with additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. We greatly value music in all of its forms in the school. We have a school orchestra and have won numerous awards for musical theatre and drama. Our choirs are normally comprised of the older children in the school but 3rd class showed promise this year. The children have all really enjoyed the experience.
Piece Performed: The choir are singing Night of Silence / Silent Night by David Haas but with the words of Night of Silence translated into Irish by Aisling Uí Dhúllaing. The choir are accompanied on piano by my teaching colleague, Claire Nic Gabhann. Choir director : Aisling Uí Dhúllaing
Wilson's Hospital School is a day and boarding school outside of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. All of the members of its Gospel Choir are in 6th form and all bar one member are boarders in the school coming from all parts of Leinster.
The choir formed three years ago as a student led group, the choir director Coco is in the back right hand side of the photo. They primarily sing a capella songs and they regularly perform at special occasions in the school. This year all members of the choir are busy preparing for their Leaving Cert exams but the choir have performed at a number of events, including two concerts to promote mental health and wellbeing.
The song they are singing in the recording is "Mary, Did You Know" originally recorded by Michael English in 1991. This version is a capella with no accompaniments.
The director of the choir is Coco Ogida, one of the students in the photo. The teacher mentor of the choir is the school's Guidance Counsellor Freda Malone.
The choir of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, continues a long tradition of music extending back to the cathedral’s consecration in 1939. Long-standing choir members are complemented by newer members, many recruited from local schools including St Finian’s and Loreto. Currently directed by Will Woods, the choir draws its repertoire from the classical choral tradition, but also from contemporary composers, and in particular from Irish composers. In 2019 they were winners of the Church Choir competition at Navan choral festival. The choir has travelled to numerous destinations in previous years including Rome, Lourdes and Paris, and hopes to add another international destination in 2020.
Performance Details: Gabriel's Message Traditional Basque Carol, arranged by David Willcocks. Choir Director: Will Woods
The Living Well with Dementia, Sweet Memories Choir I, is the first of two choirs under the management of Living Well with Dementia Project, (LWwD), and the Southside Partnership DLR Limited. It meets every Saturday morning in St. Raphaela's Convent, Stillorgan and consists of people with dementia, their families and carers, as well as several volunteers from LWwD. Many of the choir members also take part in other activities, such as Dance classes, Art classes and Exercise classes, all run by LWwD. The choir performs at Living Well with Dementia Tea Dances and Christmas Parties.
This is the third year that the choir has sent in an entry for Lyric FM's Choirs for Christmas. This year the piece chosen is A Holiday Festival, a medley, based on Deck the Hall, In the Bleak Midwinter and Jingle Bells, arranged by J. Cameron Law. The choir had great fun with this piece!
Our instrumentalists are all volunteers with Living well with Dementia and they are: on piano, Rob Connell, who also edited the recording; Jennifer Sullivan and Michael O'Doherty, violinists.
Choir Director: Gerry Noonan
Cantores Youth Choir was founded in 2017 and consists of students form Waterford. We rehearse during the summer while the members are home from college or finished secondary school. Our age ranges from 16-23 years old. We sing a wide variety of repertoire and perform annually in Waterford city.
Piece performed: Lully, Lulla, Lullay - Philip Stopford Soloist - Rebekah Mullane Conductor - Fearghal Ó' Conchubhair
Powerscourt Golf Club Ladies Choir formed in April of 2018 and consists of over 20 members. Under their choirmaster and accompanist Brendan Cullen they have performed regularly since forming and have taken on two and three part pieces of a variety of genres. This is their first recording for Lyrics FMs Choirs for Christmas and they hope to continue strong in 2020.
The piece being performed is O Little Town of Bethlehem, written by Phillip Brooks. Choir Director: Brendan Cullen
The Living Well with Dementia, Sweet Memories Choir II, in St. Joseph's, Shankill, is the second Sweet Memories Choir. It is run by Living Well with Dementia, in conjunctions with St. Joseph's, Shankill, Ireland's only Nursing Home specifically for people living with dementia. St. Joseph's is committed to providing holistic, person centred, supportive and palliative care to persons living with dementia, in accordance with the ethos and values of the Saint John of God Hospitaller Services.
The choir members are drawn from residents of St. Joseph's and from those attending Day Care, as well people living locally, with dementia. They are joined by family, carers, staff of St. Joseph's and volunteers from Living Well with Dementia. Earlier in the year, along with members of The Sweet Members Choir I, the choir featured in a fund-raising concert in Foxrock Church, playing to a full house!
The piece we have chosen is A New Year Carol, by Benjamin Britten.
Patricia Dolan, who is a member of our choir and who had a very successful career in Opera, Oratorio and Concert, features on the verses, (along with the Choir Director).
Our piano accompanist is Andy Cusack.
Choir Director: Gerry Noonan,
The Memory Lane Choir is a choir for older people and people with Dementia, which meets every Wednesday morning in the St. Agnes Community Centre For Music and Art, (CCMA). The choir has been in existence since 2013 and its members are drawn from the Crumlin area and further afield. The choir includes people with dementia and other special needs, their carers, family members and volunteers. The CCMA, under Sr. Bernadette Sweeney, provides rehearsal facilities, as well as opportunities for the choir to perform on a number of occasions throughout the year. Most recently, some of the choir sang at the National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Awards Ceremony, hosted by Dublin City Council, in the Conference Centre in Croke Park, along with members of the Crumlin Community Choir and the Happy Voices Choir from Maryfield Nursing Home.
In this recording the choir performs the popular Walking In The Air, from The Snowman, by Howard Blake.
The piano accompanist is Celine Carroll. Choir Director: Gerry Noonan
The Octets !
Mary Did you know - Clay Aiken arr by Pentatonix.
This offering comes from Cashel Community School. We decided to have a go at some pentatonix material so we chose this Christmas favourite. Some of the students had heard this piece sung online and really wanted to give it a go. The students and 2 staff were all involved in our recent production of the Addams Family so it’s the family plus 2 here. The plus 2 being our music teacher Miss Bradley and our musical director John Murray.
There are 8 singers – 6 senior students and 2 staff - it just evolved that way but we really like singing in this close harmony style so hope to do more in the 2nd term. The students will be singing at religious services over this Christmas period as well as the annual school carol service which will go live on the net this year – Mon 16th December 2.30.
Thank you
Cole Flanagan 5th Year student Cashel Community School
The Enniskerry Concert Choir was formed six years ago and is a community based group of enthusiastic singers. The choir comes together for 15 weeks each year with the aim of putting on two concerts in December to raise funds for charitable causes. This year will be our sixth such concert. The members are drawn from three church choirs in the local area, local community choirs and individuals who just like to sing! We have 42 members this year, with an age range from 24 to 80+ years.
Selected Piece: All Bells in Paradise Composer: John Rutter Choir Accompanist: Mr. Charles Pearson Choir Director: Gloria Smith
The Killaloe Male Voice Choir was formed in January 2015 under the musical directorship of Anne Cullen. The choir has 30 members and its expanding repertoire draws on classical and contemporary pieces in four parts including musical standards and popular world favourites. Over the last year the choir has performed at venues including St. Mary’s Cathedral Limerick and St. Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe, Co. Clare. Members come from a wide variety of occupations, backgrounds and musical experiences. Title: Ding-A Ding-A Ding
Name of Choir: Killaloe Male Voice Choir
Name of Choir Director: Ms. Anne Cullen
Composer: Greg Gilpin
Accompanying Pianist: N/A (Acapella)
Musical Director Biography
Anne Cullen is a Music and Irish graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and the College of Music DIT in both piano and violin. She has a Masters in Music from CIT. A secondary school teacher, she has performed with many groups including the RTE orchestras and choirs as well as many musical and dramatic societies, choirs and soloists throughout Dublin and Kildare. At present, in addition to being Musical Director of the Killaloe Male Voice Choir she is the permanent accompanist for the Baldonnell Singers.
Presentation Secondary School are an multi-award winning choir from Co Kilkenny. Whilst many people will know the choir from a very successful stint on Britain's Got Talent in 2016, the school's choirs also perform around the country competitively every year, and have also recently performed on Ireland AM. This year's entry is performed by the schools Senior Choir, which comprises of members of fifth and sixth year.
Piece Performed: Wexford Carol - traditional carol, arranged by David Wray.
Choir director: Laura Carroll
The Aurora Vocal Ensemble is a small choir of 6 members, based in Co. Wicklow. Just newly formed in September 2019, we are still finding our particular ‘style’ but we have all enjoyed the acapella challenge of our entry ‘Mary Did You Know’, under the guidance of Gloria Smith. We share a common love of singing and have all sung in larger choirs, before coming together to form this smaller vocal ensemble.
Piece performed: Mary Did You Know By Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene arr. By Jonathan Miller
Choir Director: Gloria Smith
Old Leighlin N.S. Choir was established in Sept 2018, under the direction of Ms. Ann Brolly, neè Minchin. It is a mixed choir comprised of every student from third to sixth class. No auditions are held and all students are included. The choir has a busy calendar, performing for major school events and Concerts including an annual carol service and Summer concert .
Students rehearse every Thursday and often have additional rehearsals before a major event. Our repertoire is an eclectic mix of sacred, classical, and popular, but ballads are our favourite. The choir provides an opportunity to its students to engage in the joy of music and song. This is our first choir competition.
Old Leighlin National School is a four teacher school, situated in a small rural village a mile and a half from the river Barrow. Old Leighlin is a designated Heritage Village with an old monastic settlement going back to the 5th Century. The village has a population of 170 with the townslands of the hills surrounding the village bringing the population close to 600.
Piece Performed: Carol of the bells for 2 part treble voices with piano, M.Leontovich and Peter J. Wilhousky arranged by Steve Kupferschmid. Accompanist Yvonne Collier Choral Director Ann Minchin Brolly
Kill O’The Grange National School Choir is only four years old and a relative newcomer to the choral scene. Choir membership is open to all children from 3rd to 6th class with no audition necessary. The spirit of inclusion is developed in our practices and performances and we aim to enable as many children as possible to experience the joys of group singing. The choir has grown steadily in numbers and now boasts a thriving membership of nearly 50 girls and boys. We sing in both unison and two-part (soprano and alto) and invite suggestions from the children when deciding upon our repertoire! The choir is led by a parent, Helen Groves, and a teacher, Claire Shortall. We rehearse every Friday morning for half an hour before school.
This academic year, we have performed in assembly and our Christmas engagements include singing at the turning on of the Christmas lights in Deansgrange Village, carol singing in Grafton Street in aid of charity and performing at both school and parish carol services. This is our first competition and we are very excited about the possibility of hearing ourselves on the radio!
Details of the piece performed: ‘Tonight (Glory to God)’. Composer / arranger: Graham Kendrick (Make Way music, 1988) Additional ‘Gloria’ at end of piece from ‘Sing we the Song of Emmanuel’ Words and music by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. Choir arrangement by Jonathan Rea (Getty Music Publishing, 2015)
Accompanist (piano): Helen Groves Guitar: Oscar Dowdall Violin: Emily Groves Recorder: Kirsten Groves Percussion: Levi Clarke & Matthew Kennedy Choir Directors: Helen Groves & Claire Shortall
Grosvenor Chorale, formed in 1993 by their conductor Edward Craig, brings together singers from a diverse range of backgrounds, mainly from the Greater Belfast, South Antrim and North Down areas and are always delighted to be part of RTE Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas.
Edward Craig hails from Saintfield and has been the Head of Music at Carrickfergus Grammar School for the past seventeen years. Edward’s choral ethos is one of being open to all those who are willing to be completely dedicated to the group and their aspiration for excellence. Each member is encouraged to use their personal strengths to support the whole team and build a trust between each other.
The choir has performed in a wide range of venues and have won several awards over the years throughout Ireland; they have been finalists in the prestigious BBC National Choir of the Year competition on two occasions and of course have enjoyed some success in the RTE Lyric FM Choir for Christmas.
However, Grosvenor is not only about the time spent rehearsing, performing, broadcasting or competing. It is also a great social network where deep friendships have been forged! It actively supports local charities throughout the year at their performances – this Christmas supporting the work of Revive ICU in memory of their friend Dr John Gray – and have a loyal group of supporters called the Friends of Grosvenor. The choir loves welcoming new friends on Facebook and Twitter and their website is www.grosvenor-ni.org
Piece Performed: "A Solis Ortus Cardine" is a recent setting of words based on a poem by the fifth-century writer, Coelius Sedulius, by the choir’s conductor Edward Craig and uses the old Irish melody ‘The Rowan Tree’. According to Irish tradition the Rowan tree would provide protection against evil spirits and a cross carved from Rowan would often be placed above a child’s cradle to protect it from witches or from being stolen by faeries. It was most recently performed at the marriage of one of the choir’s members, Fiona Stanley, to Nigel Ruddell – and the choir would like to wish them every happiness in the future. (From Lands That See The Sun Arise)
Choir director including Edward J. Craig (Director Grosvenor Chorale)
Continuum Youth Choir was formed in September 2018 and is a competition and concert choir. It comprises girls who were members of St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Girls’ choir and boys who were members of the Palestrina Choir in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. Continuum allows these teenagers to extend their musical education as they go through the second half of their secondary education and into adulthood. The choir was set up to retain these very accomplished teenagers as a group and continue to add to the choir by recruiting other teenagers in the local area who have an interest in becoming part of a choir.
The choir is primarily a competition based choir which will take part in competitions around Ireland and abroad in due course. The choir participated in their first competition, the prestigious Derry International Festival in October 2019. They achieved two first places, first in the National Pop Jazz and Gospel competition and first in the Sacred Music competition. They also achieved joint second place in the Mixed Voices competition. Other performances include a concert with the Bach Singers in 2018 in St Anne’s Church, Dublin and a concert in City Hall in March 2019.
The choir is directed by Blanaid Murphy, the director of the Palestrina Choir and St Mary's Pro-Cathedral Girls choir.
Piece performed: Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas arr. Peter Gritton
Rathfarnham Gospel Choir is a mixed-voice group of approximately 20-25 men and women who love nothing more than to get together every week to sing. We perform at religious ceremonies in the parish from September through to the end of June, but also take part in various charitable events and concerts in the area. Our range of repertoire includes a range of traditional gospel and spiritual classics, as well as contemporary rock and pop ‘anthems’. Our focus is on making a joyful sound in a fun, friendly, warm and welcoming environment. Since the choir was established in 2017 - by current music director Fiona Baldwin - we quickly become friends, supporting and helping each other and our wider community as a gospel family whenever we can.
Piece performed: The Night that Christ was born by Kirk Franklin Choir director: Fiona Baldwin
Athboy Community Gospel choir AKA ACGC was formed in 2012 by its director Angela Corrigan as part of a diploma she was completing in group and community music in the RIAM. What started with 12 members has now increased to 24, this number fluctuates from time to time allowing for family issues etc and new members.
They have taken part in many charitable events most notably alongside the Garda band and Nigel Connell raising money for Alzheimer’s and ST. Vincent de Paul. They accompanied Nigel on the John Murray show in October 2014. Performed at gospel rising in Ennis Co.Claire 2016 and have performed at weddings and other events far and wide including Navan, Dublin and Kildare.
They have performed for the bank of Ireland in Athboy and Trim Co. Meath at their enterprise and community events. Every Christmas as well as performing for charitable organizations including Irish Therapy dogs, they perform in the Lawrence Hotel Athboy, a most enjoyable evening for all concerned.
We pride ourselves on being a community group that empowers people to be themselves in an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst friends, whilst learning to sing. Our motto is Music gives soul to the universe and gaiety and life to everything. An abstract from Plato
The song we have chosen is “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” originally written by Meredith Williams around 1951, sung by many different artists including Michael Buble. Our Director Angela Corrigan arranged it herself, accompanying the choir is a backing track from I tunes.
The Three Workplace Choir was formed in January 2018 by a group of like-minded colleagues who shared a love of singing and performing. Over the last two years, under the expert tutelage of Jimmy O'Byrne, the choir has gone from strength to strength; all the more amazing considering they only meet for one hour per week at Friday lunchtime. In that short time, the choir has established an impressively wide and diverse repertoire of songs, with numbers ranging from Ed Sheeran to Les Miserables, from Queen to Lorde, both a capella and accompanied, and has performed both internally for colleagues at a number of formal work functions (annual kickoffs, summer and christmas parties and the like) and externally in Competition, at The Mansion House (Grad Awards 2019), Carol Singing (Powerscourt, Grafton St Three Store), etc. In fact, in our first few months of existence, we made it all the way to the final of the Workplace Choir of the Year competition in June 2018!
Piece performed: "Somewhere in my Memory", from the movie "Home Alone". Words by Leslie Bricusse, Music by John Williams and Arr. by Terre McPheeters. Accompanied on piano by Susan Haddon. Choir Director: Jimmy O'Byrne
The Three Workplace Choir was formed in January 2018 by a group of like-minded colleagues who shared a love of singing and performing. Over the last two years, under the expert tutelage of Jimmy O'Byrne, the choir has gone from strength to strength; all the more amazing considering they only meet for one hour per week at Friday lunchtime. In that short time, the choir has established an impressively wide and diverse repertoire of songs, with numbers ranging from Ed Sheeran to Les Miserables, from Queen to Lorde, both a capella and accompanied, and has performed both internally for colleagues at a number of formal work functions (annual kickoffs, summer and christmas parties and the like) and externally in Competition, at The Mansion House (Grad Awards 2019), Carol Singing (Powerscourt, Grafton St Three Store), etc. In fact, in our first few months of existence, we made it all the way to the final of the Workplace Choir of the Year competition in June 2018!
Piece performed: "Walking in the Air", from the movie "The Snowman". Words and Lyrics by Howard Blake. Arr. by Audrey Snyder Accompanied on piano by Susan Haddon. Choir Director: Jimmy O'Byrne
Junior Choir is one of the many ensemble classes offered at the recently established Rockwell College Music Academy. Every teaching term the choir changes face.....and sound. We say good bye to some children who move into other areas of music tuition and welcome others. The Junior Choir who recorded this piece have only been together since September 2019 and rehearse with their tutor Jayne McConnon once a week. The children represent 7 different primary schools in South Tipperary and range from Junior Infants to 6th class.
PIECE - Love Came Down at Christmas: Words and music by Joel Raney ACCOMPANIST - Suzanne Buttimer FLAUTISTS - Nicole Morris & Therese Maher CHOIR DIRECTOR - Jayne McConnon
Trinity Gospel Choir was formed in 2014 to celebrate the twinning of Waterford City's two magnificent Cathedrals and is a multi-faith, multi-ethnic choir representing the connection between the faiths that praise in unison in Waterford today. We sing on the 3rd Sunday each month in Christ Church Cathedral and at Most Holy Trinity Cathedral in Waterford. Song: Jesus What A Wonderful Child. It is a traditional African American Christmas song originally arranged by Jeffrey Radford. Our recording was arranged by Colette McInerney with additional lyrics by Buddy Sutton. Piano Accompanist - Eoin Jackson Musical Director - Colette McInerney
The Dublin Gay Men's Chorus was founded in 2012, and brings a fresh and fun approach to choral singing. We are a TTBB choir of around 35 members, and perform a wide variety of music including popular songs, jazz standards, classical pieces and film music. We perform two main concerts annually as well as occasional smaller performances.
Piece performed: 'Away in a manger' (W. J. Kirkpatrick, arranged by Randy Cox) Accompanist: Harry Meehan Choir director: David O'Shea
Holy Child Killiney Choir are a combination of 1st to 6th Year students who meet twice a week to rehearse after school. The choir perform at numerous events throughout the school year, such as Christmas Carol Services, choir competitions (where they have been successful in achieving awards), summer concerts and liturgies. There are approximately thirty students in the choir. Each of the members are enthusiastic and committed to creating beautiful and meaningful music for the school community throughout the year.
Piece performed for recording: Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth
Composers: Little Drummer Boy – Words and Music by Harry Simeone, Henry Onorati and Katherine Davis Peace on Earth – Words by Alan Kohan, Music by Larry Grossman and Ian Fraser Holy Child Killiney recording accompanied on piano by Brian Kennedy Choir Directors: Una Moore & Catherine Griffin
CSM Junior & Senior Childrens’ Chorus
The Children’s choirs are comprised of boys and girls aged 7 to 14 years. They rehearse as two choirs, Junior, and Senior and perform at least twice yearly and present repertoire from the Children’s and Youth Choral Literature, many from the pens of Irish composers such a Brian Boydell, John Buckley, Alan Cutts, Sue Furlong and Havelock Nelson. Highlights of the choirs experiences in recent years, was a recording of a CD and three performances of a specially commissioned Mass for Peace, a performance for the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, participation in a performance of Ralph Vaughan William’s Hodie and in 2012, the children participated in the first performance in Cork of Arthur Honegger’s Christmas Cantata. The choir was involved in the first performance of A Different Wolf , a dance opera created by JunkEnsemble and Dumbworld at the 2019 Cork Midsummer Festival.
The combined Senior and Youth Choirs have had great success in the Cork International Choral Festival, winning 1st prize in the National Youth Choir Competition and the Trofaí Cuimhneacháin Philib Ui Laoghaire for performance of a part-song in Irish.
Piece Performed: The Lily and the Rose by Bob Chilcott The choirs are directed by Maria Judge and James Taylor and our accompanist is Anne Ralph.
Mary Immaculate College’s Community Choir, directed by Dr Paul Collins, was formed in 2012, and its membership comprises MIC staff, students, and members of the local community. The Choir sings each year at Christmas concerts in Limerick City and also has its own annual summer concert at the Lime Tree Theatre on the main MIC campus. The Choir regularly sings at MIC liturgies and other college-based events, including conference receptions.
The piece we perform on the recording is ‘Coventry Carol’, arranged for SATB and optional piano accompaniment by Audrey Snyder (2018). The accompanist on our submitted recording is Dr Gareth Cox, Head of the Department of Music at MIC.
Choir Director: Dr Paul Collins
In the summer of 2016, Prof. Patricia Maguire from UCD's Conway Institute came up with the idea of a community choir for University College Dublin as a way to bring people together from across the university.
With the tremendous support of Prof. Joe Carthy – our College Principal from the College of Science, the first practice session of the choir was held that September and from that small beginning the community choir has continued to grow and flourish.
The choir is comprised of current and retired staff members from all over UCD and, with a core group of 70 singers and many more that come and go over the course of the year, has become a much loved fixture at many UCD events. The choir practices every Tuesday lunchtime and usually performs two to three times per trimester. The choir has been directed by Ms. Caoimhe O’Neill from its inception.
In 2018 the choir was recognised for its role in bringing the UCD community together in a positive and vibrant way by winning one of the six inaugural UCD Values in Action Awards. This December will see the choir perform its fourth annual Christmas recital, and in March 2020 its first ever full concert will take place, in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.
Choir Arrangement: “Somewhere Only We Know” arranged for Lily Allen based on the original song by “Keane”. Choir Director: Ms. Caoimhe O’Neill
Stellar! is a mixed voice SATB choir based in Rathmines, Dublin 6. The choir was formed two years ago (January 2018) by Aoife O’Gorman bringing together parents from Kildare Place School, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Since then we have expanded to include members from the wider local community and we are currently 36 singers in total. Our musical director is Thomas Kehoe. We have a varied musical focus including contemporary songs and jazz standards as well as classical pieces. We regularly perform at concerts and events, most recently at The Amphitheatre for Culture Night (20 September 2019). We were awarded second place in the Chamber Choir category at the AIMS Choral Festival in New Ross in May 2019. As a relatively new choir we are always looking for different opportunities to perform together. Preparing our recording of Carol of the Bells for Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas has been a wonderful new challenge for us. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
The piece we are performing is Carol of the Bells composed by Mykola Leontovich, and arranged by Peter J Wilhousky. Our Choir Director is Thomas Kehoe.
St. Patricks Church Choir, Ahane Co. Limerick is a 22 member dedicated choir including choir director and organist Nuala Egan. This committed choir sing their praises every Sunday morning at 10am mass in this beautiful country parish church and joyously sing at Christmas and Easter ceremonies each year. This choir was first formed 56 years ago and has welcomed new members of all age groups over the years. The secret to the longevity and dedication of this parish choir lies in the joy of singing and from the strong friendships that have formed over the years. It is certainly one harmonious happy family. In October 2019 the choir celebrated Nuala Egans presentation of the Benemerenti Papal Medal to honour her 56 years as choir director and organist at St. Patricks Church.
The piece performed is the traditional Austrian Christmas Carol ‘Still, Still, Still’ The choir is directed by Nuala Egan and accompanied on harp by Siobhan Egan
The Holy Child Alumnae choir was set up in 2016 by the Holy Child Killiney school to encourage alumnae to maintain contact with the school and enjoy the well being and fun that comes with singing in a choir. Members range from those who have recently left the school to those whose schooldays are quite a long way behind them. Membership was extended in the last 18 months to mothers of students in the school who may not themselves have attended the school and friends of members who are interested in singing. We meet every Monday night during school term time in the school’s beautiful chapel.
Piece Performed: 'In Dulci Jubilo', arranged by Vicki Tucker Courtney, alternate text by Bert Stratton
Choir Director: Bláth Conroy Murphy
Dolcissimo, the original, was a close harmony group of 8 singers from the larger choir, Dolce, which performed between 2005 and 2009. In 2019, 3 of the original members, including musical director, Deirdre Ní Chaomhánaigh, came together to reform the group, and together with 5 new members, they have been rehearsing for the last 2 months. Dolcissimo reborn has, so far, resembled a chamber choir more than the original barbershop style of singing, but a distinct character is yet to form. Watch this space!
Details of the piece: Title: O Magnum Mysterium Composer: Nicholas White Choir director: Deirdre Ní Chaomhánaigh
The Girls Choir of Wesley College Dublin is an ensemble open to girls in Years 3 to 6. The choir focuses on having fun, making beautiful music, while also developing their music literacy skills. In addition to performing at school services and events, the Girls Choir also enjoy taking part in local and national feiseanna. The Choir were recently awarded Silver in the post-primary schools three/four-part competition in the City of Derry International Choral Festival.
Piece Performed: Sanctus (Richard Oswin) Accompanist: David Callaghan Choir Director: Holly Woods
Intonations are a local community choir from Waterford City. Their selection of music is eclectic, everything from Rock Music to Disney hits and all genres in between. the choir is made up of everything from homemakers to teachers and even some radio presenters. The emphasis is on having fun with music and they meet once a week and perform regularly out and about in the community.
Our piece is 'Believe' by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, arranged by Mark Hayes The accompaniment is a professional backing track from the music publishers Choir Director - Wayne Brown
Wicklow Choral Society is a mixed voice choir of between around fifty singers. Members come from all walks of life – what we have in common is our enjoyment of singing good choral music.
The choir was founded as Wicklow Choral Group in 2002 by Marie Kavanagh. Frank Kelly became musical director in 2004 and the choir was renamed Wicklow Choral Society in honour of the legendary Mirette Dowling who for many years from 1963 directed a choir of that name in the town.
WCS sing a wide range of choral music and have performed works by composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart, Haydn and Schubert right up to modern day composers including Morten Lauridsen, Karl Jenkins, Howard Goodall and Ola Gjeilo. You can hear extracts from some of our previous concerts in the Our Music section of our website www.wicklowchoralsociety.net
We perform at least two concerts a year – a Christmas Carol Concert in December and our main concert in May. Our May 2020 programme will be Dan Forrest’s ‘Requiem for the Living’ and John Rutter’s ‘Magnificat’. Many of our members will travel to New York in June as part of the NY Premiere of Howard Goodall’s ‘Invictus; a Passion’, which we premiered in Ireland with Bray Choral Society in the presence of the composer in February 2019
Piece Performed:Lullaby (O Men from the Fields) a setting of Padraic Colum's poem by Bill Ellison, composed in 2010 Choir Director: Frank Kelly
Mary’s boy child , (Boney M )as arranged by choir director, Ciara O'Connor. Accompanist: Brian Shanahan , who is the only male in our all female choir.
Perfect Harmony was co-founded ten years ago by Ciara and Brian . It has always been an all female choir . Our choral director Ciara O' Connor teaches music in Kilcock and adds her own arrangements to contemporary and old classics to create Perfect Harmony’s own unique sound. It is a joyous group where infectious laughter is as central to our gatherings as our singing. We greatly enjoy singing and would be delighted to receive airplay on our national radio station.
Choir director : Ms Ciara O Connor,
Accenture Phonics is the Soprano Alto Tenor Bass workplace choir in Ireland of Accenture, established in 2013 by Catrin Prys-Cummins. Ranging from complete beginners through to more experienced singers, the choir caters for all abilities, with the main emphasis on having fun and building a sense of community based on a mutual love of music. The choir has consistently undertaken charitable work around Dublin, Ireland and this year we wanted to make an even more tangible difference. The choir has released an original Charity Christmas Single called This Year's Christmas (Carol Nia) with the goal of raising funds to support Temple Street Children's University Hospital.
The song is called Carol Nia
The carol was written by choir founder and conductor Catrin Prys-Cummins in 1995, then aged 17, when she was a school student in her native country of Wales. Catrin dedicated the song to her sister, Nia, on account of their creative, fun- filled childhood in Wales.
On the evening of 23rd October 2019, the members of Accenture Phonics headed in to Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin to record the carol. Catrin is the pianist and singer on the song along with the choir’s voices.
Choir director : Catrin Prys-Cummins
Credo is an a cappella ensemble based in Trim. Formed in late 2012, the group looks to the world of sacred, secular and baroque music for its inspiration. Led by one of Ireland's most dynamic musical directors, Tracy Nagle, Credo has performed across Ireland and in Europe in competitive and entertainment performances. During the season of Christmas, the group's repertoire includes festive carols as Credo sets out to perform them as they were written with the aim of recreating the atmosphere experienced by the composer. The group can be contacted at credochoral@gmail.com and can be found on Facebook.
Piece Performed: The performance piece is 'A Merry Christmas'. This is a West Country Traditional Song (SATB a cappella), arranged by Arthur Warrell (1882 - 1939). Choir director: Tracy Nagle
The Mercy Mounthawk Schola is a small mixed voice choir comprised of eighteen students ranging from second to sixth year. This choir was set up this September with the aim of providing students with an opportunity to engage in challenging choral numbers and develop musical skills such as sight reading.
The piece performed is the English hymn 'Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day' arranged by John Rutter. The piece is accompanied on piano by Christopher Lynch. Choir Director: Karen O'Carroll (Music Teacher)
Founded in 1991 at Dublin Airport by the late Tony Madden, who worked with Aer Lingus, the choir currently has a singing membership of more than 60 women and men from all walks of life and from all areas of Dublin. The choir is directed by Professor Paul Deegan.
The choir has a wide repertoire and enjoys performing choral works from many countries and cultures. In recent years, the choir has hosted and staged joint concerts with visiting choirs from Scotland, England, Denmark, Norway and Italy. They have recently returned from a trip to Bordeaux in October and are looking forward to welcoming their French friends to Dublin to perform a joint concert in April next year.
www.dublinairportsingers.com
The piece is My Lord Has Come by Will Todd (Unaccompanied)
St. Josephs Primary School Choir, Tipperary Town features classes 3rd to 6th. The choir meet their conductor and director Ms. Helen Colbert, once a week and greatly enjoy singing and preparing for various events.
The choir have won the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition 3 times in the Primary School category and sang with the RTE Concert Orchestra on a Christmas CD in 2012.
More recently St. Joseph’s Choir have sang at Culture Night in Leinster House this September and for the past 2 years the Choir have sang at the Launch of the Christmas Appeal for the St. Vincent de Paul with special guest Ryan Tubridy-this event took place in late November in Dublin and the girls featured in many national newspapers.
St. Josephs Choir were delighted to sing at Lyric FMs 20th Birthday Concert in UCH on Sunday 1st December with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
Song: Somewhere In My Memory Music: John Williams Words: Leslie Bricusse Arr.: Mark Hughes Accompaniment: Backing Track used. Choir director: Ms. Helen Colbert
The Decibelles were formed for the 2017 edition of Choir Factor in Galway City and after enjoying the experience on stage this group of singers involved in education decided to continue singing and open the group to anyone.
Our repertoire is based primarily on the premise that for each piece of pop acappella music the group sings a piece of classical (contemporary) music. Expect music from Katy Perry to Thomas Morley! Currently the group are focusing on living Irish composers and working with repertoire as gaeilge.
The Decibelles have competed at the #IrishAcappella event and have also won at the Sligo Choral Festival. Decibelles are looking forward to celebrating 2020 with a number of visits to Irish choral festivals.
Musical Director: Peter Mannion
Title: An Teicheadh go hÉigipt (1960) The Journey to Egypt Arranger: Seóirse Bodley (b. 1933) published by CMC This intense work describes the flight into Egypt to escape the clutches of Herod and his men with the new born King and family being warned about the rage of Herod. Based on the traditional air, this work delivers a beautiful colloquial narrative with each verse ending in "'S nach trua sin!"or "What a pity!" to describe the pity of the situation and also the rage felt by Herod. Bodley beautifully uses dense harmonies to deliver the colourful imagery held within the text.
Cantóirí is a friendly and vibrant mixed voice choir with an international membership. The choir rehearses on Monday nights at Synge St school in Dublin 8. Their largely a cappella repertoire spans the centuries and styles, from Renaissance to modern, with folk music from around the globe a particular specialty and their varied singing calendar includes concerts, choral competitions and charity events. Ben Barnes has been musical director of Cantóirí since 2006.
Piece Performed: Little Drummer Boy K. Kennicott Davis Arranger: Miriam Sanfey
In the early part of this year Galway Mayo Institute of Technology formed a staff choir (GMIT Voices). Based in Galway and with 60 members, after hiring myself and just two short months we won Best Newcomer at a local Choral competition (SCCUL Choir Factor).
Following on from this success, in September just passed GMIT asked me to form a student choir. Known as The GMIT Student Choir (for the moment) we have over 35 active members and so decided to collaborate with the staff choir to enter the competition.
Given the nature of our chosen song we wanted to reach out to the community and enlisted the help of Scoil Íde’s Children’s choir who (very excitedly) joined us yesterday for the recording in GMIT Galway’s Theatre 1000. Along with their School Principal (and Choir Director Claire Hynes) 32 little angels made their way to campus where we live recorded the attached MP3 of “Somewhere In My Memory” . Written by John Williams (music) & Leslie Bricusse (words), arranged by Mark Hayes. The song was written for the hit movie Home Alone.
GMIT Voices / GMIT Student Choir Director: Sean Rowland
We are a male voice choir of 30 ‘happy campers’ founded in 2003. The Baldonnel singers has performed at a range of concerts and special events throughout the country, including a performance in Naas this year with Celine Byrne and the Defence Forces No.1 Band.
Previously the choir performed at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with tenors Paul Linehan and Patrick Hyland as part of Ireland's last EU Presidency.
The choir are regular performers in Kildare and throughout the country in aid of local and national charities as well as attending choral competitions and music festivals in Ireland and abroad. In May of this year the choir toured Galicia and sang a concert and performed at a mass in The Church of St Augustin in Santiago de Compostela.
We continue to develop a wide repertoire of famous opera choruses, musical standards, and popular world and Irish favourites. Members are from a wide range of occupations, including self-employed, business and commerce, communications, IT and the military. We rehearse weekly on Tuesdays at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel by kind permission of the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps.
The Choir perform ‘The Holly and the Ivy’. A Traditional English Carol arranged by Mark Patterson.
Our Musical Director is David Lanigan, who is the Music Teacher at St Mary’s College Naas.
The accompanist for the piece is Maire Mannion from Naas.
Sutton Park School Choir is from Dublin, Ireland. The choir is mixed voice and range in age from 12 to 18 years and has been singing under the direction of Fionnuala Howard since 1986. The students love to sing. They perform one very special concert every year at Christmas in Howth, Co. Dublin. In 2014 the choir recorded an original single in aid of the Simon Community. The song, went to number one on the itunes, world genre chart. In 2016 The Choir performed on the stage of the Irish National Concert Hall as finalists in the Disney, ‘Song for 16’ Competition. In 2017 the Choir did a small tour and performance in Inishowen, Co Donegal. In 2018 the Choir gave a public recital on Saint Patrick’s Day in Disneyland, Paris. where they collaborated with the French Pianist Emmanuel Cuche, a son of one of Ireland’s Eurovision entrant, Maria Christiansen. The choir has been heard on Lyric Fm radio in the Choirs for Christmas Competition and on the radio programme ‘The Blue of the Night’. In the Spring of 2019 they were honoured to be selected for a masterclass with the world famous vocal group Chanticleer in the National Concert Hall and were delighted to win the Fitzpatrick Cup at the Wesley Feis. In October 2019 the choir did a collaborative exchange concert with Cor Juvenil del Conservatori Municipal de Música de Manresa from Catalonia and will travel to Catalonia in March 2020 to perform with their new musical friends there. The Choir has been singing Winter Fire and Snow by Brendan Graham from a poem by MacDara Woods for many years and it is a particular favourite piece to perform.
Winter Fire and Snow Composed by Brendan Graham from an original poem by Macdara Woods. Piano: Brian Connor Violin: Peter Ryan, Sutton Park School Choir Director: Fionnuala Howard
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School is a small coeducational school in the heart of Dublin 8. The St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School Choir is a mixed SATB all-inclusive choir made up of 65 students from 2nd – 6th year. These singers are very dedicated and rehearse after school every Wednesday. They are regular participants and prize-winners at the ESB Feis Ceoil, Interschools Music Festival, Sligo and Navan Choral Festivals. The Choir are extremely excited about their upcoming tour to Berlin in April 2020.
The christmas season is particularly busy for the choir as they lead the school carol service, sing at the annual Carols for All service in St Patrick’s Cathedral and carolling for local charities. The choir loved performing and recording ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ which paints a winter scene with snow, ice, angels, shepherds and the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Conductor/ Choir Director: Ms. Áine Balfe Accompanist: Mr. Stuart Nicholson ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ Words by Christina Rossetti and music by Gustav Holst.
The Convent of Mercy Roscommon Chamber Choir is a group of auditioned students from second to sixth year who all have one thing in common: they love to sing! The choir was formed in 2012 by their director and school music teacher Ms Siofra Cox and it has grown from strength to strength in the years since. The choir rehearses in the school music room during lunchtimes and after school, often giving up their holidays for extra rehearsal when required. They perform at school masses, concerts and services as well as competing at music festivals nationwide including Wesley Interschools Music Festival, Feis Ceoil and Navan Choral Festival.
Piece Details: A Nativity by John Tavener A piece for unaccompanied choir (SSSAA). The text of A Nativity is written by W.B.Yeats and was set to music by Tavener in 1985. Choir Director: Siofra Cox
The CIT Staff Choir is a mixed voice choir established in late 2014. The group aim to encourage further well-being and creativity for members of the institute's faculty, and alumni based on the Bishopstown Campus. The group rehearses for just one hour each week (during lunch break), and sings a huge mixture of music, with repertoire spanning from early polyphony through to contemporary pop songs. The choir now plays an integral part in many of CIT's annual celebrations, and performs regularly in aid of charity and at the Cork Choral Festival. The choir is directed by conductor Robin Pender.
Piece Perfomed: Duan Nollag arr Alan Cutts (1950-2016) Conductor Details: Robin Pender
Piece Performed: Angels We Have Heard On High- composer unknown (traditional French carol).
The piano accompanist is Lina Buterima Kiva. The musical director is Ethel Glancy.
Small but mighty! Octavate is a newly formed choir from Waterford, who aim to give you an eclectic mix of music, from Irish to musicals to pop music in luscious harmonies, arranged by Eoin & Clodagh Jackson
Details of piece : The Spark is a christmas song, written by Eoin Jackson, Musical director of Octavate. It was written for his band "Lamph", but we decided it would make a nice choral piece for Octavate. Song is arranged by Eoin Jackson
Details of arrangement : The Accompaniment for this song is a Backing Track , Produced by "Lamph" Choir Director : Clodagh Irish
Wesley College has a long, proud choral tradition and the College’s Senior Choir has achieved tremendous success over the last number of years. Students in fourth, fifth and sixth year are selected through audition, and choir members make a big commitment when they decide to become part of this exciting choral group. A full and varied yearly schedule is embraced by the choir with concert performances both at home and abroad on the annual choir trip, school engagements, recording sessions, workshops and competitive performances all around Ireland.
The Senior Choir are multiple Feis Ceoil competition winners including the School Choir of the Year, once outright winners of the title and twice runners-up in the All-Island Choir of the Year, as well as achieving top prizes in the Cork International Choral Festival, Feis Maitiu, the Sligo International Choral Festival, Wesley's own Interschools Music Festival along with the Navan and Kilcoole Festivals.
Much in demand, the choir has performed in venues both at home and abroad, taking them to the National Concert Hall, St Ann's Church, St Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, Belfast's Titanic Centre, Sacre Couer Basilica, St Martin in the Fields, the Centre Culturel Irelandais and many more besides.
Brian Dungan was appointed as the choirs new artistic director in November and is very much looking forward to continuing with the choirs strong tradition.
Dubbed as ‘old school meets new school’ The Ramparts a Capella gang sing classic songs with a modern twist. Pop, Trad, Folk, Barbershop, Jazz, they love it all. They were set up in February 2016 by Dublin based conductor Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh and have been seen on the BBC, TV3 and more recently at Electric Picnic.
Piece performed: ‘Winter Wonderland’, words by Dick Smith, music by Felix Bernard, arranged by J Edward Waesche Choir director: Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh
Maynooth University Chamber Choir was founded in 1986, specialising primarily in the performance of sacred repertoire of the Christian canon from the renaissance to the present day. The choir has an established tradition of commissioning and promoting new music and regularly presents premières of works by Irish composers. The past three decades have brought many exciting successes on national and international platforms through the group’s involvement in choral festivals and competitions, television, radio, and recording projects.
In July 2015, the choir became the first Irish choir to lift the coveted Pavarotti Trophy as ‘Choir of the World’ at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. In March 2016, in celebration of their victory at Llangollen, they undertook a trans-world tour, performing in Ireland, New York, Boston, Shanghai, Changzhou, Guangzhou, Arizona, and Denver. Their recently-released CD recording ‘Lorica’ features newly-commissioned works by Irish composers and other choral favourites. In 2016, the choir competed in the Cork International Choral Festival, winning first place in both the mixed voice and church music categories.
Piece Performed: ‘Wassail Song’, traditional, arranged Ralph Vaughan Williams Choir director: Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh
St. Columba's National School Choir is from Glasnevin, north of Dublin City. The choir is made up of voluntary members from 3rd to 6th class, who come together to rehearse twice a week before school. The girls have discovered that singing is a great way to start the day. They are always proud to perform at school events, but also enjoy taking their singing further afield to perform in local churches and at choral festivals. They were invited to perform at the Teachers Inspire event in DCU in October and they have recently performed in Trinity College for the second time. Last Christmas they spent an evening in the Mater Hospital, where they performed for staff and patients who would be spending Christmas in the hospital. Last year they were also awarded second place at the Wesley Inter-schools Music Festival and Feis Ceoil competitions.
Piece Performed: It was on a Starry Night Words and Music by Joy Webb Accompanist: Emer McHugh Choir director : Ailse Nolan
Stillorgan Youth Choir was founded in September 2014 by Thomas Kehoe. Joanne Harding and Thomas rehearse the choir weekly, during school terms. The choir aims to provide primary age pupils from 8-13 years of age with a professional choral education from an early age. SYC perform regularly throughout the academic year. Most recent performances were at Stillorgan Shopping Centre for the turning on of the Christmas lights and arrival of Santa; singing carols at Stillorgan Library and the annual carol service in Kilmacud Parish. In March earlier this year, SYC reached new highs, when they were awarded the Garrett Redmond Trophy and first prize at the Arklow Music Festival for U13s unison singing. This is their first time competing in Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas. We wish everyone at Lyric FM and listeners a happy and joyful Christmas!
The piece chosen to sing is Babe of Bethlehem by Edmund Walters, with words by Peter Kennerley.
Conductors: Thomas Kehoe and Joanne Harding Pianist: Thomas Kehoe (Additional vocal by Thomas Kehoe – humming Away in a Manger in Verse 3) Choir Director: Thomas Kehoe
Clef Choir was formed in November of last year under the direction of Mr Darragh White . It's a community based group from Limerick City whose common passion is Singing as a therapy session really after the busy schedule from work and at home. The group is consist of 5 men and 21 women singing enthusiasts. We regularly meet every Tuesday from 7pm until 9pm. Unfortunately Darragh has to continue his studies in Dublin. So as to continue the group going , Darragh has approached Mr Vic Libaste ,originally from the Philippines but who made Limerick city his home for the past 17 years, to take over the group just right after the summer break this year.
Piece Performed: CAROL OF THE BELLS - The music was originally composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych based on a Ukrainian chant " Shchedryk ". Composed in English lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1919.
Musical Director Vicente Libaste
St. Vincent’s Girls’ National School choir was formed in September 2015. The choir is open to girls from 3rd to 6th class. The girls rehearse twice weekly in the morning before school. Singing is a great way to start the school day. The girls love to sing all kinds of songs and greatly enjoy singing at the Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna each year. This recording of “Infant Holy Infant Lowly” has been a great learning experience for the girls. The choir is busy preparing for the school Christmas concert and every girl is looking forward to singing for their friends and families.
Piece Performed: Traditional English Song: Infant Holy Infant Lowly Choir Director: Ms. Fiona McNamara
The Senior Choir are made up of first to sixth year students from Rathdown Senior School covering a broad range of musical genres. The students enjoy performing regularly at assemblies and entered Feis Ceoil last year coming highly commended. Christmas is their favourite time of year getting to perform at the School Carol Service and at the annual Caxton Carols at the Free Masons Halls with Ardu. Most recently, they were delighted to perform at the Schools Centenary Gala Dinner a historic event for the community and were thrilled to get involved with RTE Lyric's Choirs for Christmas competition for the first time!
Piece Performed: In Dulci Jubilo (Pearsall) Choir Director: Naoise Whearity
The Chamber Choir are made up of 9 first to sixth year students from Rathdown Senior School covering a broad range of musical genres with an interest in challenging repertoire and independent singing. This recently formed chamber group focuses on leadership within a small group of singers. Members of the group have taken a strong interest in conducting, and this groups aids as an initiative to encourage more Female Conductors at the school and in the community. The Chamber Choir are delighted to get involved with RTE Lyric's Choirs for Christmas competition for the first time, singing their favourite Christmas piece, 'Noel Nouvelet'.
Piece Performed: Noel Nouvelet (Michael McGlynn) Choir Director: Naoise Whearity
The piece is being performed by the girls of 4th and 5th classes in St Peter's NS in Athlone which is a senior girls’ school with a fine musical tradition. The choir is conducted and accompanied by Mrs Hilary Roche. The flautist is Zana Perkovic, a 6th class pupil in the school. The school is involved with Music Generation Westmeath Offaly. Throughout their years at St. Peter's the pupils' musical experiences include junior and senior choirs, recorder classes and St Peter's School Orchestra. Pupils perform at both school and community events. The school orchestra and choir enter Feile Ceoil na Scoileanna in Athlone annually, a much anticipated event by parents and pupils alike. Music is an integral part of school life at St. Peter's and we are very excited about participating in the Lyric FM Carols for Christmas competition. The piece being performed is Candles, Candles by Lois Myers Emig.
We are The Supertones' Children's Choir, a fun and inclusive children's choir based in Dun Laoghaire. We like to sing lots of different songs together, such folk songs, canons, popular songs and old favourites. We always put our own twist on it by making up our own lyrics, movements and even including some instruments!
Song Description We have recorded a special Canadian folk song for this competition, arranged by an Irish composer. It's called The Huron Carol. The tune is a very old French folk tune (from the 17th Century) and the Irish composer/arranger is Bernard Sexton.
Accompanying us is Zacharie Fetchati on piano.
Contact Details: Julie Shanley is our director and Nicole Cooney our assistant.
The CBS Secondary School Choir was founded in 2010 with a view to providing a platform for students who were interested in choral singing. Since then the choir has gone from strength to strength and has won many awards and accolades. The highlight each year is the Kilkenny Music Festival, where once again, the choir won First place in the Male Voice Category.
In 2014 the choir reached the Regional Final of the RTE All Island School Choir competition. The choir is made up of boys from 2nd to 6th year. The motto of this choir is the pursuit of a high standard of choral singing, with a strong emphasis on fun!
The Choral Director is Mandy Dowling Accompanist is Sean Grace Title of piece: "Mary, Did You Know?" Arranged by Jack Schrader
Choirs have flourished in St Aloysius’ College for the past 80 years. We have enjoyed so many diverse experiences; partaking in the All Island Choir Competition, The Cork Choral Festival, the Late Late Toy Show, singing as part of a massed choir for Pope John Paul. It is our pleasure to entertain any visitors to our school, our visitors have included the African ambassador and the Taoiseach. Our choirs form the backbone of every celebration. This past year we even founded our Barbershop chorus as a new endeavor. The highlight being their our performance at the IABS Convention. This performance of the Wexford Carol is by our 6th Year 2020 Choir, under the guidance of their Music Teacher Ms Lorena Gillard.
It is a special arrangement because it has been done by one of our past pupils, Georgina Cassidy, for performance at our Christmas Carol Service.
Formed in 2014, UCC Singers is the competitive choir linked with UCC Choral Society. The choir consists of 30 members and is reformed every September for the new college year, welcoming students from all faculties of the university. Most recently, UCC Singers were invited to perform at the 11th Musical Miscellany Evening in Cork in aid of Cork International Choral Festival, The Simon Community, and Medicine Without Borders. The choir also competed in the Mixed Voice section of the City of Derry International Choral Festival 2019 where they placed second with a score of 90%. UCC Singers aim to represent the university at a local and national level and spread the joy of choral singing throughout UCC and the wider community.
Piece Performed: 'De King is Born Today' by Morgan Ames, featuring soloists Joseph Gorman and Meghan Loftus. No additional accompaniment or instrumentals were used for the recording. Choir Director: Ben Jacob.
Piece Performed: 'It's Christmas Time All Over The World', (words and music by Karina Moore. A live world premiere recording from their 2018 concert at St. Ann’s Church, Dublin. Choir Director: Mary Amond O’Brien
Wesley College has a long, proud choral tradition and the College’s Senior Choir has achieved tremendous success over the last number of years. Students in fourth, fifth and sixth year are selected through audition, and choir members make a big commitment when they decide to become part of this exciting choral group. A full and varied yearly schedule is embraced by the choir with concert performances both at home and abroad on the annual choir trip, school engagements, recording sessions, workshops and competitive performances all around Ireland. The Senior Choir are multiple Feis Ceoil competition winners including the School Choir of the Year, once outright winners of the title and twice runners-up in the All-Island Choir of the Year, as well as achieving top prizes in the Cork International Choral Festival, Feis Maitiu, the Sligo International Choral Festival, Wesley's own Interschools Music Festival along with the Navan and Kilcoole Festivals. Much in demand, the choir has performed in venues both at home and abroad, taking them to the National Concert Hall, St Ann's Church, St Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, Belfast's Titanic Centre, Sacre Couer Basilica, St Martin in the Fields, the Centre Culturel Irelandais and many more besides. Brian Dungan was appointed as the choirs new artistic director in November and is very much looking forward to continuing with the choirs strong tradition.
Millicent Singers, based in Clane, County Kildare is a a community choir, founded in 1996 by Michael Weedle. Membership is drawn from Clane and surrounding areas. The choir rehearse weekly, on Monday nights.
Millicent Singers also participate in and have enjoyed success at several National Choral Competitions, most recently in the Dublin Feis Ceoil earlier this year where they won the Mixed Voices competition. There is a broad span of ages within the choir. Singers from their twenties right up to their eighties and from all walks of life come together to enjoy the benefits of group singing.
Name of choir: Millicent Singers From: Clane in County Kildare Name of piece: I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas Composed by John Rox, arranged by J. Daniel Smith Conducted by Alan Kelly Accompanied by Caroline Cutliffe
In this feature John Kinsella brings Jonathan Grimes around his studio and describes his influences, his work processes and his love of music. The feature was recorded while John Kinsella was composing his 11th Symphony which he describes as a homage to Jean Sibelius and how he wishes to see the work performed in Finland.
Produced for Athena Media for RTÉ lyric fm. The recordings in the feature were made by Jonathan Grimes for the series 'Cross Currents'.
Liz Nolan is joined by Jessica O’Donoghue (PHD Candidate in Music Therapy at the World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick) and Dr. Sarah Sinnamon (Lecturer in Psychology, National College of Ireland) to discuss the concept of Music and Mood, how music can enhance your mood and how music can be a mood influencer. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and conductor Gavin Maloney are live in Studio 1 with a playlist to get you in the mood for the weekend.
RTÉ lyric fm's Liz Nolan is joined by Dr. Hilary Moss (Senior Lecturer in Music Therapy at the World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick) and Dr. Sarah Sinnamon (Lecturer in Psychology, National College of Ireland) to discuss the use of music in the work environment it’s motivational and functional use by employers for employees, music’s benefits for work success, teamwork and more. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and conductor Gavin Maloney will be live in Studio 1 with a Classical Chillout playlist for your workplace.
Movies and Musicals presenter Aedín Gormley speaks to 'The Goldfinch' director John Crowley about bringing Donna Tartt's critically acclaimed novel to the screen
One of the most successful and popular composers over the last twenty years, Michael Giacchino has worked closely with director JJ Abrams on Star Trek, Lost and Super 8 and recent scores include Up, Inside Out, Rogue One, War For The Planet Of The Apes and Spider-Man: Homecoming. He talks to Aedin about his incredible career and work.
In today’s archive memory from September 1999, Michael Dervan samples the music of the 20th century in the series ‘Countdown’
Remembering ABC# Lyric FM’s introduction to Classical music programme presented by composer John Buckley
In today’s archive memory from September 11th 2011, Steve Reich speaks about the origins of his piece ‘World Trade Centre 9/11’on the JK Ensemble.
In today’s archive memory from January 2013, king of the waltzes André Rieu in conversation with Marty Whelan
In today’s archive memory from 1999, James Conway interviews novelist Jennifer Johnston on ‘The Invisible Thread’
In today’s archive memory from December 2016, composer Shaun Davey talks about the logistics behind ‘One Hundred Years A Nation’ the largest-scale commission to mark Ireland 1916-2016
In today’s archive memory from December 2013, composer and conductor John Rutter joins Liz Nolan on the programme ‘A World of Song’
In today’s archive memory from 2003, ‘Handel’s Crossing’ by Joseph O’Connor, a Lyric FM commissioned drama production in association with Fishamble Theatre Company, starring Pauline McGlynn, Mal White and Mischa Doherty
In today’s archive memory from September 2016, remembering ‘Composing The Island’, a century of music in Ireland
Remembering Lyric World Requests where presenter Henry Kelly used to keep listeners in touch with friends from around the world via the world wide web
In today’s archive memory from 2005, ‘The Rescue’ a Lyric FM commission with music from Fergal Carroll and text by Maighread Medbh, performed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and narrator Louis Lovett
Remembering the Lyric Top 20, the programme where every Saturday morning Michael McNamara shared the latest top selling CDs and the ‘Lyric Release of the Week’
In today’s archive memory from April 14 2012, on the centenary of the Titanic disaster John Toal speaks with composer Philip Hammond ahead of the premiere of his ‘Titanic Requiem’ broadcast live on Lyric FM
In today’s archive memory from June 2000, Gerry Ryan goes classical for ‘Radio Feile’, broadcasting live simultaneously on Lyric FM, 2FM and Radio 1
In today’s archive memory from 2001, David Agnew speaks with Sean Rocks about his instrument the oboe for the series ‘Tools of the Trade'
Remembering maestro Gian Carlo Menotti on the occasion of his 89th birthday in July 2000, in an interview with Eamon Lawlor on Into The Evening
Music and the Mind – Concentration and Focus The topic of this episode as we enter exam season is Concentration and Focus. Liz Nolan is joined by Professor Aidan Moran, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, UCD and musician and psychology researcher Dr Sarah Sinnamon. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra performs a selection of music live in studio conducted by Gavin Maloney and featuring soprano Emer Barry.
Remembering jazz guitarist Louis Stewart on the Third Wave, first broadcast in September 2004
Singer Kyra Vayne remembers her first visit to Ireland on Calling The Tune first broadcast in October 1999
In today’s archive memory from 2007, composer Roger Doyle presents ‘Electrolight’, a six part series on the history of electronic music from 1950 to 2000
In today’s archive memory from April 2013, remembering ‘The Rolling Wave’ with Peter Browne
In today’s archive memory from December 27th, 2015, Tim Thurston presents the final edition of Gloria
In today's archive memory from May 1999, presenter James Conway speaks with Hugh Tinney on the programme The Invisible Thread
In today’s archive memory, pianist Finghin Collins speaks about preparing for a concert on the Blue of the Night
In today’s archive memory, presenter John Allen explores music around popping the question on The Lighter Lyric Stage
In today’s archive memory from 2001, author James Ellroy on the perils of bringing your crime novel to Hollywood, taken from an Artzone special ‘Investigating the Investigator’
In today’s archive memory from June 2018, Evelyn Grant conducts the Lyric Fm listeners live from Bloom
In today's archive memory, remembering Jazz Alley presenters, Honor Heffernan, Eamon Lenihan, Gerry Godley and Donald Helme
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival is taking place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
Toner Quinn, editor of The Journal of Music and lecturer in publishing in NUI Galway, marks the lyric fm 20th birthday with a radio essay. He discusses how the digital age has changed the Irish musical landscape over the past twenty years.
In today’s archive memory from 2005, the Blue of the Night’s broadcast from the World Harp Congress Opening in St Patrick’s Cathedral featuring poet Seamus Heaney
In today’s archive memory from 2006 Donald Helme speaks with pioneering jazz pianist McCoy Tyner who also performs some solo piano pieces for Jazz Alley.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
Remembering the recording in September 2004 of ‘Hopkins in Skellig Michael’ by Ciaran Farrell and Paddy Bushe by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy with narration from Barry McGovern
In today’s archive memory from July 2000, composer and musician Mícheál Ó’Suilleabháin in conversation with Sandy Burnett on ‘Calling The Tune’
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
In today's archive memory, remembering Garech de Brún, the founder and chairman of Claddagh Records in conversation with Ellen Cranitch on Grace Notes in March 2010
In today’s archive memory from November 1999, Daryl Runswick looks at ‘Extended Vocal Techniques’ for ‘Horizons’, Lyric’s series on new music.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive, starting Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th May at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive, starting Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th May at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive, starting Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th May at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
The 2019 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 2nd May to Friday 10th May 2019, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 11th May.
Tune in to Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive and Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive, starting Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th May at 5pm for our daily check-in with the festival for the latest news on this year's performances. This year we'll be talking to reviewers Sarah Carroll and Louise Heraghty.
In today's archive memory, remembering philosopher John Moriarty from the Quiet Quarter segment on Lyric Notes
In today’s archive memory from 2006, Bernedette Comerford for an Artzone special, follows the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir as they prepare to celebrate their 21st birthday
In today’s archive memory, filmmaker, writer and photographer Bob Quinn in Changing Directions, first broadcast in March 2000
In today's archive memory from 2005...a special edition of Grace Notes recorded on the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal with presenter Mícheál Ó'Súilleabháin and musicians Liz Doherty and Dinny McLoughlin
In today’s archive memory, Lyric’s first broadcast from Wexford Festival Opera in October 1999. ‘Into the Evening’ presenter Eamon Lawlor speaks to Nicholas Furlong, live from the Theatre Royal prior to the performance of the Queen of Sheba.
In today’s archive memory from June 2000, soprano Orla Boylan recounts meeting Turkish operatic singer Leyla Gencer on the programme ‘Calling The Tune’
In today’s archive memory from April 2003, Cliona Doris speaks about her use of the harp in the series ‘Tools of the Trade’ presented by Sean Rocks
In today’s archive memory from 1999, RTÉ Lyric FM prepares for its first transmission. Following the final broadcast on FM3, RTÉ lyric FM, Ireland’s classical music and arts station goes live at midday on Saturday May 1st 1999.
Aedín Gormley talks to Killarney actor Jessie Buckley who shines in the role of Rose-Lynn Harlan, a brazen young ne’er-do-well from Glasgow who is fixated on going to Nashville to become a country singer in the film Wild Rose.
Aedín Gormley chats with composer/songwriter David Shire at the Lighthouse Cinema as part of the Dublin International Film Festival. David speaks about collaborations with directors including sometime brother-in-law Francis Ford Coppola and David Fincher, and vocalists including Barbra Streisand. David also sits at piano joined by vocalist Suzanne Savage and saxophonist Catherine Sekora for music from The Conversation and All the President’s Men, and his Oscar-winning song It Goes Like it Goes.
Four-time Grammy winner, Tony nominee and Opera star Renée Fleming talks to Aedín Gormley about making her long awaited London musical theatre debut in 'The Light in the Piazza' by Adam Guettel – grandson of Richard Rodgers. They talk about making the transition from opera to musical theatre, how musical theatre is not necessarily easier than opera, what attracted her to this role, her feelings on singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in Carousel on Broadway, the wide variety of roles she takes on, how she has turned up on film soundtracks and her admiration for Maria Callas.
One of the highlights of New Music Dublin 2019 is a concert performance of Vermeer Pictures by Louis Andriessen. To find about more about the work, Ellen Cranitch travelled to the iconic composer's studio in Amsterdam to chat about this fruitful collaboration with director Peter Greenaway.
In advance of his role as William Shakespeare in All is True, Aedín meets director and actor Kenneth Branagh to discuss his role as the Bard, Patrick Doyle's atmospheric soundtrack and finally working with Ian McKellen.
Santa isn't the only one who works hard at Christmas. You should see how busy the school and junior choirs around Ireland are, as they prepare for the RTÉ lyric fm Choirs for Christmas competition! Today we'll hear some of this year's magically musical entries, introduced by the talented boys and girls who recorded them.
Liz Nolan chats to Sophie Lee and Dr Siobhan MacHale (Liaison Psychiatry at Beaumont Hospital) with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for a special programme as they discuss music and sleep - live from Studio 1 in Donnybrook
In this programme Liz Nolan discusses music and fitness with special guests Michele McGettigan (Health Promotion Manager at Beaumont Hospital), Rebecca O’Connor (Senior Music Therapist at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire) along with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conductor Stephen Bell and pianist Fiachra Garvey. The Full Score, live from Studio 1 in RTÉ, Donnybrook as part of a Three part Series on Music and the Mind on RTÉ lyric fm for more www.rte.ie/lyricfm/full-score
Liz Nolan and special guests Dr Hilary Moss (UL), Dr Jennifer Wilson O'Raghallaigh (Mindfulness and Relaxation Centre at Beaumont Hospital) and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy join forces for a special programme as they discuss music and relaxation.
Best Primary School Choir St Joseph's National School Choir, Tipperary Town
Best Secondary School Choir Bandon Grammar School Choir, Co. Cork
Best Community Choir Baldonnel Singer, Naas, Co Kildare
Best Youth Choir Cross Border Youth Choir Dublin and Belfast
Best performance of a new work (Joint-prize) Grosvenor Chorale Dulciana Vocal Ensemble
Best overall runner up Ascolta Vocal Ensemble, Dublin
Best Overall Choir Ardu, Dublin
CONDUCTING PRIZE: Association of Irish Choirs Conducting Scholarship for a conductor in the competitions to attend the AOIC Annual International Choral Conducting Summer School 2019 held in the University of Limerick in August. The award may go to a conductor with a particularly high level of attainment and/or to a conductor who has shown great promise and skill. Helen Colbert of St Joseph's National School Choir, Tipperary town
Congratulations to all the choirs from RTÉ lyric fm and Happy Christmas to all!
Don't forget all choirs are published on our Soundcloud playlist!
Thanks to all today's choirs for their recordings!
The choirs on this programme:
Cantate Monkstown Co. Cork, NUI Galway Staff Singers, Carrickfergus Grammar School, Cantores Chamber Choir Waterford City, Carrigaline Choral Group, SCHOLA HYBERNIAE Ashbourne, Castle Park School Dalkey, Holy Family Secondary School Newbridge Co Kildare, Clongowes Wood College Junior Choir
Thanks to all the choirs! Here are a list of the choirs featured on today's broadcast:
Cantairi Oga Átha Cliath Female Voice Choir, Westport Youth Choir Westport Co Mayo, Ursuline Secondary School Thurles, Holy Child Junior Choir Killiney, National Folk Theatre Choir, Wesley College Ballinteer, Cappella Lyrica, Colaiste Muire School Choir Ennis Co Clare, Gaelscoil Dhun Dealgan Dundalk Co Louth, Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir
A massive shout out to all our choirs and a huge thanks for all your work! Happy Christmas!
Sutton Park School Dublin 13, The Institute of Education Chamber Choir Leeson Street Dublin, Cor Fingal, EY Choir, Grosvenor Chorale Saintfield County Down,The Plurabelles, Bandon Grammar Chamber Choir, Cork Chamber Choir, CSM Junior Children's Chorus
To celebrate the return of Mary Poppins, Aedín Gormley met with the composer and lyricist behind the songs and score - Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman. They talk about writing for Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Whishaw, and we get a sneak preview of songs that didn't make the cut!
A host of wonderful choirs on today's programme. Thank you to all involved for the incredible work involved it making the recordings happen! Happy Christmas from all at RTÉ lyric fm
St. Joseph's School Choir Tipperary Town, Cross Border Youth Choir Dublin and Belfast, St. Mary's Secondary School Mallow Junior Choir, Culwick Choral Society, St Bartholomew's Church Girls Choir Ballsbridge Dublin 4, St Mary's Secondary School Mallow, Dulciana Vocal Ensemble, Dublin, Cuore Chamber Choir, Donegal Youth Choir, CSM Youth Vocal Ensemble, Killaloe Male Voice Choir, St Columbanus N.S, Ballivor Co.Meath
Listenback to Choirs for Christmas with Evelyn Grant on Monday 17th December for a selection of this year's entrants to the Competition. Congrats everyone for all the work involved and Happy Christmas!
Music music selection was performed by: Ardú, Ascolta Vocal Ensemble, Baldonnel Singers, St. Brigid's Parish Junior Choir, Dublin Youth Junior Choir, Holy Child Senior Choir, The TribeTones, Dublin Youth Choir, Health Voices Choir, DIT Youth Choir
Cappella Lyrica is an equal-voice choir comprised of students of the full-time Music, Pop and Drama programmes at the CIT Cork School of Music. Its repertoire ranges from early music to contemporary works. Established in 2011 they participated in the first performance in Cork of Britten’s St Nicholas Cantata under conductor, Dr Geoffrey Spratt.
In September 2017, the choir collaborated with Crash Ensemble to give the first performance of Out Into by Emily Hall at the Sounds of a Safe Harbour Festival in Cork. In competitive performances Cappella Lyrica has been successful at the Cork and City of Derry International Choral Festivals, and also at the Limerick Church Music Festival.
Cappella Lyrica’s programmes regularly feature the compositions of established and emerging Irish composers. The choir have commissioned David Wallace, a former graduate and Composer-in-Residence to the CIT Cork School of Music, to write a work Impressions of Light to text by Walt Whitman and in 2017 Everyone Sang by Marian Ingoldsby which was premiered on International Women’s Day at the 2018 Finding a Voice Festival, in Clonmel. This year, Séan Doherty was commissioned to write a work for the choir. Epiphany (for Dora,) the poem by Katherine Tynan was written to honour the death on 6 January 1918 of Tynan’s close friend and fellow literary revivalist, Dora Sigerson Shorter who, it is reported, died of a broken heart after the execution of the those involved in the 1916 Rising.
The Choir are under the direction of Maria Judge and their rehearsal accompanist is Deirdre Long
Roscommon Solstice Choir is a voluntary, community choir of over 100 members ranging in age from early twenties to eighties. Founded in 2013 the choir has, to date, raised more than €200,000 for charities in Ireland, London and New York.
Practice is held in Kilbride Community Centre, Co. Roscommon during Spring and Autumn and two programmes of between three and five two-hour concerts are performed in June and December each year.
Roscommon Solstice Choir has appeared on Television on the Sunday Morning Mass Service on RTE and has visited London (2016) and New York (2018). The choir has performed with such notables as Frances Black, Sandy Kelly, Des Willoughby, Charlie McGettigan. Eleanor Shanley, Frankie McDonald and Fr. Liam Lawton, amongst others.
Singing a blend of lively numbers from the musicals, popular songs and appropriate church music we hope to continue bringing enjoyment to people for many years to come. The choir is available to perform free-of-charge anywhere in Ireland: please find us on Facebook for more. Image: Gerard Faughnan (with thanks).
The song entered is the traditional Welsh air "Deck the Halls" English version by Thomas Oliphant (1862). Performed by Roscommon Solstice Choir. Recorded at Real World Recording Studios, Longford by Paul Gurney. Name of Choir Directors: Andrew and Eimear Reynolds
Mount Merrion Parish Children’s Choir has been in existence for over 20 years, and continues to go from strength to strength. The choir has over 100 members, aged 4 to 17, who sing at our Family Mass every Sunday. The senior section of the choir, aged 8-17 have taken part in multiple charity singing events, to raise funds for the Irish Guide Dog Society, The Irish Deaf Society and Children in Crossfire. They came runner up in the Youth Choir Competition at the Limerick Choral Festival this year, and were privileged to perform at the Papal Mass in Phoenix Park this August. This recording is from their Christmas CD, produced to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease, through the Walk While You Can campaign which was started by their much-loved parish priest, Fr Tony Coote.
Details of piece: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Traditional English Carol, 18th Century, composer unknown. Arranged by David Willcocks. Accompanist - Helen Prendergast Choir Director - Susanne O’Reilly
In 2016, we held a global competition open to young composers of 21 years or younger to write a new carol for our Schola; A Mother's Child by Scottish composer Fergus Hall won first place.
The Schola at St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School was established in 2009 to teach our students skills in liturgical music. Membership of Schola is by informal audition and interview; to maximise individual attention, numbers are capped at 25 students. Those who are accepted onto the programme are given tuition in organ, cantoring, Gregorian chant, choral singing and choral direction. The Schola is under the patronage of the Bishop of Meath and the parish of St Mary's, Navan.
Students commit to weekly choral and liturgical repertoire rehearsals, and individual lessons in organ or voice. Central to the success of the programme is practical liturgy: students participate on a regular basis in school and parish liturgies, as well as performing at conferences and liturgies outside their parish. Many of our students are already involved in music ministry in their home parish, and the Schola is a stepping stone into professional music ministry after school.
Repertoire is drawn from the wealth of liturgical music throughout the ages, from Gregorian chant to medieval pilgrim music, from motets and traditional hymnody to music by the best of contemporary liturgical composers.
The Schola is directed by Ephrem Feeley, who conducted A Mother's Child, and David Burke, who accompanied on piano in this live recording at a concert of sacred music held in May 2018 in the Gunn Chapel in Maynooth.
Tuam Cathedral Choir perform a full sung liturgy each Sunday during the year as well as all major feast days and for other Diocesan services, under the direction of Mark Keane.
In recent years, the choir have performed Mozart’s Coronation Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna; Palestrina Missa in Aeterna Christi Munera in the Irish College, Rome; Haydn Missa Brevis in F in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral; and next year they will sing Byrd Mass for four voices in St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York.
Carol: Oiche Nollag (Traditional Irish arr. Dr Ite O'Donovan) Accompanied on Concert Harp by Anne-Marie O'Farrell Choir Director Mark Keane
A call was put out for anyone who could come together to record a song for charity, Members of our health services came from across the country and two practices and one recording later we ended up with a version of 'Little Drummer Boy' . All monies raised will go to charity. .
The Girls' Choir of Saint Bartholomew's Church, Clyde Road consists of approximately 15 girls between the ages of 8 and 18. They rehearse weekly and sing at Sunday services and feast days throughout the church year.
This recording of Schubert's setting of Psalm 23, 'Gott ist mein hirt', was taken from last week's rehearsal as a practise run for last Sunday morning's Eucharist. Tristan Russcher is the Director of Music at Saint Bartholomew's and is also playing the piano on this recording.
Holy Family Secondary School in Newbridge have had a school choir for many years. They have performed at many local events and entered many competitions including the Feis Ceoil and the Cork & Derry International Choral Festivals.They have taken part in several festivals including the Prague Youth Music Festival and Rome International Music Festival where they both performed and competed.
Last year they produced their first album 'We Are One' and this year the entire choir took part in their annual school musical 'Annie'. They rehearse several times a week at lunchtime and after school
Title of Song: The Moon Composer: Andy Beck Choir Director: Anne-Marie Lawlor Pianist – Eimear O’ Brien.
From the beautiful Deise in Co. Waterford, Dungarvan based VoiceOver Choir has gone from strength to strength since its inaugural year of 2014. Under the Musical Direction of Cordelia Burke and accompanist Richard Bunn, the 12 ladies enjoy singing from popular to classical pieces.
They have become known for their unique harmonised sound with recent highlights of performing in Mount Melleray Abbey and at the Cork Choral Festival. Today VoiceOver performs the lively Sing Ding-a, Ding-a Dong!
Music: Sing Ding-a, Ding-a Dong! Composer: Lynn Shaw Bailey Choir Director: Cordelia Burke
Scoil Íde primary school in Salthill has a very long tradition of music. Our Choir is comprised of girls from Fifth and Sixth Classes. We won the SCCUL Schools Choral Competition in GMIT in 2016.
We have sung with the Three Tenors in Galway Cathedral on a number of occasions and we are singing with them once again on 15th December at their Christmas concert in Salthill Church. We have recently collaborated with the Tribe Tones Adult Choir on a CD which they released for the charity ‘Rosabel’s Rooms’ in conjunction with the Irish Hospice Foundation singing an original piece written by Sean Rowland, leader of the Tribe Tones Choir. The Scoil Ide choir also perform one track on their own on the CD. The choir undertakes many events for charity, particularly at this time of the year. There are no auditions for our choir and everyone is welcome to take part.
The piece performed is ‘It was on a Starry Night’ written by Joy Webb. The pianist on the school recording is Amanda Bowe The choir Director is Claire Hynes, Principal, Scoil Ide, Ardnamara, Salthill, Galway
The TribeTones, Galway’s Contemporary Choir, have released an original Christmas song to raise funds for charity as we approach the more challenging winter months. The single was born out of tragic events, with a tale interwoven with strength and inspiration, both in Ireland and the north of England.
Written by TribeTones Director and Leeds native, Sean Rowland, who made Galway his home in 2007, ‘A Winter’s Tale’ is a nativity song. It is poignantly dedicated to Ann Maguire, Sean’s teacher and mentor who was tragically killed in 2014 by a pupil while teaching at the school in Leeds. An entire community were shocked and felt the loss of an inspirational teacher, an encouraging mentor and a wonderful friend.
Intrinsically linked to the west of Ireland, Sean, whose father hails from Mayo explains “I’m extremely proud to have shared my Irish roots with Ann who has family in Clare, Galway & Mayo and to highlight the strong connection between the Leeds Irish and the West of Ireland. A Winter’s Tale was a huge favourite of Ann’s whose influence and energy shines through. She loved music, Christmas and teaching so I felt that this was the perfect way to pay tribute to Ann. So with the hard work of The TribeTones we wanted to connect with others through music, offer an educational & enjoyable experience for the children involved and spread the joy of Christmas whilst raising funds for charity.”
The 55 member TribeTones were joined by Scoil íde Children’s Choir to give A Winter’s Tale a new lease of life. The choirs recorded the charity single in the Augustinian Church accompanied by well known local musicians Daniel Vignoles, James Doonan & Levi O’Brien. The TribeTones have also produced a magical video featuring all who took part on the day.
A Winter’s Tale CD will raise funds for Rosabel’s Rooms set up by Gary Monroe and Suzanne McClean in memory of their beloved daughter, Rosabel, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in April 2017 aged 16 months and in conjunction with the Irish Hospice Foundation, now provide support and assistance to other families who have suffered child loss. In essence, two sad stories are uniting to bring help to families who suffer loss.
The TribeTones, performed A Winter’s Tale at the opening of the Galway Christmas Market on 16th November. The choir were thrilled to be headlining the musical entertainment in Eyre Square as part of “Light Up Galway” and charity CD is now available for purchase. The CD also features ‘O Holy Night’ by Scoil íde Children’s Choir and a beautiful piano instrumental of the Christmas Carol and is just €8. Supporters can pick up a CD at choir performances, & in local stockists. You can purchase the CD online via www.thetribetones.com website or their facebook page where you can also view the video and list of local stockists. The track is also available on iTunes and spotify.
Mount Sackville Secondary School Senior Choir is a 3-part choir made up of around 40 transition, fifth and sixth year students. The members of the choir are very dedicated and rehearse 3 lunchtimes per week.
The choir performs in at least two major concerts during the school year and also sings for school masses and services including their annual Christmas Carol service in St Patrick's Cathedral.
In 2017, the choir took part in a huge fundraising concert in Mount Argus for Trócaire which featured many eminent Irish musicians. At the end of the school year, the choir performs in the annual 'Evening in May' concert where they get to showcase much of the extensive repertoire learned during the year.
The choir have sung over the years in a number of festivals and have been prize winners in Feis Ceoil, the Cork Choral Festival, the All Island Choir Competition and the Navan Choral Festival. In 2018, the choir won the Folens Publishers Award at Feis Ceoil which is the prize for the best overall secondary school choir.
Choir: Mount Sackville Secondary School Senior Choir Conductor: Judith Gannon Accompanist: Emma-Jane Stoker-Phelan Track: 'This Little Babe' from A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten
The Academy Chamber Choir were founded in 2007 as part of a performing group’s initiative undertaken by The Academy of Music in Tullamore They have had huge success in almost every national choral festival including many awards at “Cork International Choral Festival”. They were winners of “Ireland’s National Choir of the Year 2012 and 2017 at Navan Choral Festival and second place many times. They have stood in for the Palestrina Choir and St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir in Dublin at holiday time and they have worked closely with composer Colin Mawby in private master classes on his work as well as Master Classes with Greg Beardsell on some works which they performed as a prelude to The Irish Youth Chamber Choir Concert.
They have performed in many television and radio performances both nationally and abroad and they featured on Sky television for the Double Canonisation of Pope John Paul 2nd and John 23rd. They represented Ireland at “Miltenberg International Choral Festival” in 2016 where they achieved 3rd place and in 2017 they successfully took part in the International Competition of Spittal an der Drau in Austria.
Ciaran Brady is Director of The Academy of Music in Tullamore and is Vocal Coach and Performance Tutor with the music dept. at Maynooth University. Ciaran has an Honour’s Master’s degree in Music and vocal performance from N.U.I. Maynooth where he also directed the “University Chamber Choir”. Further post-graduate studies brought him to Germany where he trained in Advanced Vocal Technique with Prof. Markus Goritzky at the “Hochschule für Musik” in Freiburg.
Ciaran is a full time professional Vocal Coach and Choral Director with many award winning students. His Voice training started at the age of 10 as a boy treble and Head Chorister of the “Palestrina Choir”. Professionally he was a member of the “RTE Chamber Choir” and founder member of “The National Chamber Choir”. He also has extensive work as a soloist and recordings and has worked with companies such as “National Opera”, "Opera Northern Ireland" and “Opera Ireland”. Ciaran is also founder and conductor of the award winning “Moate Children’s
Choir” and “GLOR youth choir” two established midland’s based training ground for young singers since 2007.
The choir was founded in 1979 as the Navan Male Singers. In September of that year we sang at the opening of St. Oliver’s Church, Navan and have been singing there ever since. We entered our first competition at the Finglas Choral Festival in 1980, and took first place in the sacred music section. We founded the Navan Choral Festival that same year, and built it up to a very high standard, before handing it over to its present day organisers.
Over the years we have competed with distinction in many competitions throughout Ireland and abroad, including the Isle of Man, Wales, Germany and France to mention but a few. We have been delighted to sing for RTE masses on several occasions. We represented the diocese of Meath in Lourdes in 1987, 89 and 91. We also sang at RTE’s “Up For The Match” on the eve of the 1987 all Ireland football final.
We have performed in the National Concert Hall, the Pro Cathedral, Knock Shrine and many other venues over the years.
We have recently returned to competition singing at national and international level with successes in Arklow, Bangor and at home in the Navan Choral Festival in 2013 and we were delighted to take first place at the Caoite Mac Choral Festival in 2014.
We are under the expert tuition of and conducted by our Musical Director Anne Cunningham.
Founded in 1965 the Goethe-Institut Choir comprises a refreshing mix of singers of many nationalities and ages. With renowned conductor John Dexter at the helm, the choir lives up to its high reputation and plays a vital and vibrant role in the cultural life of Dublin.
Programmes have featured the music of a wide range of composers including Vittoria, Schütz, Monteverdi, JS Bach, Handel, Schubert, Mozart, Beethoven, Bruckner, Haydn, Rossini, Fauré, Britten and Jenkins. The choir performs at least three concerts each year, including its very popular Christmas concert at the National Concert Hall (this year on 17th December, featuring JS Bach Christmas Oratorio plus the piece submitted here) and the annual Dublin Spring Choral concert at St Patrick's Cathedral in aid of the Carmichael Centre.
The choir has also participated in special events such as the JS Bach Cantatas Series and the opening gala concert at Cork Choral Festival as well as performed with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at special event/gala concerts. New music repertoire currently includes the popular Mass in Blue by Will Todd.
The piece submitted is Arvo Pärt: Bogoróditse Djévo - Mother of God and Virgin. Estonian composer Arvo Pärt's ‘Bogoróditse Djévo’ is a vibrant tribute to the Virgin Mary which is sung in the traditional Church Slavonic language. Pärt sets this Russian Orthodox version of “Ave Maria” in a lively manner that sounds refreshingly new while still honouring older traditions like the rich sonorities characteristic of nineteenth-century Russian choral music and the fluid rhythmic quality of plainchant. King's College Choir Cambridge commissioned this work for the occasion of the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve 1990.
"Rejoice, O virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls."
Musical director is John Dexter
Choral Con Fusion is Cork's inclusive community choral group with a message of welcome to one and all. The group was formed in 2010. What began as a group of 8 singers has now grown into a choir of over 60. While music is the focus, it is always infused with fun.
At heart, the choir is a social group and a way for people who hail from all backgrounds, all communities, genders and ages to come together. Choral Con Fusion openly identifies as LGBTS inclusive.
Details of Piece: Title: Don Oíche Úd I mBeithil Composer: Traditional Arranged by Ite O'Donovan
Conductor: Joanne Murphy,
Glenageary Killiney National School Choir meet weekly at 8.00 a.m. They sing at school assemblies, local church services, take part in Festivals and Competitions. They are highly motivated, very talented and 100% attendance at rehearsals is a common occurrence.
- Mary’s Boy Child Composed by Jester Hairston Arranged by Frank Hughes Conductor: Mr Frank Hughes
Note from the Principal
The Choir is open to all pupils from 3rd to 6th class each year. This year the choir comprises of eleven 3rd class pupils who joined the choir in September 2018. Twelve 4th class pupils who joined the choir in September 2017, one 5th class pupil who joined in September 2016 and six 6th class pupils who joined in September 2015.
Parents volunteer to assist in the supervision of the choir. We are very fortunate to have the enthusiastic, dedicated and talented Mr Frank Hughes to conduct our choir.
S. Honner
RISE Choir - Be Inspired
Performing pop, rock and soul, Galway's fun-loving choir provides a wonderfully rich and supportive environment for singers and music lovers of all ages and abilities to perform and connect with those of like minds. With uplifting repertoire, an infectious sense of unity and a flourishing platform to collectively explore and express your singing talents in a nurturing, creative and explosive manner, RISE ultimately aims to inspire and motivate individuals to realise their inner potential! If you are looking to make a positive change in your life, this is the choir for YOU!
Performing: ‘Oh Holy Night’ by Adolphe Adam Accompanist by: Eilis O’Neill on piano Choir Director: Dr Caren Hession
Sandymount Gospel Choir is a 40-strong SATB choir founded in 2009. The Choir has performed at many diverse events - the National Buskers’ Festival, the Booterstown Autumn Festival, the Shannonside Winter Music Festival where we sang in the Great Hall in Bunratty Castle. We were honoured to have been asked to sing for a second year at the local Darkness Into Light Walk in aid of Pieta House. We have sung in aid of several charities including the Caroline Foundation, Sandymount Matero Friendship Programme, Camphill Communities, CMRF Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, St Luke’s Nursing Home. Most recently, we were asked to sing at the Dockers and Demons Halloween Festival with our neighbours in Ringsend.
Our accompanist for this competition is Padraig Kilbride. The Choir is under the excellent and inspiring direction of musician and composer Cathy McEvoy. Cathy brings all of her own experience of performing and teaching to the Sandymount Gospel Choir and the result is an engaging mix of traditional gospel music infused with bluegrass and other musical influences.
Sandymount Gospel Choir is delighted to take part in the lyric Choirs for Christmas Competition 2018.
The song is Go Tell It on the Mountain, arrangement by Joseph Brewer. Accompanist is Padraig Kilbride.
Credo is a female vocal church ensemble from the sunny south east in Wexford. Formed in 2016 by six friends who enjoy singing together, the group has been privileged to sing in many beautiful churches in Ireland and abroad - Rome and Bordighera in Italy, Salamanca in Spain and Stirling in Scotland. Where there's a church, they will sing!
Credo has a diverse repertoire spanning the centuries from Polyphony to Gospel and Gregorian to Taize. They have all sung in various choirs and their shared love of church music has brought them together to form this special group. The piece they are singing for Lyric Choirs for Christmas is the beautiful haunting song by Ephrem Feeley – Sweet was the Song the Virgin Sang.
Choir – CREDO Vocal church ensemble (six voices) from Wexford Town Piece – Sweet was the Song composed by Ephrem Feeley
St. Columba's National School Choir is from Glasnevin, north of Dublin City. They are a group of enthusiastic singers ages 8-12, from 3rd to 6th class in the school. They rehearse in the mornings twice a week before school begins. They perform at school events, but also enjoy taking their singing further afield to perform in other local venues. Since the first rehearsal in 2014, the choir has represented the school at Córfhéile na Scoileanna, Navan Choral Festival and Wesley Interschools Music Festival, and have performed as special guests with the Humanitarian Symphony Orchestra.
Piece Performed: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Composer: Traditional Polish Carol Arrangement: Traditional (English translation) Accompaniment: 6th Class choir members on the chime bars Choir Director: Ailse Nolan
St. Vincent’s Girls’ National School choir was formed in September 2015. It is open to girls from 3rd to 6th class. The choristers are so dedicated to singing they rehearse twice weekly at 8:30 in the morning before they have their breakfast in school. Singing is a great way to start the school day. The girls love to sing all kinds of songs and greatly enjoy singing at the Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna each year. This recording of “I saw Three Ships” has been a very enjoyable experience. The choir is busy preparing for the school Christmas concert and all are looking forward to singing for their friends and families.
Name of piece: I saw Three Ships Composer: Traditional Arrangement: Traditional Accompanist: Ms. Una Fox Choir Director: Ms. Fiona McNamara
The Memory Lane Choir is a choir for older people and people with Dementia, which meets every Wednesday morning in the Crumlin Community Centre For Music and Art, CCMA. The choir has been in existence since 2013 and its members are drawn from the Crumlin area and further afield. The choir includes people with dementia, their carers, family members and volunteers. The CCMA, under Sr. Bernadette Sweeney, provides rehearsal facilities, as well as opportunities for the choir to perform on a number of occasions throughout the year. Most recently, the choir appeared on RTE's Nationwide, in a programme which featured the CCMA and the work which is done there.
In this recording the choir performs Angel Carol, a Christmas Duet on "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly", adapted and arranged, from a Traditional Polish Carol, by Anna Laura Page. It is taken from the book Carols for Two, 7 Duets on Traditional Carols for Advent and Christmas, published by Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
The piano accompanist is Celine Carroll and the Choral Director is Gerry Noonan.
Bandon Grammar School Chamber Choir are very excited to be entering this years 'Choirs for Christmas' competition. They have been in existence for the past 5 years. Recent achievements include 1st place at ' Feile an tSamhraidh' on 2 occasions and 1st place in the International Choral Festival in Chester.
They have performed for Graham Norton on 2 occasions and also with Cara O' Sullivan. Musical interests include anything from Thomas Morley to Eric Whitacre to Scaly and Kolcany Brothers.
The choir have been putting in a lot of practice in preparation for this competition and we hope you enjoy listening to the piece as much as we had preparing it!.
Details of Piece Performed:
Title: Glow Composer: Eric Whitacre. Accompanist: Antoinette Baker Choir Director: Grainne O' Neill
The Living Well with Dementia, Sweet Memories Choir, is the first of two choirs under the management of Living Well with Dementia Project, (LWwD), and the Southside Partnership DLR Limited.
It meets every Saturday morning in St. Raphaela's Convent, Stillorgan and consists of people with dementia, their families and carers, as well as several volunteers from LWwD. Many of the choir members also take part in other activities, such as Dance classes, Art classes and Exercise classes, all run by LWwD. The choir performs at Living Well with Dementia Tea Dances and Christmas Parties.
This is the second year that the choir has sent in an entry for Lyric FM's Choirs for Christmas. This year the piece chosen is All on a Silent Night, by Becki Slagle Mayo, published by Heritage Music Press. It is a Two-Part song incorporating Silent Night.
Our pianist, Bríd Carr, is one of our choir members and she is joined, on violin, by two of our volunteers, Jennifer Sullivan and Michael O'Doherty. The choral director is Gerry Noonan.
The photograph, of tee-shirts on the line, is representative of the work done by our wonderful volunteers in Living Well with Dementia.
The Living Well with Dementia, Sweet Memories Choir, in St. Joseph's, Shankill, is the second Sweet Memories Choir. It is run by Living Well with Dementia, in conjunctions with St. Joseph's, Shankill. St. Joseph's, Shankill, is committed to providing holistic, person centred, supportive and palliative care to persons living with dementia, in accordance with the ethos and values of the Saint John of God Hospitaller Services.
The choir members are drawn from residents of St. Joseph's and from those attending Day Care, as well people living locally, with dementia. They are joined by family, carers, staff of St. Joseph's and volunteers from Living Well with Dementia.
The piece we have chosen is Do You Hear What I hear?, by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne, published by Jewel Music Publishing Co.
Patricia Dolan and Stephen Kearns, two of our regular choir members, feature as the "echo" in our recording.
Our piano accompanist is Andy Cusack and the Choral Director is Gerry Noonan.
As the title suggests we are a choir of those a little older than others. Our minimum age for entry into the choir is a young 55 but it is felt that the average age would be somewhere in the lower 70's. We were formed some ten years ago by a couple Sheelagh and Liam O'Leary who had retired from competitive singing but who still wanted to carry on singing. They brought on board our Music Director Eithne Corrigan who is still with us and without whom we may not be in existence now. The choir membership is 73 people with at least 65 turning up for rehearsal every Friday. We sing varying music and at present our repertoire runs to 138 songs plus carols and liturgical music. Over the years we have raised in excess of €30,000 for local charities.
Music An Invitation for Advent. Words & Music by Ruth Elaine Schram. Arranged by Douglas Nolan incorporating "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Music Director & Accompanist: Eithne Corrigan B.A. A.R.I A.M. (Piano & Violin) L.R.A.M. (Piano Performance)
Rockwell College Music Academy opened in September 2017 providing music education both as an in-house service and to the surrounding community. Our Junior Choir, which has a suggested age group of 8yrs-12yrs old, began in January 2018. They performed at our end of year Proms event and undertook a choral exam with RIAM in the summer session. As we are a relatively small and new choir, this has been a wonderful experience/challenge to prepare for. Thirteen students in total sang on this recording.
The piece we chose is COLD SNAP (two-part and piano) by Deborah Craig- Claar and Mark Hayes, 2016. It has finger snaps and apt articulation to set the wintery scene!
Conducted by: Jayne McConnon, String, choral and CARA tutor at Rockwell College Music Academy Accompanied by: Suzanne Buttimer, Director of Rockwell College Music Academy
St. Anne's School Choir was formed last year and comprises of 3rd and 4th class students from St. Anne's Primary School, Shankill. The children have chosen to be members of the choir and we practise mainly at lunchtimes, once or twice per week. We mainly sing at school masses, communions, confirmations, carol services and assemblies.
The piece we have sent in 'Night Of Silence' is a Christmas Carol and Roman Catholic Advent hymn, written in 1981 by American composer Daniel Kantor. The carol is a quodlibet, as it is a partner song that can be sung simultaneously with another song.
Ms Mairead Maguire is accompanying the children on piano and Mr Killian Dunne is accompanying on Guitar. Ms Maguire, Mr Dunne and Ms Elmes direct the choir.
Dublin Youth Choir began in January 2017 with the launch of Dublin Youth Chamber Choir. 24 young singers between 14 and 18 years were chosen to perform challenging choral music in this exciting new chamber choir for young singers.
Directed by Lynsey Callaghan, the singers receive expert tuition from experienced vocal tutors and highly skilled musicianship staff. The young singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from medieval and renaissance music to compositions by living composers.
Dublin Youth Chamber Choir was delighted to win the Youth Choir category of RTÉ Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas competition in 2017. In 2018, Dublin Youth Chamber Choir made its debut performance in the National Concert Hall, took part in a recording project for the Royal Albert Hall, and is preparing to compete in an international choral competition in 2019.
Piece: O Magnum Mysterium - Tomas Luis de Victoria (c. 1548-1611) Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
Dublin Youth Choir began rehearsing in September 2017. The choir rehearses every Tuesday in the Unitarian Church, Stephen's Green. The singers develop skills relating to aural awareness and musical literacy, placing emphasis on musicality and a direct engagement with music.
The singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from medieval and renaissance music to compositions by living composers. 2018 was a busy year for Youth Choir as they made their debut performance in the National Concert Hall, took part in a festival with American choirs in Maynooth, and performed in Christ Church Cathedral. They also began DYC Voices for Change - a scheme whereby they partner with a different charity every year in order to raise funds for that charity.
This year, DYC helped to raise money for Down Syndrome Ireland. In 2019, DYC will record their first CD - they can't wait! The social side of the choir is very important and great friendships have already been developed through DYC hot chocolate nights.
Piece: Hark! (in 7/8) - Felix Mendelssohn, arr. Steven Landau Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
Founded in 2006 with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir is part of the unique Belfast Philharmonic structure of choirs for young singers in Northern Ireland.
Young singers have the opportunity to sing weekly with a highly trained group, combining singing with games and musicianship training. Musicianship sessions take place in small groups using pitching and rhythm games and introducing solfa and notation reading using Kodály philosophy. The Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály believed that musical understanding through singing reaches everyone.
As well as taking part in regular recitals, in recent years the Youth Choir has taken part in concerts with the Ulster Orchestra. In 2017, they took part in a concert performance of Puccini’s La Bohème with Belfast Philharmonic Choir in association with NI Opera. Between 2016 and 2017, the young singers took part in two workshop days with Cór na nÓg, one in Belfast and one in Dublin. In December 2017, the choir travelled to Dublin again to sing Britten's 'Saint Nicolas' with Tallaght Choral Society.
In September 2018, Youth Ensemble was formed out of Youth Choir for the older singers. This recording features only the youngest singers of the Youth Choir. It was recorded at their Christmas concert on 1st December.
Piece: Christmas Day - Elaine Agnew *New Choral Work/RTÉ Choral Commission Accompanist: Gail Evans - piano, Andrew Thompson - triangle Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
The Cross Border Youth Choir was formed in October 2017 and made its debut public performance in Belfast that same weekend. The choir comprises two regional choirs: the Belfast Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Dublin Youth Chamber Choir.
The two groups first came together to take part in a workshop with the BBC Singers through the BBC 10 Pieces Coaching Scheme in April 2017 and the sound was so inspiring that it began a more permanent relationship between the two ensembles. In October 2018, Cross Border Youth Choir won the National Youth Choir competition at the City of Derry International Choral Festival.
Cross Border Youth Choir represented the island of Ireland in the Royal Albert Hall, London in October 2018. Featured as a satellite choir, they performed in the world premiere of 'The Great War Symphony' by composer Patrick Hawes. They performed alongside the National Youth Choirs of Scotland, the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, and London Youth Choir. It was a great honour to perform the movement entitled 'The Dead Soldier'.
Cross Border Youth Choir has a number of collaborative projects planned for 2018-19. As Dublin Youth Choir is still in its infancy, the Belfast Youth and Chamber Choirs have provided great inspiration to create a comparable structure of choral music education in Dublin.
Both ensembles are conducted on a weekly basis by Lynsey Callaghan. It is therefore fitting that the two organisations have come together to make beautiful music and to learn from each other. Through workshops, rehearsals, and informal performances, great friendships have already been created and there is much excitement for the future.
Piece: Silent Night - Franz Gruber, arr. Barry Rose Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
St. Joseph’s School Choir was formed in 1998 and has in the current school year approx. 100 students from classes 3rd to 6th with 3rd being the newcomers this September. The Choir rehearse every Tuesday from 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s School Choir performs for the school community regularly and at many local events to include the turning on of the Christmas Lights in Tipperary Town, Carol Singing Downtown in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul and by invitation to other local events.
The School Choirs at St. Josephs have made many CDs over recent years to include 2 Christmas CDs and 2 Springtime CDs and indeed were featured on the Lyric FM Christmas CD in 2012 with the RTE Concert Orchestra.
This is the Choirs 8th time entering the ‘Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition’ and we were thrilled and delighted to be runners up in our section in Dec. 2011, winners in 2014 and 2017.
Our most recent Claim to Fame was on November the 14th when we were invited to sing at the Launch of the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal in Dublin in the company of Ryan Tubridy. We had a fantastic time.
Our Choir Teacher is Ms. Helen Colbert.
We hope you enjoy our song for this year; it’s called Candy Covered Gingerbread House
Cairde are a County Wexford based, nine member A Capella group formed in September 2017. As the name suggests, they are a group of close friends who met whilst performing in Vocare choral group under the inspirational leadership of the late Sue Furlong.
Cairde have, to date, performed as guests at various concerts in the greater Wexford area. They participated in the 2018 Irish International A Capella Festival in Dublin. They are currently working on new repertoire.
Cairde’s musical influences come from all periods and genres with everything from Classical to Jazz, from Mozart to Lennon and of course, Animal from the Muppets!
Piece: The Coventry Carol, Trad, arr John Dankworth.
The Montfort Youth Choir is in existence for the past six years and consists of approximately fifty mixed members whose ages range 9 – 18 years.
The repertoire that the choir perform is predominantly selections from musical theatre shows. The choir has performed in every major venue in Cork including the Opera House, Everyman Theatre and City Hall.
The choir have sung alongside international sopranos Cara O’Sullivan and Majella Cullagh. In addition to this, they have performed alongside Lionel Richie in front of an audience of over 4000.
The choir’s Musical Director is Michelle Cooke.
Piece: All I Want for Christmas is You (SSA) Artist: Mariah Carey Arranger: Roger Emerson Publisher: Hal Leonard Piano Accompanist on Recording: Michelle Cooke
We are a children’s choir based in Monkstown and affiliated with the Dun Laoghaire Choral Society. Our age range is from 7-12 years old, we provide music making and choral singing opportunities for our members at the highest standard and in the most fun way. The Supertones children’s choir invite you to join them on a journey through a marshmallow winter wonderland!
Song: A Marshmallow World, by Carl Sigman & Peter de Rose Accompanist: Piano - Zacharie Fetchati, Glockenspiel - Julie Shanley Choir Director: Julie Shanley
Ascolta Vocal Ensemble is an a capella choir based in Dublin which was set up in November 2017. It is a group of 12 singers working in various professions but who all wish to continue singing and have music in their lives. As an unconducted ensemble, the focus of Ascolta is to actively listen to one another to achieve blend and direction their sound. For this reason, the name 'Ascolta' was chosen, as it is an Italian word meaning "listen".
We have performed 'O Magnum Mysterium', by Tomás Luis de Victoria. This piece is unaccompanied.
Choir Director: Audrey Keogan
Maynooth University Chamber Choir was founded in 1986, specialising primarily in the performance of sacred repertoire of the Christian canon from the renaissance to the present day. The choir has an established tradition of commissioning and promoting new music and regularly presents premières of works by Irish composers.
The past three decades have brought many exciting successes on national and international platforms through the group’s involvement in choral festivals and competitions, television, radio, and recording projects.
In July 2015, the choir became the first Irish choir to lift the coveted Pavarotti Trophy as ‘Choir of the World’ at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. In March 2016, in celebration of their victory at Llangollen, they undertook a trans-world tour, performing in Ireland, New York, Boston, Shanghai, Changzhou, Guangzhou, Arizona, and Denver.
Their recently-released CD recording ‘Lorica’ features newly-commissioned works by Irish composers and other choral favourites. In 2016, the choir competed in the Cork International Choral Festival, winning first place in both the mixed voice and church music categories.
Piece performed: 'Mary had a baby', arranged William Dawson Soloist Emer Phelan Choir Director: Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh
Maynooth Education Campus Choir was established in 2015. It is a mixed voice choir consisting of students from first to sixth year. The choir is not audition based and prides itself on its inclusive ethos. All students from the school community are encouraged to participate in what is a musical celebration of cultural diversity through the medium of choral singing. Currently the choir numbers over one hundred students with proud choir director, Ms. Erin Dollard.
The choir enjoys a busy performance schedule including a Christmas concert, school welcome ceremonies and graduations, fund raising events in the local community, concerts for local senior citizens, and of course…. competitions!
The choir achieved 1st place at the Navan Choral Festival in 2017. The students were thrilled with their performance on the day and eagerly await the next opportunity to sing their hearts out!
This performance is a popular Christmas tune named Carol of the Bells, composed by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych and arranged by Ms. Rebecca Haslam.
Choir Director: Ms. Erin Dollard
Bennekerry N. S. Choir was established in 2011, under the direction of Ms. Ann Brolly, nee Minchin. It is a mixed choir and comprises of students from third, fourth, fifth and sixth class. We do not conduct auditions for our Choir as we want to give all pupils the opportunity to partake and benefit from being team members.
The choir has a busy calendar performing for major school events and Ceremonies including an annual Carol Service and Communion and Confirmation. Students rehearse every Monday after school and often have additional lunchtime rehearsals before a major event. Our repertoire is an eclectic mix of classical, popular and Broadway. The choir provided an opportunity to its students to engage in the joy of music and song.
Bennekerry National School have had the pleasure of being winners of the Biddy Mc Guire Cup (Junior Choir Competition) at the Aims Choral Festival, New Ross in 2017, and being highly commended in the same competition in 2018.
Piece: Believe form the movie "The Polar Express". Words and Music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, arranged by Mark Hayes. Paino Accompanist: Yvonne collier Choir Director: Ann Minchin Brolly
Cór Fingal is a mixed voice adult choir founded in 2017 by members of the former Enchiriadis Chamber Choir, and alumni of Fingal Youth Choir. In 2018 they were winners of the Sacred Music category at the Navan Choral Festival.
Piece performed: We Three Kings, composed by John H. Hopkins, arrangement by Eoin Conway
Salerno School Choir is unique in that it involves a mix of secondary school students from across all year groups. These talented young people meet for a brief half hour during their lunch every Wednesday to share the joy of choral singing. The driving force behind their efforts is the sense of well-being and belonging they feel when they meet and share the fun of achieving the best sound that they can. These Sal Gals are the happiest Collection of Cheerful Choristers in Connaught.
Song: Mary Did You Know by Pentatonix, Arrangement by Carmel Doolan Piano accompaniment by Mark Halton
Glasnevin Educate Together NS choir was formed in February 2018 by the school PTA. They meet once a week after school - all are welcome! The choir sings songs that they themselves pick and the ethos of the choir is to enjoy singing and have a great time!
Piece - Jingle Bell Rock by Joe Beale and Jim Boothie arranged by Mac Huff Choir leader: Ciarán Kelly
Cork Chamber Choir is a project oriented choir that sings a mixture of a capella and accompanied music. It was founded in 2005 and now conducted by Tom Crowley. In the past couple of years we have work shopped and performed a full suite of new music with Ian Wilson (Teampaill Fuaime), and had new pieces written for us by other renowned composers Solfa Carlile, Sam Barker and Ben Hanlon.
The group is a mixed choir comprising up to 25 voices. The repertoire is varied including modern, traditional and established pieces. The choir has given performances abroad in October 2014 in St Mark’s Church, Zagreb, Croatia and all over Cork City and county, including the Honan Chapel UCC; The Crawford Art Gallery; Cork Courthouse; Triskel Christchurch; Blackrock Castle Observatory; St. Peter’s Church, Bandon; St. Anne’s Church, Shandon; St. Luke’s Church; Fota House; Civic Trust House; The Spiegeltent and St. Fachtna’s Church, Rosscarbery; Cork Opera House.
The choir will be performing in the Cork Opera House Christmas Concert, Monday 17 & Tuesday 18th December 2018.
The piece is “Glow” by Eric Whitacre. It is a Christmas song commissioned by Disney in 2013 for the World of Color – Winter Dreams show. It describes a dream-like winter snow scene and instills a warm feeling (a glow!). Eric Whitacre is a Grammy-winning composer that last visited Ireland in June 2018. The accompanists in the recording were: Nuala Ni Chanainn (violin 1), Brian Murray (violin 2), Niamh Brennan (viola), Aisling Fitzpatrick (cello) and Emily Crowley (piano). Choir Director: Tom Crowley
The choir is made up of second and third year music students and they particularly enjoy performing Christmas music!
Conductor: Jo Ann O’Connor Accompanist: Maura McAuliffe
The National Folk Theatre Choir is a sub-section of the National Folk Theatre, based in Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Co Kerry. We are a mixed-voice choir and have been incredibly busy since we were established in September 2015. Our repertoire includes both modern and traditional Irish and English pieces. We perform annually at our Ceiliúradh na Nollag, a celebration of Christmas carols, along with supporting the National Folk Theatre performing company when the need arises.
In 2016 we performed as part of the celebrations for the 1916 Centenary, and sang an arrangement of Róisín Dubh accompanied by traditional instruments at Banna Beach where President Michael D. Higgins was in attendance. In 2017 we competed at the Navan Choral Festival in the Irish Language Category and were runners up in that competition. In 2018 we performed for the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall when they visited Ireland and we also we part of the community choir during the Papal visit at Croke Park during the Summer of 2018.
Our aim is to achieve a high standard of music-making and to collaborate/engage with other groups whilst also heightening the profile of the National Folk Theatre.
Piece: Le Coinnle na nAingeal -A traditional a cappella carol arranged by Fr Pat Ahern Choir Director: Geraldine Hurley
The Marine Singers is a 20-strong mixed voice choir, formed in 2013 for the first Choir Factor competition in Galway. It was originally made up of staff from the Marine Institute based at Rinville, Oranmore but now has wider membership. The singers have been active in numerous charity and seasonal events and competitions, including winning the National Workplace Choir of the Year in the National Concert Hall, in 2015. The choir recently welcomed Oranmore conductor and soprano Helen Hancock to take the baton as their new conductor.
Musical Director Helen Hancock Marine Singers Entry is Christmas Song. We hope you enjoy it. Words and music by Mel Torme and Robert Wells and arranged by Peter Gritton
In September 2018, 30 second-class pupils were chosen to take part in Dublin Youth Choir's exciting new initiative - Junior Choir. Alongside their choral singing, the young singers receive musicianship training through a Kodály-inspired musicianship programme.
Directed by Lynsey Callaghan, the singers receive expert tuition by experienced vocal tutors and highly skilled musicianship staff in the heart of Dublin's city centre. The 7-8 year olds will continue in Dublin Youth Junior Choir until they are ready to audition for Training Choir, then Youth Choir, and eventually even Chamber Choir! The Junior Choir members love their rehearsals and they are particularly grateful to the new DYC music assistants Imogen, Callum, and Costanza, all of whom sing in Chamber Choir and help every week with Junior Choir.
Piece: Suo Gan - Traditional Welsh melody, arranged by Stuart Hope
Accompanist: David Callaghan
The Institute of Education Chamber Choir is in its infancy, having been founded by Dr. Susan McCormick just a year ago, with a group of ten 6th year Leaving Certificate pupils. The Chamber Choir has since grown in number and now comprises of the original group of singers (now past pupils) together with some current 5th and 6th year Institute of Education pupils.
Institute of Education Chamber Choir singing ‘That’s Christmas to Me’ - a 5 part a cappella work by Katy Clark and Penny Clark.
Carúl Loch Garman (The Wexford Carol), a traditional carol based on an arrangement by Curtis Hanson and performed by the choir of Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan, conducted by Áine Uí Choinne and accompanied by the school's harp ensemble under Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla.
Is aoibheann le cór Ghaelscoil Dhún Dealgan canadh ag ócáidí speisialta i rith na scoilbhliana, sa scoil agus sa chomhphobal. The choir of Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan loves to sing at special occasions during the school year, both in school and in their community. For this recording the choir is joined by the school's newly- formed harp ensemble, an initiative supported by Music Generation. They especially enjoy singing this arrangement of 'Carúl Loch Garman', a translation of 'The Wexford Carol'.
We are a male voice choir of 30 stout-hearted men founded in 2003. The Baldonnel singers has performed at a range of concerts and special events throughout the country, including performances in the National Concert Hall with Celine Byrne, in Lansdowne Road at the invitation of the IRFU, and in 2013 in three performances at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with tenors Paul Linehan and Patrick Hyland as part of Ireland's EU Presidency.
The choir are regular performers in Kildare and throughout the country in aid of local and national charities as well as attending choral competitions and music festivals in Ireland and abroad. The choir have participated in choral festivals in Barcelona and in 2016 in Prague. In May next year the choir plan to visit and perform in Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.
We continue to develop a wide repertoire of famous opera choruses, musical standards, and popular world and Irish favourites. Members are from a wide range of occupations, including self-employed, business and commerce, communications, IT and the military. We rehearse weekly on Tuesdays at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel by kind permission of the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps.
The Choir perform here “I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In)" a Traditional English Christmas carol arranged by John Leavitt.
Our Musical Director is David Lanigan, who is the Music Teacher at St Mary’s College Naas.
The accompanist for the piece is Maire Mannion from Naas
Cantate is a small and vibrant, award-winning group of mixed voices and is directed by the highly accomplished choral and orchestral conductor, Elaine Kelly. Elaine has been Musical Director of Cantate since 2015 and has been conductor of the Dublin Symphony Orchestra since 2017. Cantate sings a varied repertoire of music including choral, madrigal and sacred works as well as contemporary classics.
The choir was formed in Monkstown, Cork in 2006 and performs at local and charity concerts as well as in various choral festival competitions around Ireland. Cantate had a spectacular trio of wins in 2018 comprising of first place trophies from Feis Maitiu Corcaigh, Feile an tSamhraidh and AIMS Choral Festival in New Ross. Cantate also performs regularly at weddings and corporate events.
Entry Piece: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Words & Music by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane, Arranged by Russ Robinson.
Westport Youth Choir comprises ten singers aged between 14 and 18; all but one are former members of Westport Children's Choir who wanted to carry on singing after they became too old for that choir.
The choir is directed by Eriko Uehara Hopkinson, and was formed in 2016; repertoire ranges widely, from baroque to classic soul and contemporary pop and rock. The members are encouraged to take an active part in running the choir, for instance in selecting and arranging material, or helping with publicity and fundraising.
Terenure Singers is a new choir, formed in September of this year. There are 30 girls in the choir aged between 10-14, all living in and around the Terenure area. They practice in St. Joseph's parish hall on Thursday evenings. The choral director is Anne Keating. They have chosen to sing John Rutter's Nativity Carol in two parts. The accompanist is Niamh Mc Donough and the soloist is Carrie Strahan.
St. Columbanus’ N.S. is a Co-Educational school in Ballivor, Co. Meath. We have a senior choir which in the current school year is made up of boys and girls from 4th, 5th and 6th classes.
The choir participates in an annual carol service in December. The choir also performs at Confirmation and First Holy Communion ceremonies.
Music plays an important part in the life of our school and this is evidenced by the children’s commitment to their weekly choir rehearsals.
We sang the song 'Away in a Manger', which was composed by Alan Woods.
The piece was accompanied by David Bartley on the piano and the traditional Irish flute.
The choir director is Mary Kelly.
This 50-strong choir is comprised of boys and girls aged 7 to 11 years. It performs at least twice yearly and presents repertoire from the Children’s Choral Literature, many from the pens of Irish composers such as Brian Boydell, John Buckley, Sue Furlong and Havelock Nelson.
Highlights of the choirs experience in recent years, was a recording of a CD, a performance for the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese on the occasion of her official visit to the School in 2008 and in 2011 participation in the CSM performance of Ralph Vaughan William’s Hodie. The children have also given guest performances at the Cork International Choral Festival. The choir is under the direction of Maria Judge, Head of Musicianship and Academic Studies and their accompanist is Deirdre Long.
Cork School of Music Junior Childrens' Chorus in Benjamin Britten's A New Year Carol (from Friday Afternoons), directed by Maria Judge, accompanied by Deirdre Long.
Music has always played an important role in Scoil Naomh Fionán, a small country school just outside the village of Nohoval, Co. Cork. From first class upwards, children learn the recorder and in fifth and sixth class, all pupils learn the ukulele. Third to sixth class attend annually the Cork Pops Orchestra concerts in Cork City Hall and love the experience of seeing a live orchestra. All children from third class upwards also sing in the school choir, although for this performance of Sleigh Ride, second class joined in also!
Under the tutelage of their music teacher, Mary McCague, the choir enjoyed success at the Feis Maitiú Corcaigh in 2018, winning the folk song competition and placed third in the unison singing competition for primary schools.
The children really enjoyed the experience of taking part in the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition.
Song Choice: Sleigh Ride Composer: Leroy Anderson Arranged: Mary McCague Choir Director: Mary McCague Accompanist: Mary McCague Percussion: Woodblocks - Isabel McCarty, Clodagh O'Kelly Jingle bells - Joshua Coveney, Ella Cunningham, Eimear Good, Donagh McCarthy, Izak O Riordan, Ollie McCarthy
Nás na Rí Singers are a mixed-voice choir of nearly 80 members, based in Naas, Co. Kildare. Members are drawn not just from Naas, but from all over Kildare, Wicklow and Dublin.
Among our members are singers who have been proudly singing with us from the very first day, and singers who have been with us for just a few months. The choir has a very active outreach programme, including collaborations with young emerging musicians, local youth choirs and schools, and has been successful in raising thousands of euro for a number of local charities, including the Nás na Riogh Housing Association, McCauley Place; Our Lady & St David's Church Restoration Fund; St Vincent de Paul; Michael Garry House; HOPE(D); and the Scoil Bhríde Parents' Council. Members of the choir also perform annually at Christmas for the Mill Lane and Larchfield Nursing Homes.
Piece performed- Sussex Carol by David Willcocks Accompanist- Judith Gannon Choir Director- Nathan Barrett
The Donegal Youth Choir is made up of young singers from all over the county. We even have members from Arranmore and Tory islands who need to travel by ferry to get to rehearsals.
The choir meets once a fortnight is one the performing groups under the Donegal Music Education Partnership. We are currently in its 10th year of existence.
The choir have premiered works by Irish composers such as Elaine Agnew and Vincent Kennedy. They have performed as one of the choirs for conductor training in NUI Maynooth run by Choral Music Experience and conducted by Doreen Rao. They have also performed at Electric Picnic, The Mansion House Dublin for CME’s Big Sing, Grianan Theatre, Balor Theatre and in 2016 were one of the choirs involved in the Shaun Davey premiere on RTE ‘One Hundred Years a Nation’.
The choir travelled to Lourdes earlier in this year also to perform there with Joe Walsh Tours. We also regularly perform with the Ulster University choir & chamber choir. This group of young people are aged from 13-18 years old. We are very proud of this special group, the bond we share and the music we make together. Many of our choir members have shared storied about how the choir has helped them through difficult times and helped them be more confident and overall happier, making friendships to last a lifetime. We love performing all genres of music from classical to Irish traditional, pop and music theatre.
The conductor of the Donegal Youth choir is Sara Laughlin, a secondary school music teacher and piano & vocal tutor from Donegal. Sara is passionate about choral music and its impact on the lives of young people, she is also passionate about music education, especially in our own County.
Piece performed: The Christmas Lullaby Composer: John Rutter Choir Director & Conductor: Sara Laughlin Accompanist: Evan McGarrigle
Grosvenor Chorale, formed in 1993 by their conductor Edward Craig, brings together singers from a diverse range of backgrounds, mainly from the Greater Belfast, South Antrim and North Down areas. They have just celebrated their 25th birthday with a party at Belfast City Hall and are delighted to be part of RTE Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas.
Edward Craig hails from Saintfield and has been the Head of Music at Carrickfergus Grammar School for the past sixteen years. Edward’s choral ethos is one of being open to all those who are willing to be completely dedicated to the group and their aspiration for excellence. Each member is encouraged to use their personal strengths to support the whole team and build a trust between each other.
The choir has performed in a wide range of venues and have won several awards over the years throughout Ireland; they have been finalists in the prestigious BBC National Choir of the Year competition on two occasions and of course the RTE Lyric FM Choir for Christmas.
However, Grosvenor is not only about the time spent rehearsing, performing, broadcasting or competing. It is also a great social network where deep friendships have been forge! It actively supports local charities throughout the year at their performances – this Christmas supporting the work of Northern Ireland’s Dementia Charity – and have a loyal group of supporters called the Friends of Grosvenor. The choir loves welcoming new friends on Facebook and Twitter and their website is www.grosvenor-ni.org
Piece: "O Nata Lux De Lumine" is a motet composed around 20 years ago by Morton Lauridsen with text taken from the popular resource, Cantiones Sacrae, 1575. It translates as:
O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, Mercifully deign to accept the praises and prayers of your supplicants. O you who once deigned to be hidden in flesh on behalf of the lost, Grant us to be made members of your blessed body.
Carrickfergus Grammar School Choir are delighted to be part of Lyric FM's Choir for Christmas again this year. Their 70+ members are drawn from Years 11 to 14 and over the years they have enjoyed going on tour to places such as Prague, Paris, throughout England and of course to Dublin on several occasions where they have had the honour of performing for President Higgins.
Early next year they plan to go on tour to the musical city of Vienna. They have had some success too at both nationally and internationally winning Gold at the Prague Music Festival, have twice been Runners Up in the BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year competition and have also had past success in this wonderful Choir for Christmas competition. They are directed by the school's Director of Music, Edward Craig.
As they enter this year, they would like to wish their retiring Principal, Kieran Mulvenna, a very happy retirement in 2019 and thank him for all the support her has given them, particularly over the past 10 years.
Piece: "O Magnum Mysterium" is a motet composed Tomas Luis da Vittoria and based on the responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas. It translates as:
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, That animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was counted worthy to bear The Lord, Jesus Christ. Alleluia!
St. Mary's High School, Downpatrick is a girls secondary school established by the Sisters of Mercy 61 years ago. Music is a very popular extra curricular activity in school with many pupils staying behind to take part in a variety of ensembles. At this time of year the choir play a very active role in the community singing in the local nursing homes and hospitals.
The piece the Chamber Choir will perform is Quem Pastores. It is an 11th Century Carol and this 3 part unaccompanied setting is arranged and directed by the Head of Music Cathal Murphy.
The Clongowes Mothers Community Choir was formed in 2017 by Liz O'Kane and consists mainly of mothers of students in Clongowes Wood College, Clane Co Kildare. However, the choir is open to everyone within the wider Clongowes Community, including parents of former students and teachers.
The 'Mothers' travel every week to the school from as far afield as Dublin, Meath, Louth and Kilkenny, and they all love singing! In their time as a choir they have performed for Hazel Hall nursing home in Clane, sang at the launch of the book 'Without You Living with Loss' and most recently partook in the 'Messiah from Scratch' in the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Piece: 'In the Bleak Midwinter' by Gustav Holst Accompanist: Anne Conaghan (organ and piano) Verse 2 Duet: Niamh Lannen and Brenda Barrett Verse 3 Solo: Sean Lannen Choir Director: David Scott
Mercy Mounthawk is a mixed secondary school in Tralee, Co. Kerry consisting of over 1,200 pupils. This recording features our mixed-voice choir, consisting of between 50 and 60 students from 1st year right through to 6th year. The choir promotes a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued.
Over the past few years the choir has focused on a varied repertoire from sacred music to secular and modern music in two and three parts. They perform at all school events throughout the year including masses, awards nights, assemblies, parents’ nights and our Christmas Carol Service.
They have previously competed in the Cork and Limerick Choral festivals and were the overall winners in the mixed voice section at the Cork Choral festival in 2015. The main aim of the choir is to promote singing, to provide performance opportunities for our students as well as giving them experience in teamwork, commitment and working towards achieving a goal.
This recording features a 3-part version of “Do you hear what I hear?” arranged by Mark A. Brymer, with words and music by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne. The choir is trained and directed by Caitríona O Sullivan, Sinéad Muldoon Walsh and Karen O Carroll, music teachers at the school. The accompanist is Anna Connolly.
Cantores Chamber choir was founded in 2017 and consists of students originally from Waterford. We rehearse during the summer while the members are home from college or finished secondary school. Our age ranges from 16-23 years old. We sing a wide variety of repertoire and perform annually in the city.
Piece Performed: Away in a Manger- Ola Gjielo Soprano soloist: Rebekah Mullane Conductor: Fearghal Ó' Conchubhair
Ardú are Ireland's premier mixed voice contemporary a cappella ensemble. They have performed nationally and internationally, winning prizes at the Derry Choir Festival and Cork International Choral Festival, as well as continuing performance and education work in Dublin.
In January 2018 Ardú launched a brand new a cappella chorus, made up of twenty singers from all over Ireland. Ardú Chorus have performed on BBC television and radio, and in October 2018 they were awarded first place in the Popular music section at Derry Choir Festival. Both groups are directed by Ciarán Kelly.
Piece - Text Me Merry Christmas by David Javerbaum & Adam Schlesinger, Arranged by Alan Billingley
Director: Ciarán Kelly
The Plurabelles are a small chamber choir of girls voices, aged between 12 and 18 years, based in Dublin, Ireland. The group grew from a number of singing students who were already experienced soloists, instrumentalists, and members of duet and trio ensembles. The group first came together at a summer camp in 2016, and performed their first concert as The Plurabelles in August 2017.
In their first year, the girls headlined a Unicef event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Ireland's ratification of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, and won the Junior section of the inaugural Clontarf Choral Festival. In July 2018, they travelled to the World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa, where they represented Ireland and were awarded a Silver Diploma in the Open Competition for Youth Choirs.
The choir is under the musical direction of Aine Mulvey, and their repertoire includes arrangements of Irish and international folksongs, classical art songs, sacred music, jazz, gospel and arrangements of popular songs.
Name of Piece: A New Year Carol Composer: Benjamin Britten Accompanist: Maire Mannion
The CSM Youth Vocal Ensemble is a youth choir for 14 to 18 years olds based in the CIT Cork School of Music. The choir rehearses on Fridays in the School of Music and its members come from all over Cork City. The choir sings a wide range of repertoire, from Renaissance music to contemporary arrangements and, combined with the CSM Senior Childrens' Chorus, were the winners of the National Youth Choir Competition in the Cork Choral Festival in 2013 and 2014.
Piece: Silent Night by Gruber, arr. Grace Bergin Conductor: Grace Bergin Accompanist: Michelle Cooke Choir: CSM Youth Vocal Ensemble
Castle Park School is situated near Bullock Harbour in Dalkey. The school, which is over 100 years old has a strong tradition of music and choral singing and all pupils take part in choir and music lessons every week.
The school's Senior Choir is made up of nearly 100 pupils from 5th and 6th class and they have been very excited to record their Christmas song this year. It is a busy time of year for these pupils as they prepare for their annual carol service and carol singing in the local old folks home.
Title: Christmas Calypso Composer: Colin Evans, Text by Gerry Wakelin (from the A&C Black book Sing a Christmas Cracker) Choir Director: Edel McKiernan Accompanist: Edel McKiernan (piano
The St. Mary’s National School Choir was formed in September 2017 as part of the music outreach programme run by the diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. The programme is brought to schools of the diocese by the Director and Assistant director of Music at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork, Peter Stobart and Phoebe Chow respectively. The choir includes all the children from 3rd Class – 6th Class. Rehearsals take place once a week on a Friday. The choir perform at Christmas concerts and other school events. The choir have recorded ‘Hurrying to Bethlehem’ by Witold Lutoslawski with musical director and accompanist Phoebe Chow.
Cólaiste Muire School Choir has 160 members ranging from second years to leaving certs. The choir is always busy and performs at masses, carol services, concerts, competitions and events for local charities. The choir have performed with Paul Byrom (Tenor), Regina Nathan (Soprano), The Harlem Gospel Choir, the Orchestra and Choir of Churchlands School in Perth, Australia, the University of Limerick Orchestra, the Limerick Choral Union and the Cork Youth Orchestra.
The choir’s most notable achievements are:
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Awards, including the Irish Federation of Musicians & Associated Professions Trophy, at the Cork International Choral Festival.
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A performance of the Vivaldi Gloria for the 150th anniversary of Coláiste Muire School.
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First place and an award for the best performance of the compulsory piece (in the Czech language) at the Young Prague Festival.
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First place and a certificate of Outstanding at the 2016 Chester Competitive Festival of Performing Arts, in England. The Choir was also awarded best overall choir of the Festival.
Song Details:
Title of Piece: No Eye Had Seen
Composer: Michael W. Smith
Lyricist: Amy Grant
Arranger: Mark Brymer
Performance Details:
Choir: Coláiste Muire School Choir, Ennis, Co. Clare
Conductor: Carmel Griffin
Piano: Shannon Hegarty (Student)
Violin: Lucy Galvin (Student)
Violin: Aoife Ní Ghormáin (Student)
Flute: Nessa Collins (Student)
Oboe: Ciara McMahon (Student)
French Horn: Erin McGillick (Student)
Harp: Richard Hayes (Teacher)
Glockenspiel: Geraldine Bradley (Teacher)
Keyboard Doireann Wylde
Recorded in Danlann an Chláir, Coláiste Muire, Ennis 6th November 2018
CGC is an adult community choir made up of 28 members and our director. We established the choir in last 2016 as a way for people to get out on a Monday evening for some singing and fun. We have settled into our group now and have women from all ages and from surrounding areas too. It brings community together and creates a sense of belonging and friendship. Singing release such amazing endorphins which we believe helps with mental health and general well being.
Our choir took part in the Sligo choral festival on 2017 and were delighted that we were announced as runner up in our gospel category. We were over the moon especially as we were a fairly new choir at that stage. We continue to meet in our local church every Monday evening for two hours and sometimes longer! We take part in local productions and have recently sang in a few local nursing home for Christmas to spread the festive cheer. We love our choir and love adding to our collection. We hope you like our piece.
Coolaney Gospel Choir, Coolaney, Co. Sligo Song The night that Christ was born Accompanied by Georgie Gorman Directed by Eileen Mc Devitt
This choir was formed in 2016 to sing at liturgies involving children and young people in the parish and join the Senior Choir for major liturgical occasions.
The two choirs also combine with Blanchardstown Brass Band to present an Annual Christmas Concert in the church and also perform in Draoicht - Blanchardstown’s own Arts Centre at an annual concert in aid of Coolmine Rehabilitation Centre.
The choir numbers about twenty four children with entire families as members and a mix of many ethnic backgrounds reflecting the area’s rich tapestry of cultures. They have also sung for broadcast mass on RTE television and will do so again in January to celebrate World Migrant Sunday.
Calypso Carol Composer: Michael Perry Arr. Jan Wolters Conductor: John White Keyboard Accompaniment: Michael Minnock Choir Director: John White
Trying to get these girls together to rehearse has proved a challenge in itself – the joys and fun of college life. However it’s amazing what a Friday evening around the Kitchen table can produce!! We debated whether or not to send but we love this competition and want to be part of it so here we are.
We decided to try some acapella singing this time and came across this lovely version of the classic Jingle bells – but slowed down and jazzed up – we hope you like our offering and as always thanks to Lyric for getting us all into the festive spirit.
Since our surprise victory last year these girls have been busy. They have sung locally a few times but mainly for pleasure here at home. Undoubtedly our crowning achievement were victories in the female voice and light touch competitions in the Aims Choral festival last May – all those years practising finally paid off with some silver ware.
Sunday morning Singers – Jingle bells arr Jay Rouse from a set of 3 Jazzy Bell Carols Conductor - Helen Colbert
The NUI Galway Staff Singers are a non-auditioned Workplace Choir made up of University staff, administrators, academics, researchers and post-grad students. The choir rehearses during lunch breaks and sends each member back to work refocused, refreshed and energised.
The NUI Galway Staff Singers perform a wide range of choral genres and enjoy performing at University functions as well as taking part in competitions and hosting visiting choirs. The choir is directed by voice teacher Michel Durham.
Performing - Suantraí ár Slánaitheora (The Christ Child's Lullaby) Traditional Scottish, translated to Irish by Séan Óg Ó Tuama and arranged by Fintan O’Carroll
Soloist -Featuring NUI Staff Choir member, Soprano Lorraine Gilchreest
Director Michel Durham
SCHOLA HYBERNIAE is a female a capella ensemble consisting of just 6 to 8 voices, specialising in plainchant and early polyphony. They were founded by director Giovanna Feeley in 2010 as a graduate group of St Patrick’s College Maynooth’s plainchant module.
Today members are drawn from a variety of larger choral groups, and all are experienced amateur or semi-professional singers. They are in demand for recitals, workshops and early music events nationwide, and have sung regularly in Castletown House, Trinity College, and festivals such as the Carrick-on-Shannon Water Music Festival, Music in Kilkenny, and National Heritage Week.
They have a particular interest in music from Irish manuscripts and chant in honour of Irish Saints, and have worked closely with Dr Ann Buckley of the AMRA project. They have featured on a number of recordings, including the Irish Song Project based at Queen’s University, Belfast.
THIS SUBMISSION for Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas sees them sing a modern setting of a fourteenth-century text. Scored for SSA, the six singers are: Caroline Dixon, Ciara Douglas, Giovanna Feeley, Claire Macken, Ailbhe nic Caba, Blathnaid nic Caba.
CHOIR: SCHOLA HYBERNIAE, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
DIRECTOR: Giovanna Feeley
Piece: Sweet was the Song
Text: Fourteenth-century text Sweet was the Song the Virgin Sang from William Ballet’s Lute Book, Library of Trinity College, Dublin.
Music: E. Feeley
Holy Child Killiney Junior Choir comprises 36 students from 1st and 2nd year. The Choir is a weekly extra-curricular commitment. Every year the choir sing at school Liturgies, Assemblies and Choral Festivals across the country.
Most recently, the HCK Choir came 2nd in the ‘National Youth Choir of the Year Competition’ at the Navan Choral Festival 2017 and the Junior Choir came 1st winning the Epworth Cup in the Two-part Choir competition at Wesley's Inter-schools Festival in 2016.
Last Christmas the school, Holy Child Killiney, celebrated their 70th Anniversary with a concert held in the RDS Arena, Dublin at which the Choir performed and headlined the event in front of 1,000 people.
The song is an SSA arrangement of Sing Ding-a Ding-a Dong! Music and words by Lynn Shaw Bailey. Piano Accompaniment: Bláth Conroy Murphy Choir Director: Hannah Masterson
We are so proud of our School Choir, a 70 strong group of extremely talented girls. This years entry is performed by our Senior members from 5th and 6th class, 30 in all.
The Choir was established six years ago by Director and Pianist Anna Kennedy. We are previous Feis Maitiu title holders, winning The Sr. M.Benedicta Memorial Perpetual Cup for Primary school Unison choirs(2015 and 2016) and the Soroptimist International Perpetual Trophy and bursary Unison or part choirs 13 years and under(2016).
We also took First Place in Cór Bhunscoile, Dhá Phairt and second place in Primary School Choirs two part at the Feis Ceoil Dublin in 2016.
Our entry song is: Carol of the Bells composed by Mykola Leontovych with lyrics by Peter J.Wilhousky.
The Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir is a 4 part choir (TTBB) comprising of 40+ singers. While they have a distinct Welsh ethos, over half the choristers are Irish. The choir was formed in 1966 and is still going strong. Their current musical director is Brian Murphy who took over in November 2016.
Recent engagements in the past year include two performances in Áras an Uachtaráin, one which was a dinner hosted for Prince Charles by The President. They also performed recently on the Claire Byrne Show in RTE studios and Vincent Browne's last ever show on TV3. In May 2017 they sung with the British and Irish Lions while they prepared for a trip to New Zealand.
Name of Piece: Joy to the World (TTB arrangement by Geraint Waters) Accompanist on piano: John Shera Choir Director: Brian Murphy
Holy Child Killiney Senior Choir comprises students from 3rd - 6th year. The Choir is a weekly extra-curricular commitment. Every year the choir sing at school Liturgies, Assemblies and Choral Festivals across the country. Most recently, the HCK Choir came 2nd in the ‘National Youth Choir of the Year Competition’ at the Navan Choral Festival 2017.
Last Christmas the school, Holy Child Killiney, celebrated their 70th Anniversary with a concert held in the RDS Arena, Dublin at which the Choir performed and headlined the event in front of 1,000 people.
The song is an SSA Spanish Traditional Carol called 'A La Nanita Nana' arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram. Piano Accompaniment: Bláth Conroy Murphy Choir Director: Hannah Masterson
We're the Cassidy Academy Choir, an amateur choir in Sandyford, Co. Dublin. We are passionate about making music and having a great time as we sing! We love singing Christmas songs and we truly believe the spirit of Christmas lies in music-making. We rehearse once a week in the Cassidy Academy of Music in Sandyford, and we put on one concert at the end of each academic year.
For the competition we have recorded 'Somewhere In My Memory' by John Williams from Home Alone and we have chosen to perform this unaccompanied. We hope you enjoy.
Junior Choir in Clongowes Wood College, C. Kildare, is comprised of First and Second Year students both from Ireland and overseas, where voices as yet remain unchanged. Junior Choir primarily functions as a ‘training’ choir, where choristers acquire the basics of good choral singing, such as learning to listen, working as part of a team, and many other valuable transferable skills.
Boys are encouraged thereafter to partake in the College’s Senior choir, where they will represent the school at many national choral festivals. There are 22 members in the choir, and they are directed by Anne Conaghan and accompanied by Catherine Heslin. Today, they are delighted to perform ‘Christmas Day’ by Elaine Agnew, directed by Anne Conaghan, accompanied on piano by Catherine Heslin, and on percussion by David Scott.
Piece: 'Christmas Day' by Elaine Agnew Accompanied by: Catherine Heslin, Piano and David Scott, Triangle Choral Director: Anne Conahan
In August 2009 The Carrigaline Choral Group was formed. Over the years they have hosted choirs from USA and Europe. The choir have been winners at Choral Festivals within Ireland. Cork International Choral Festival, Arklow Music Festival, Kilkenny Music Festival, and AIMS Festival in New Ross.
On the 3rd February 2017 the choir held a very successful Recital to raise funds on World Cancer Day for the Caroline Foundation (total raised €1,020). Last year was the first year of the fundraising campaign for The Caroline Foundation. On the 4th February 2018 - World Cancer Day - The Carrigaline Choral Group gave their second Recital for World Cancer Day and raised €1,300. 2019 World Cancer Day, Sunday 3rd February will see the choir for the 3rd year running give a Recital to raise funds for The Caroline Foundation Cancer research at St Vincent’s Hospital Dublin.
Saturday and Sunday 29th & 30th April 2017 the choir competed in the Cork International Choral Festival where they were awarded 2nd place in the Sacred Music Competition.
On Saturday 13th May and Sunday 14th May 2017 the choir hosted the world renowned English Composer, Arranger and Music Director John Rutter in the Curtis Auditorium Union Quay Cork on Saturday and City Hall Cork on Sunday for what was a very memorable occasion when John gave two superb Master Class, Singing Day Workshop’s. John Rutter has promised to return to Cork so watch out for the date.
Piece performed is "Jesus Jesus, Rest Your Head" an Appalachian carol arr. K.J Dinham Conductor details: Robbie Pender,
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School is a small coeducational school in the heart of Dublin 8. The St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School Choir is a mixed SATB all-inclusive choir made up of 65 students from across the school.
These singers are very dedicated and rehearse after school every Wednesday. They are regular participants and prize-winners at the ESB Feis Ceoil, Interschools Music Festival, Sligo and Navan Choral Festivals. The Choir are extremely excited about their upcoming tour to Barcelona in March 2019.
The Christmas season is particularly busy for the choir as they lead the school carol service, sing at the annual Carols for All service in St Patrick’s Cathedral and caroling for local charities. The choir loved performing and recording ‘Let it Go’ from the 2013 animated feature film Frozen which paints a winter scene with snow, ice, snowman and reindeer.
Conductor/ Choir Director: Ms. Áine Balfe Accompanist: Mr. David Leigh Soloist: Oonagh O’ Malley ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen Words and music by Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez and arranged by Mac Huff.
Cork RTAI Choir are a group of retired primary teachers who meet once a week to enjoy singing together. They take part in local masses and community concerts on a regular basis. In May 2016, they went on their first international Choir trip to San Marino. In June 2019, they will take a tour to the Island of KrK to meet with other choirs in Croatia.
Musical Director/Accompanist: Dr Mary G. O Brien
Song: On Christmas Night
Séidiú is a Clifden-based vocal ensemble consisting of 6 members of different ages and backgrounds – singers that have all been blown into Connemara (hence the Irish name Séidiú!).
The ensemble was formed in 2015 and has since then frequently performed at community events, most recently at the Clifden Arts Festival in September this year. Séidiú’s repertory consists of Italian renaissance music as well as newer Scandinavian pieces.
Cradle Song is recorded in the local brewery.
About the piece: Cradle Song is a Flemish traditional carol arranged by John Rutter. Words by John Rutter.
Choir director: Séidiú Vocal Ensemble is directed by mezzosoprano and music teacher Nína O’Farrell.
The Teresian Junior School Choir was set up by the school's Singing Specialist Kevin O'Sullivan in September 2015. The choir have sung at various school and community events and competed in the Feis Ceoil. The girls from 3rd to 6th class sing a wide range of music which include classical, popular and songs from the musicals.
"Ring out the bells" by Roger Emerson performed by the Teresian Junior School Choir conducted and accompanied by Kevin O'Sullivan
The Ursuline Singers are our school’s chamber choir. The choir was formed just over 12 years ago in November 2006. It is comprised of 43 students, divided into four parts. The Choir’s repertoire is predominantly unaccompanied and includes jazz, gospel classical, Irish, Latin American & medieval music.
The choir meets for 30 minute sectional rehearsals one afternoon a week. We meet for 35 minutes every Thursday lunchtime for full rehearsal. The choir participates in all of the school’s religious services and masses, and performs at the school’s annual musical evening. Over the past 12 years the choir has competed with great success at Feis Ceoil, and at the Cork International Choral Festival.
At the 2018 Cork Choral Festival the choir won the Post Primary Equal Voice Competition. We received the highest overall mark in the National Competition for Schools and were awarded the John Cunningham Trophy and the title of School Choir of the Festival.
The choir also undertakes an annual exam with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Since our first exam in 2013 the choir has consistently achieved a mark of distinction in its examinations. In recognition of these exam results, we have been invited on three occasions to perform at the Academy’s Gala Concert for High Achievers, which features performers from all over the country.
Recording: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Composer: Craig Courtney Conductor: Joan Butler
EY Choir is the workplace choir of Ernst & Young, and they have performed at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. The choir was founded in 2017, with two branches in Dublin and Belfast who share the same repertoire and come together for performances.
Piece performed: Medley — Angels We Have Heard On High / O Admirabile Commercium, arranged by Eoin Conway Accompanist: Eoin Conway Director: Cathal Clinch,
In Caelo is a chamber choir from Inistioge, County Kilkenny. The choir was formed in 2006 by Peter Nolan from members of the local parish choir who wanted to expand their repertoire. There has always been a strong tradition of singing and music in Inistioge dating back to pre-famine times when the village boasted a Brass and Reed band. There are currently sixteen choir members, who come from the Inistioge area and further afield in the county. Our repertoire is both spiritual and secular and ranges from Palestrina, Tallis, Mozart and Handel to John Rutter and Arvo Pärt, including traditional spirituals, light-hearted songs and popular arrangements. We sing for the love of singing but also enjoy stretching ourselves with new repertoire. We have sung at a number of music festivals and competitions over the years, winning prizes in Kilkenny and Tipperary. We regularly sing in concerts in the South-East and further afield.
The members of the choir are Peter Nolan and Elspeth Hayes (Directors), Sandra Proctor, Martina Murphy, Emily Quirk, Elaine Costello, Helen Heffernan, Francesca Watkin, Siobhan Maher, Polly Donnellan, Bernie Molloy, Úna Kavanagh, Peter Prendergast, Philip Hardy, Eddie Keher, Paul Martin.
Recording: Christmas-tide (1997) by Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) text Janet Lewis (1899 – 1998) Accompanist: Maria Comerford Directors information: Elspeth Hayes
The Childrens choir sing at the first Friday mass in school each month as well as Holy Communion and Confirmation Ceremonies during the school year.
The choir every second year take part in a Christmas Carol Service. This year we are performing with the Athlone Musical Society on the 12th of December for an evening of Carols and Musical classics. This year so far the choir have sung for the Alzheimer cafe in Athlone and will bring their carol singing to the Sonas nursing home to entertain the residents.
They are an extraordinary bunch of kids who love to sing and share their love of music and song with all who will listen.
We are submitting Mary Did You Know Music by: Buddy Greene. Lyrics by: Mark Lowry. This beautiful Carol was first recorded in 1991 by the song writing duo made popular by the country Artist Kenny Rodgers and sung by Kathy Maltea the opera star at a gathering in the White House. The arrangement the children are singing for voice and instruments was arranged by the Choir Director Aideen Bigley and accompanist Ellen Glennon..
Choir: St. Ciarans School Choir. Baylin Athlone. Director : Aideen Bigley. Accompanist: Ellen Glennon Soloist: Amy McGuinness Musicians: Tin whistles: Darragh Glennon, Lily O'Connor. Violins: Caitlin Dungan, Siun Lyons, Rihanna Lowe and Kate Stuart Trainor. Chimes: Grace Costello and Yasmin Keane. Button Accordian Finnan Canty.
The Childrens choir sing at the first Friday mass in school each month as well as Holy Communion and Confirmation Ceremonies during the school year. The choir every second year take part in a Christmas Carol Service. This year we are performing with the Athlone Musical Society on the 12th of December for an evening of Carols and Musical classics.
This year so far the choir have sung for the Alzheimer cafe in Athlone and will bring their carol singing to the Sonas nursing home to entertain the residents. They are an extraordinary bunch of kids who love to sing and share their love of music and song with all who will listen.
A Bonus Carol Away in a Manger is our first foray into harmony singing where the choir sing the last verse Accapella with Alto harmony.
Choir: St. Ciarans School Choir. Baylin Athlone. Director : Aideen Bigley. Accompanist: Ellen Glennon Soloist: Amy McGuinness Musicians: Tin whistles: Darragh Glennon, Lily O'Connor. Violins: Caitlin Dungan, Siun Lyons, Rihanna Lowe and Kate Stuart Trainor. Chimes: Grace Costello and Yasmin Keane. Button Accordian Finnan Canty.
The University of Limerick’s Chamber Choir was set up by it’s current director Róisín Hayes. The group have been singing together since October 2018 and are excited to begin their second season of music making. It is mainly made up of non-music students in the University of Limerick (UL), many of which are visiting international students that are here to experience student life in Ireland for one term only. Our Director is currently studying a Masters in Music Therapy at UL and is passionate about the health benefits of music and singing.
Song: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Words by: Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane arranged by Peter Gritton Choir director: Róisín Hayes
The choir is an SSA choir made up of fifth and sixth year students.
Santa Claus is coming to town (swing!)By Haven Gillespie and Fred Coots Arranged by Kirby Shaw Performed by St. Mary’s Secondary School Mallow- Senior Choir Conductor: Jo Ann O’Connor Accompanist: Maura McAuliffe
The Wesley College Senior Choir is a mixed voice SATB choir with members from 4th, 5th and 6th year. They loved recording their entry again this year. This is a busy Christmas season for the choir who have been performing both in school, in Dublin’s National Concert Hall with the Dublin County Choir as well as participating in Christchurch Taney’s Advent Songs of Praise.
The choir are looking forward to performing with Tommy Fleming on RTE Countrywide live from Airfield Estate. They travel abroad every year and enjoyed singing in Bath Abbey as part of their annual choir trip in February.
The Senior Choir performs at lots of different functions in the College, as well as in competitions around the country. Our weekly rehearsals are lively and noisy affairs out of which comes performances of a high calibre and great energy. This is a really great group of students who contribute hugely to the life of Wesley College and are an inspiration to pupils, staff and parents alike.
Piece: There is Faint Music by Dan Forrest Accompanist: Bethany Edgar Choir Director: Helen Doyle
This piece was written by 5th year music students at Ashton School, Blackrock Road, Cork as they began to learn to read and write music together. They collaborated with the first year music class to perform this piece. The lyrics, music and accompaniment were all written and performed by the children.
Accompanist/Music Teacher: Dr Mary G. O Brien
Instruments played by students: Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Bells & Violin
Cantairí Óga Átha Cliath is a female Voice choir based in St Louis Primary School, Rathmines. The choir was founded in 1960 by Proinsias O'Ceallaigh. Both Junior and Senior choirs enjoyed huge success over the years, under the baton of the late Brian O'Dubhghaill, winning awards in many competitions in Ireland and abroad.
The musical directors of the choir are Bernie Sherlock and Brian Dungan. Bernie became musical director of the Senior Choir in 2015, and since 2018 both Bernie and Brian conduct the Senior choir.
The Junior choir was re-formed in 2016 with Brian Dungan as conductor. The Junior choir is currently made up of 18 girls aged 8-12 from St Louis NS and other schools in the Dublin 6/ 6w area. We are proud to pass on our musical traditions to our younger members.
Over the last year the Senior Choir has travelled to the Sligo International Choral Festival winning 3 first prizes in Equal Voice, Sacred Music and four-part polyphony. They also competed in the International Choral Festival in May 2018 and were runners up in the Premier Competition.
Piece: 'Hodie Christus Natus Est ' composer Laura Sheils( 2016) Our musical Directors are Brian Dungan and Bernie Sherlock Brian Dungan conducted us for this piece.
Cantairí Óga Átha Cliath is a female Voice choir based in St Louis Primary School, Rathmines. The choir was founded in 1960 by Proinsias O'Ceallaigh. Both Junior and Senior choirs enjoyed huge success over the years, under the baton of the late Brian O'Dubhghaill, winning awards in many competitions in Ireland and abroad.
The musical directors of the choir are Bernie Sherlock and Brian Dungan. Bernie became musical director of the Senior Choir in 2015, and since 2018 both Bernie and Brian conduct the Senior choir.
The Junior choir was re-formed in 2016 with Brian Dungan as conductor. The Junior choir is currently made up of 18 girls aged 8-12 from St Louis NS and other schools in the Dublin 6/ 6w area. We are proud to pass on our musical traditions to our younger members.
Over the last year the Senior Choir has travelled to the Sligo International Choral Festival winning 3 first prizes in Equal Voice, Sacred Music and four-part polyphony. They also competed in the International Choral Festival in May 2018 and were runners up in the Premier Competition.
Piece: 'Ring The Bells' By Libby Larsen accompanied by Richard Mc Grath on piano Our musical Director is Brian Dungan
The Mount Sackville Junior Choir was formed in September 2013, and is open to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students of Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod, Dublin. The choir consists of about 60 girls, who rehearse on Wednesday afternoons with musical director Áine Mulvey and regular accompanist Aengus Ryan.
In 2015, they became the first ever winners of the “Corn Ui Chuinneagain” at the ESB Feis Ceoil competition in Dublin, which they won again the following year. The choir have had the honour of singing for President Higgins and in 2017 participated in a major choral concert in Mount Argus, Dublin raising over €11,000 for the charity Trocaire. The choir also sing at the school’s concerts and annual Carol Service, which this year will be held in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, on Tuesday 18th December.
Piece performed: "In Winter" Composer: Victor C. Johnson
The Killaloe Male Voice Choir was formed in January 2015 under the musical directorship of Anne Cullen. The choir has over 20 members and its expanding repertoire draws on classical and contemporary pieces in four parts including musical standards and popular world favourites. Over the last year the choir has performed at venues including St. Mary’s Cathedral Limerick and St. Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe, Co. Clare. Members come from a wide variety of occupations, backgrounds and musical experiences.
Musical Director Anne Cullen is a Music and Irish graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and the College of Music DIT in both piano and violin. She has a Masters in Music from CIT. A secondary school teacher, she has performed with many groups including the RTE orchestras and choirs as well as many musical and dramatic societies, choirs and soloists throughout Dublin and Kildare. At present, in addition to being Musical Director of the Killaloe Male Voice Choir she is the permanent accompanist for the Baldonnel Singers.
Title: Good News Name of Choir: Killaloe Male Voice Choir Name of Choir Director: Ms. Anne Cullen Composer: Jay Althouse Accompanying Pianist: N/A
Cuore is an award-winning chamber choir based in Dublin city under the direction of Amy Ryan. Our members who come from all parts of Ireland, Europe and beyond, share a common love of high quality choral music. We perform a broad repertoire of music, both sacred and secular, ranging from the Renaissance to the contemporary.
Since Cuore's foundation in 2014 we have won first prizes at most of the major festivals in Ireland including multiple trophies at Cork International Choral Festival earlier this year, and have collaborated with such groups as Kings Voices, Cambridge, Coro da Camera Ad Libitum (Spain) and Boulder Chorale (United States).
Piece: Hodie Christus natus est
Composer: Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621)
Conductor: Amy Ryan
For 120 years the Culwick has maintained an unbroken tradition of music-making in Dublin. The present Musical Director, Bernie Sherlock, follows a long line of distinguished conductors. With over 80 members drawn from all over Dublin and surrounding counties, the choir presents several major choral performances each year. The Society has over the years performed most of the major choral works and has been involved in many Irish premières, including Fanshawe's African Sanctus, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, the Missa Pro Victoria by Tomás Luis de Victoria, Panufnik’s Westminster Mass and Chilcott’s On Christmas Night.
Details of piece: The Lord of the Dance Arr. Stuart Nicholson Organ: David O’Shea
The DIT Youth Choir was newly re-formed in September 2018 and is open to students of the DIT Conservatory learning any instrument or voice – aged 9–13.
The DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama is a conservatoire centre of excellence for education in the performing arts.
Details of piece: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Arr. Alexander L’Estrange Piano: David O’Shea
We are Voices of the Boyne from Drogheda, Co. Louth, a brand new all-female community choir. The choir was formed after a call was put out on a local Facebook group during the summer for like-minded people who wanted to sing together, just for fun. We now have over 90 members and rehearse once a week.
Our rehearsals have become the highlight of our week and are filled with laughter, new friendships and lots of great music. Under the direction of Claire Grogan, we are delighted to represent the Boyne community for this year's competition.
We are singing Marshmallow World with words by Carl Sigman, music by Peter de Rose and arranged by Greg Gilpin.
Choir director is Claire Grogan
Sutton Park School Choir is from Dublin, Ireland. The choir is mixed voice and range in age from 12 to 18 years and have been singing under the direction of the Head of Music at the school, Fionnuala Howard since 1986.
The students frequently practice every day in free times in the music room in school as they love to sing. Usually they perform one big concert every year at Christmas in Howth, Co Dublin. The choir recorded an original single in aid of the Simon Community in 2014. The song, went to number one on the iTunes, world genre chart.
In 2016 The Choir performed on the stage of the Irish National Concert Hall as finalists in the Disney, ‘Song for 16’ Competition. In 2017 the Choir did a small tour and performance in Inishowen, Co Donegal. In March 2018 the Choir gave a public recital in Howth followed by an exciting 20 minute performance on Saint Patrick’s Day in Disneyland, Paris where the Choir gave a 20 minute performance of songs by the acclaimed songwriter Brendan Graham on the Videopolis stage in front of 4000 people. Brendan Graham visited the school in advance of the performance in Paris and gave a wonderful talk on the writing of You Raise Me Up. He also attended their preview concert on Mother’s Day in the Presbyterian Church in Howth 2017 where they collaborated with the French Pianist Emmanuel Cuche, a son of one of Ireland’s Eurovision entrants, Maria Christiansen.
Something Beautiful Words, music and vocal arrangement by Fionnuala Howard
The song was inspired by her reading of the 8th century autobiographical document The Confession of Patrick and by the though of the man's life as a child slave, homeless and cold on the mountains of Ireland. The inspirational thought that kept him going through his ordeal... Keep Something Beautiful always in your heart,
Even when the world is dark and things just fall apart,
Keep something beautiful out there in the cold,
Never lose the something beautiful you hold.
Instrumentalists: Piano: Fionnuala Howard. Guitar: Luke Howard, String parts and Percussion: Frank Mc Namara
Recorded by Frank Mc Namara at his Studio in Meath
The College Choir in Alexandra College from Milltown, Dublin is made up of students from 4th, 5th and 6th Year. We rehearse once a week after schools and sing at all the major school events, the Carol Service, Charity Concerts, End of Term Services.
It is a great way for girls from the different years to mix, and to combine through their love of singing
Piece performed- Silent Night Arr. N Barrett Choir Director- Nathan Barrett
Classic Harmony comes from Ashford in Co. Wicklow. This Vocal Ensemble are all members of one family and have sung together since the young people were very small and now produce a unique blended sound born of our familial relationship.
Four members are now Graduates n Music from TCD, NUIM and UL and the youngest, John is currently studying for his Degree in Jazz Performance and Composition at DCU. Four out of five members of the group are vision-impaired, including father - Frank who is a musical director of five choirs in Wicklow and a choir for blind and vision-impaired people in Dublin.The group sings in close harmony, a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment on Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Harp and Tin Whistle.
Classic Harmony are an award-winning ensemble having won many competitions including the Family Ensemble category at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin three years in a row, at the Derry International Choral Festival in 2016 and 2017 and the Mayo International Choral Festival in 2018. They were also finalists in The Soloist competition run by The Cross-Border Orchestra in 2018. They have appeared on television on RTE, TV3 and TG4 and on national and local radio. They have performed in concerts at local venues, at the National Concert Hall and at venues around the country including, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and St. Columba’s Long Tower in Derry and most recently at City Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Ann’s in Dawson St. Dublin as part of the Dublin International Choral Festival.
Classic Harmony have performed to small audiences of around 120 in the likes of the Whale Theatre in Greystones in June (where they have been asked to perform again on December 23rd 2018) and large audiences in the likes of the National Concert Hall or St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin where they wowed audiences of over 1000. They have also performed at Corporate functions such as Dublin City Council’s launch of the Dublin International Choral Festival and the launch of the Mayo International Choral Festival.
The Ensemble covers music in a wide range of genres from Classical to Traditional/Celtic and Popular/Jazz styles; and Christmas music from ancient to modern. Follow Classic Harmony on Facebook and Twitter to keep track of their performances, recordings etc. Upcoming next year; Classic Harmony will travel to Hollywood L.A. as part of Team Ireland in The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).
Gol Na mBan San Ár was composed by Kevin Volans for Uilleann Pipes and Orchestra and the world premiere performance happened at the National Concert Hall during New Music Dublin 2018, presented by New Music Dublin with the support of the NCH, RTÉ and The Arts Council.
In a truly continent-crossing concert, two celebrated contemporary composers Unsuk Chin (South Korea) and Kevin Volans (Ireland and South Africa) have each created new works to shine a light on the virtuosity of two extraordinary musicians with whom they have both worked extremely closely.
Wu Wei (China) and David Power (Ireland) are masters of two of the world’s most ancient instruments - the former the Chinese Sheng, and the latter Ireland’s very own Uilleann Pipes - and they bring this tradition and expertise to weave into two radical scores for soloist and orchestra.
Listen to Unsuk Chin's Šu for Sheng and Orchestra here: https://soundcloud.com/rtelyricfm/su-for-sheng-and-orchestra-by-unsuk-chin
Unsuk Chin’s Šu is a work for Sheng and Orchestra and was performed at New Music Dublin 2018, presented by New Music Dublin with the support of NCH, RTÉ and The Arts Council.
In this truly continent-crossing concert, two celebrated contemporary composers Unsuk Chin (South Korea) and Kevin Volans (Ireland and South Africa) - have each created new works to shine a light on the virtuosity of two extraordinary musicians with whom they have both worked extremely closely.
Wu Wei (China) and David Power (Ireland) are masters of two of the world’s most ancient instruments - the former the Chinese Sheng, and the latter Ireland’s very own Uilleann Pipes - and they bring this tradition and expertise to weave into two radical scores for soloist and orchestra.
Listen to Kevin Volans' Gol Na mBan San Ár for Uilleann Pipes and Orchestra here: https://soundcloud.com/rtelyricfm/gol-na-mban-san-ar-for-uilleann-pipes-and-orchestra-by-kevin-volans
The opening track 'Minutus ' from a late-night concert of music from Garth Knox and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, recorded at New Music Dublin 2018, with the support of the NCH, RTÉ and The Arts Council.
This intimate rendition of music comes from Garth Knox and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh's recent highly acclaimed album All Soundings Are True, recorded in the intimate surroundings of the NCH Studio. A chance to get up close and personal with Ó Raghallaigh’s beloved hardanger d’amore and Knox’s viola d’amore as they explore the frontiers of traditional music.
John Kelly speaks to the Grammy-nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Ravi Coltrane, about his father John Coltrane's recently discovered 1963 album, Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album.
In this concert interval Michael Lee profiles Einojuhani Rautavaara the musical voyager, as we mark the composer's 90th anniversary.
As we enjoy her String Quartet No.4 as part of the West Cork Chamber Festival 2018, Michael Lee explores the life and work of the fascinating Polish composer and violinist Grazyna Bacewicz,
Tonight's interval charts the amazing history of the last 21 years of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland while following the group through their final workshops in early 2017 for their large arena performances taking place across Ireland and the UK.
Mahler’s symphonies are such a central feature of our musical life these days that it’s hard to imagine a symphonic season without one. But it was not always thus; it took several decades before Mahler’s music got the recognition it deserved. In our interval feature, Sandy Burnett maps out its long and rocky road towards acceptance explores during our interval – his point of departure being a famous encounter between Mahler and another great symphonist, just over a century ago.
In this, the second of a two-part feature on chamber music in Ireland, Michael Murphy explores the prevalence of chamber music festivals in the company of Joachim Roewer, artistic director of the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival. He is joined by Fiachra Garvey and flautist, Miriam Kaczor who performs live with the Westland Wind Quintet. Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill Pine Valley Productions for RTÉ lyric fm.
In this, the first of a two-part feature on chamber music in Ireland, Michael Murphy talks to Cliona Doris about the Vanbrugh Quartet’s enormous influence not only through its live performances and recordings but also through its important mentoring engagements. Joachim Roewer, who is founding artistic director of the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival, discusses the phenomenon of chamber music festivals. Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill Pine Valley Productions for Lyric FM
Music therapy is a demanding clinical profession which is gradually expanding its presence in Irish hospitals, nursing homes and other health care environments. Many musicians and members of the public alike are curious about this profession. In this programme Michael Murphy talks to Hilary Moss, senior lecturer in music therapy at the University of Limerick, and to Celia Donoghue who has recently begun her career as a music therapist.
Music therapy is a demanding clinical profession which is gradually expanding its presence in Irish hospitals, nursing homes and other health care environments. Many musicians and members of the public alike are curious about this profession. In this programme Michael Murphy talks to Hilary Moss, senior lecturer in music therapy at the University of Limerick, and to Celia Donoghue who has recently begun her career as a music therapist.
Sandy Burnett looks at the fascinating phenomenon of child prodigies – young performers who from an early age turn out to be remarkably, if annoyingly, brilliant…
For this concert interval talk, Sandy Burnett reflects on the great success story of Finnish music and the early life of the man who did most to bring it about – although we start in unusual musical territory…
Sandy Burnett looks at the remarkable early career of Ludwig van Beethoven in Vienna – a place where he was rarely content to play by the rules.
Music education has never been as diverse as it is in today’s world. There are many different genres from classical to jazz, popular and traditional not to mention a variety of world musics. Equally there are many different pathways to teaching and learning. Michael Murphy talks to Diane Daly, John O’Flynn, Ruth Stanley and Majella Boland about their professional work in the field of music education in Ireland. This programme was researched and presented by Michael Murphy and was produced by Joe O’Dubhghaill of Pine Valley Productions.
Cork has a vibrant musical culture that embraces classical, traditional and popular genres. Susan O’Regan and Gerry Kelly spoke to Michael Murphy about various aspects of Cork’s musical heritage, from the 18th century right up to the present day. This feature was researched and presented by Michael Murphy, and produced by Joe O’Dubhghaill of Pine Valley Productions.
Most people would think that jazz is a recent enough phenomenon in Ireland. But jazz musicians have been coming to Ireland since the nineteenth century. And jazz has enjoyed great popularity in Ireland since that time, whether it was performed live for social dancing or for listening to on gramophone records, or on the wireless, or more recently at the many jazz festivals and on digital download. Michael Murphy talks to Damian Evans and Ruth Stanley about jazz in Ireland, then and now.
Sandy Burnett takes a closer look at the way the composers in tonight’s programme rewrote the musical rules in twentieth-century America…
Sandy Burnett takes a look at the culture that produced the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique, the buzzing creative atmosphere of Paris of the 1820s where orchestral playing was amongst the very best in Europe.
Sandy Burnett takes a look at the musical culture of late nineteenth century Russia, and the legacy of Rimsky-Korsakov himself, the man who literally wrote the book on colourful Russian orchestration, all the way to Igor Stravinsky.
Featured on the show today: The 2017 results are in:
BEST OVERALL CHOIR : (€750) UCD Choral Scholars conducted by Mark Armstrong
BEST OVERALL RUNNERS UP: (€200) New Dublin Voices conducted by Bernie Sherlock
BEST YOUTH CHOIR: (€200) Dublin Youth Chamber Choir conducted by Lynsey Callaghan
BEST COMMUNITY / CHORAL SOCIETY CHOIR: (€200) The Sunday Morning Singers conducted by Helen Colbert & John Murray
BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR: (€200) St Josephs Primary School Tipperary Town conducted by Helen Colbert
BEST SECONDARY SCHOOL CHOIR: (€200) Presentation Secondary School Choir, Loughboy, Co. Kilkenny conducted by Patrice O'Connor
BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE RTÉ LYRIC FM CHORAL COMMISSION: €200 Holy Child Killiney Secondary School Choir/ Brian Murphy
Choirs heard on today's show: Herron Harmonies The Choir of Clonard Monastery, Belfast Cappella Lyrica, CIT, Cork
On today's show you heard the following choirs: Cork School of Music Junior Children's Chorus, Cork Presentation Secondary School, Loughboy, Co. Kilkenny Carlow Choral Society, Carlow The Academy Chamber Choir, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Today's selection includes: NUI Galway Staff Choir Cantoral Irish World Academy (UL) St Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School, Dublin 8
Today's selection includes: Dublin Youth Choir Amica Voca Hungaran Chamber Choir Baldonnel Singers St Peters Singers, Phibsboro
Today Selection includes: Carrickfergus Grammar School Choir Wesley College Senion Choir Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir
Choirs featured on today's show include: Grosvenor Chorale, County Down Cross Border Youth Choir, Belfast and Dublin Castle Park Senior Choir, Dalkey, Co Dublin Cor Mhaigh Eo, Westport, Mayo
Choirs featured on today's show include: Scoil Aiseri Chriost, Farranree, Cork St. Columbas National School Choir Glasnevin Co. Dublin Laetare Vocal Ensemble, Dublin St. Josephs Primary School, Tipperary Town Co. Tipperary
Choirs featured on today's programme include: Glenageary Killiney National School Killiney Co Dublin Vocal Point - Dublin Bunscoil Chriost Ri, Turner's Cross, Cork UCD Choral Scholars, Belfield, Dublin
Featured choirs include: Holy Child Killiney 2nd Years Choir, Dublin DCU Lumen Chorale, Dublin Killaloe Male Voice Choir Killaloe Co. Clare Cantemus Chamber Choir Coleraine, Co. Antrim
The Academy Chamber Choir
The Academy Chamber Choir was founded in September 2007 as part of a performing group’s initiative undertaken by The Academy of Music in Tullamore They have had huge success in almost every national choral festival including many awards at “Cork International Choral Festival”. They were winners of “Ireland’s National Choir of the Year 2012 and 2017 at Navan Choral Festival. They enjoy singing the latin plainchant mass standing in for the Palestrina Choir and St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir in Dublin. They have worked closely with the famous composer Colin Mawby in private master classes on his work as well as Master Classes with Greg Beardsell on some works which they performed as a prelude to The Irish Youth Chamber Choir Concert. They took first place in the Early Music competition and won the National Choir of the Year competition at Navan Choral Festival 2017. They also won first place at the Early Music competiton, Sacred Music Competiton and Choir of the Year Competiton at Limerick Choral Festival 217. They featured on Sky television for the Double Canonisation of Pope John Paul 2nd and John 23rd. They represented Ireland at “Miltenberg International Choral Festival” in 2016 where they achieved 3rd place amongst choirs from Columbia, Serbia, Phillipines, Denmark and Portugal. Last July (2017) they successfully took part in the International Competition of Spittal an der Drau in Austria.
Ciaran Brady is Director of The Academy of Music in Tullamore and is Vocal Coach and
Performance Tutor at the National University of Ireland Maynooth. Ciaran has an Honour’s Master’s degree in Music and vocal performance from N.U.I. Maynooth where he also directed the “University Chamber Choir”.Further post-graduate studies brought him to Germany where he trained in Advanced Vocal Technique with Prof. Markus Goritzky at the “Hochschule für Musik” in Freiburg.
Ciaran is a full time professional Vocal Coach and Choral Director with many award winning
students. His Voice training started at the age of 10 as a boy treble and Head Chorister of the
famous “Palestrina Choir”. Professionally he was a member of the “RTE Chamber Choir” and
founder member of “The National Chamber Choir”. He also has extensive work as a soloist and
recordings and has worked with companies such as “National Opera”, "Opera Northern Ireland" and
“Opera Ireland”. Ciaran is also founder and conductor of the award winning “Moate Children’s
Choir” and “GLOR youth choir” two established midland’s based training ground for young singers since 2007.
Listenback to Choirs for Christmas with Evelyn Grant
Today's choirs: The Plurabelles, Firhouse, St Fin Barres Cathedral Choir, Cork and New Dublin Voices
Cantóirí is a vibrant amateur Dublin choir with an international membership. Our varied singing calendar takes in choral festivals around Ireland, as well as concerts and charity events.
Our largely a cappella repertoire spans the centuries and styles, from the Renaissance to the 21st Century. Our particular speciality is folk music from all over the globe. Cantóirí aims to sing each song in the original language. We are lucky to be able to draw on the language skills of our choir members from countries such as Finland, Italy, France, Russia, Germany, Hungary and Malaysia.
Our musical director since 2006 is Ben Barnes. www.cantoiri.com
Piece Performed: Wexford Carol Composer: Traditional Irish Carol Arranger: John Rutter
And so we are here again – another entry for the Lyric Fm carol competition. This offering is from a very new choir as we lost over 15 members last year – the joys of secondary school teaching. This new group rehearse weekly and will be participating in a number of performances this Christmas:
Seinn Concert – Thurles Cathedral – Wed 6th
School Carol Service – Fri 15th – 2.15 pm
School carol concert – Fri 15th 8 pm – all welcome
Saturday Night Mass – Cashel parish Church 6.30 – lovely evening when many past students return to sing Christmas music
This also follows on from a very successful product ion of Beauty and the Beast in early November – as always our school is a busy place
They have worked really hard to get to this level so we wish them continued success.
Piece performed: We wish you the Merriest – arr Mac Huff
Unwrapped is a multi-arts performance marking the lighting of South Dublin County’s County Christmas Tree and the start of the holiday season, involving professional artists and community groups. Unwrapped is a creative partnership between South Dublin County Council Arts Office and Corporate Services Department; South Dublin Libraries; Tallaght Community Arts; Alternative Entertainment; Contact Studio; Civic Theatre, Tallaght; RUA RED, South Dublin Arts Centre and South Dublin Music Education Partnership.
For the 2017 event, a choir was put together made up of participants in the Sub Sounds music programme, and two schools - Colaiste Bride and Collinstown Park Community College. All members of the choir take part in msuic programmes that are funded by Music Generation South Dublin.
The piece they performed is a contemporary version of Good King Wenceslas which was arranged by Gerry Horan, and includes:
Guitar by Gerry Horan and Martin Moran Bass by Gavin Boxwell Drums by Jack Harris and Jack Costigan.
The main singers are Domhnaill Corrigan and Megan McGarry of Sub Sounds, and they are accompanied by:
Collinstown Park Tia Ennis Shannon Ryan Abbie Church Jasmin Kavanagh
Colaiste Bride Sarah Carroll Jessica Eccles Phillips Nicole Fitzmaurice Victoria Eguavoen Sasha Berzina
Clonard Monastery was set up by the Redemptorist order in 1896. Since then Music has played a very important role in the ministry at Clonard and today we have music at over 12 masses per week. There is a folk choir and a choir that perform every Sunday. The Choir have really enjoyed preparing this piece by popular English composer John Rutter. What Sweeter music is directed by Cathal Murphy accompanied by Organist James McConnell.
Music director: Cathal Murphy
Piece performed: What Sweeter Music (Rutter)
Over the last fifty years, the choir has gained a notable reputation for the excellence of its performances and has become a firmly established note on the musical calendar in the Carlow community which has always enjoyed a name for music and culture. There are now approximately seventy members who gather every Monday night in Carlow College to learn and perfect each work for their performances.
The majority of our members over the years have come from Carlow but from all surrounding Counties including Wexford and Dublin. It has become a very united group where friendship and a sense of belonging are paramount. We reheasrse every Monday night in St Patricks College Carlow under the Musical Direction of Blanaid Murphy and our accompaniest Yvonne Collier.
The choir has performed more than forty great works from Brahms and Bach to Mozart, Haydn and Durufle, not forgetting Vivaldi, Verdi and Schubert. We have travelled to perform in Rome, Leipzig, Halifax, Belfast, Prague, London, and Manchester as well as, several venues in Wales and many cities and towns in Ireland. We have celebrated Christmas for many years in the National Concert Hall in Dublin , Carlow Cathedral and other local venues. We have recently returned from Halifax, UK where we performed Handel's Messiah with Halifax Choral Society and currently preparing for the Christmas Season.Recording: arr Wilcocks Hark the Hearld Organ Siobhan Kilkelly Brass Dubllin Brass Musical Director Blanaid Murphy
Our choir “Herron Harmonies” has been in existence in various forms for at least 3 generations. It started in the backyard of my grandmothers house by my father and his brothers who performed concerts for the neighbours and perfected their close harmony singing. We have continued their tradition of singing songs together and each generation has produced ever more singers and song writers. Our current choir has two generations of cousins in it and this is our first recorded song together. Our song, “It’s Christmas”, was written last year, and this year we have been joined by Jolene Henry-McLaughlin and her wonderful harp playing has added an amazing sprinkling of Christmas magic to the performance. It was my hope when writing this song to bring a sense of hope and joy and love into a world that seems to be tearing itself apart. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy singing it!
Title - “It’s Christmas” Composer - Nicola Herron Arranged by David Meade and Nicola Herron Recorded by David Meade Harp - Jolene McLaughlin Saxophone - Luke McEvoy Singers - Aideen Herron, Katie Herron, Ellen Herron, Hannah Herron-Coyle, Clodagh Herron, Deirbhile Herron, Roise and Conchur Herron, Ciara Herron, Nicola Herron. Choir director - Nicola Herron
THE CULWICK CHORAL SOCIETY is a large mixed-voice amateur choir with a membership drawn from all over Dublin. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest choral society in Ireland. Our major concerts each season are performed with professional soloists and orchestra players.
The choir takes delight and pride in both reviving the great and well-known masterpieces of the choral repertoire, and also in presenting to Irish audiences the Irish premieres of new works by leading contemporary composers such as Roxanna Panufnik’s Westminster Mass and Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night. Recent performances include Bach’s Mass in B minor, Mozart’s Requiem, Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony, the Monteverdi Vespers, Fauré’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation and Nelson Mass, Verdi’s Requiem, and of course, Handel’s Messiah.
In 2005 the Culwick received the Santa Cecilia Choral Award from the Vocal Heritage Association of Ireland, awarded in recognition of its contribution to the cultural life of Dublin since 1898 and in honour of its founder, Dr. James Culwick. The present Musical Director, Bernie Sherlock, follows a long line of distinguished conductors.
Our piece is "This Is The Truth" from Bob Chilcott's "On Christmas Night".
Additional Instrumentalists featured are The Culwick Chamber Ensemble and David O'Shea, organ.
Holy Family Secondary School in Newbrigde have had a school choir for many years. They have performed at many local events and entered many competitions including the Feis Ceoil (winners of Folens Publishers Award and Cóir Iarbhunscoile – Trí Nó Ceithre Pháirt in 2010) and several trips to Prague Youth Music Festival where they both performed and competed.
They rehearse several times a week at lunchtime and after school and are looking forward to their carol service this Christmas.
Piece performed: 'Winter Song' Composer: Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson Pianist – Eimear O’ Brien. Soloists Odharnait Bourke and Saoirse Crowley Choir Director: Anne-Marie Lawlor
There has been a choir at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral since the medieval period, being first mentioned in a manuscript of 1328.
Throughout the years music has played an important part in the liturgy of the Cathedral. The present choir consists of boy choristers, girl choristers, choral scholars and lay vicars choral (adult male singers).
The boy choristers and girl choristers sing separately with the adults for regular Sunday services but come together for high profile events such as the Christmas Carol services, civic occasions and concerts throughout the year.
TITLE: The Cork Carol : A night full of promise CHOIR: St Fin Barre's Cathedral Choir COMPOSER/ARRANGER: Peter Stobart – Director of Music St Fin Barre’s Cathedral ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTALIST: Organist – Cillian Long
Roscommon Solstice Choir is a voluntary, community choir of over 100 members ranging in age from early twenties to eighties. The only criteria for joining is a passion for singing. Founded in 2013 the choir has raised more than €150,000 for charities in Ireland and London.
Members pay their own way to rehearsals, to concerts and on away trips. Practice is held in Kilbride Community Centre, Co. Roscommon during Spring and Autumn and two programmes of between three and five two-hour concerts are performed in June and December each year.
The choir has appeared on Television on the Sunday Morning Mass Service on RTE, live online from Knock Basilica with Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage 2017 and was also involved in a number of events following the Rescue 116 tragedy in Co. Mayo this year. In 2016 the choir was awarded a runner-up place in Pride of Place - Community Reaching Out and in 2017 won an EPIC People’s Choice Award. The choir has performed with such notables as Frances Black, Sandy Kelly, Des Willoughby, Charlie McGettigan. Eleanor Shanley, Frankie McDonald and Fr. Liam Lawton, amongst others.
Singing a blend of lively numbers from the musicals, popular songs and church music we hope to continue bringing enjoyment to people for many years to come.
The song entered is "Silent Night / Night of Silence" by Franz Gruber / Daniel Kantor.
Performed by Roscommon Solstice Choir.
Recorded at Real World Recording Studios, Longford by Paul Gurney.
Choir Directors: Andrew and Eimear Reynolds
The Plurabelles is a newly-establishedl chamber choir of girls voices, aged between 12 and 18 years, based in Firhouse in Dublin. The group grew from a number of singing students who were already experienced soloists, instrumentalists, and members of duet and trio ensembles studying voice with mezzo-soprano Aine Mulvey. The group first came together to form the "Risdale Singers" in 2016, performing their first concert as an ensemble in June of that year. The group was renamed "The Plurabelles” in 2017, referencing James Joyce's character "Anna Livia Plurabelle", who represents the river Liffey in Finnegan's Wake.
In 2017, the girls performed in a Unicef event to mark the 25th anniversary of Ireland's ratification of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, in addition to regular concert performances, competitions and singing exams. They are also very excited to have been accepted to perform in the 2018 World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa, where they will be representing Ireland in what is known as the “Olympics of Choral Singing”.
The choir is under the musical direction of Aine Mulvey, and their repertoire includes arrangements of Irish and international folksongs, classical art songs, sacred music, jazz, gospel and arrangements of popular songs.
This piece is the “White Winter Hymnal”, words and music by Robin Pecknold, in an arrangement by Alan Billingsley with Hand Percussion.
Internationally-acclaimed New Dublin Voices is a leading Irish chamber choir. Founded by award-winning conductor, Bernie Sherlock, in 2005, NDV strives to present concert programmes that are fresh, innovative and exciting, ranging widely in style and period, from the medieval to the contemporary. The choir takes special pleasure in exploring the music of living composers and has given nearly 50 world premieres.
NDV has won prizes at major competitions in Ireland, France, Hungary, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Spain, England, Slovenia, Latvia and Italy, including the Grand Prix at the 2nd International Baltic Sea Choir Competition in Latvia 2017. NDV were awarded the Gran Premio Città di Arezzo at the 61st Concorso Polifónico Internazionale “Guido d’Arezzo” in August 2013, thereby becoming the first Irish choir in history to win a place in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing. Awards also include the Grand Prix at the 12th Budapest International Choir Competition (2009), six prizes, including Choir of the Festival, at the 11th International Choir Contest of Flanders-Maasmechelen (2011), and first prize in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition at the 61st Cork International Choral Festival (2015).
NDV has previously been invited to perform at five of the world’s most prestigious choral festivals: 37th Musique en Morvan, France (2012), 9th European Festival of Youth Choirs, Switzerland (2014), 6th Polyfollia – The World Showcase and Marketplace for Choral Singing, France (2014), 23rd Festival des Chœurs Lauréats, France (2015), and the 2nd World Choral Festival, USA (2016). In April 2017, New Dublin Voices featured alongside Chamber Choir Ireland & The Swingle Singers for CICF’s Evocations series. In July 2017, NDV took part in the11th World Symposium on Choral Music. Preceding the WSCM, the choir also took up a week-long residency in Tarragona at the 8th Setmana Cantant (Singing Week).
The choir’s busy calendar also includes fundraising for charities, television appearances, guesting with Ireland's professional orchestras, and performing at special public events. NDV released two CDs – Something Beginning with B, featuring everything from Byrd to the Beatles, and Christmas with New Dublin Voices – in 2010. Released in December 2014 on the RTÉ lyric fm label, Music from Ireland received critical acclaim, including a four-star review in the July 2015 edition of BBC Music Magazine. In February 2016, the original motion picture soundtrack to The Letters, a film about Mother Teresa, was released on the Sony Classical Records label, with NDV featuring prominently alongside a number of world-renowned classical and popular artists. On December 1st, 2017, the choir will release its fourth album, a selection of Christmas works by Irish composers.
Piece performed: An arrangement of the popular christmas piece 'O Holy Night', by Irish arranger, Eoin Conway.
Soloist - Emily Doyle
Director - Bernie Sherlock
The Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir is a 4 part choir (TTBB) comprising of 40+ singers. While they have a distinct Welsh ethos, over half the choristers are Irish. The choir was formed in 1966 and is still going strong.
Their current musical director is Brian Murphy who took over in November 2016. Recent engagements in the past year include two performances in Áras an Uachtaráin, one which was a dinner hosted for Prince Charles by The President. They also performed recently on the Claire Byrne Show in RTE studios and Vincent Browne's last ever show on TV3.
In May 2017 they sung with the British and Irish Lions while they prepared for trip to New Zealand. They are delighted to sing Deck the Halls, a distinctly Welsh Carol with the melody dating back to the sixteenth century.
Name of Piece: Deck the Halls- Traditional (TTBB arrangement)
Accompanist on piano: John Shera
Choir Director: Brian Murphy
The National Treasury Management (NTMA) choir was established in November 2015 and we put on our first performance of Christmas music 6 weeks later for our colleagues. With almost 40 members, we rehearse in the office every Monday at lunchtime.
Some members of the choir sang in the RTE production “Centenary” at the Bord Gais theatre as part of the 1916 celebrations, and in May 2017 we entered the Workplace Choir of the year competition, and were delighted to make it through to the final 8. Our Christmas performance has now become an annual event and we are currently working hard to get ready for our staff performance on December 18th.
Piece performed: Xmas Carol medley performed live in the Treasury Building in December 2016 for staff. The medley was arranged by Carmel Whelan and features snippets from the following:
God rest ye Merry Gentlemen; Good King Wenceslas; The Holly & the Ivy; Hark the Herald Angels sing; Ding dong merrily on high; Silent Night; O come all ye faithful; We wish you a merry Xmas; Joy to the World.
Accompanist: Bryan Mullen - pianist Musical director is Carmel Whelan; Choir organiser is Mairead Hughes
Classic Harmony (formerly the Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble) comes from Ashford in Co. Wicklow. This Vocal Ensemble are all members of one family and have sung together since the young people were very small and now produce a unique blended sound born of our familial relationship. Four out of five members of the group are vision-impaired. Including father, Frank who is a musical director of five choirs in Wicklow and a choir for blind and vision-impaired people in Dublin.
The group sings in close harmony, a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment on Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Harp and Tin Whistle.
Classic Harmony has been very successful in competitions including winning first prize in the Family Ensemble category at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin three years in a row and second prize at the Derry International Choral Festival in 2016 and 2017. They have appeared on television on RTE, TV3 and TG4 and on national and local radio. They have performed in concerts at local venues, at the National Concert Hall and at venues around the country including, most recently, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and St. Columba’s Long Tower in Derry.
The Ensemble covers music from a wide range of genres from Classical to Traditional/Celtic and Popular/Jazz styles; and Christmas music from ancient to modern. Follow Classic Harmony on Facebook and Twitter to keep track of their performances, recordings etc.
Piece performed: The Candlelight Carol by John Rutter.
Accompanist: Frank Kelly
The choir normally puts on three concerts each season. Generally the first two consist of sacred music, and in recent years they have taken place in St Patrick’s Cathedral and in St Bartholomew’s Church, Ballsbridge. The summer concert offers a more light-hearted, generally secular programme devised around a theme. The singers are very fortunate to be able to perform in such wonderful venues.
The Gaudete Singers originated in 1976, when eight friends began meeting informally to sing together. Joseph Ryan became the conductor in 1978 and directed the singers in competitions and concerts until 1990. Between that time and the appointment of David Leigh in 2001 the choir was conducted, successively, by David Milne, Gráinne Gormley and Andrew Johnstone.
The group’s repertoire spans the centuries from the fifteenth to the twenty-first. Our recent concert on November 19th featured music by Tallis, Byrd, Tomkins, Weelkes and Gibbons, and was well received by a very appreciative audience. This year’s summer concert explored “Childhood”, featuring pieces by composers from Nicolas Gombert to Billy Joel interspersed with suitable readings. In March the choir presented a programme of music for Lent by Finzi, Walton, Kenneth Leighton and Francis Grier.
Piece performed: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Written for the MGM musical Meet Me in St. Louis first performed by Judy Garland in 1944. Words and Music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane Arranged by Roger Hurley
Roger sings tenor in the Gaudete Singers
Choir Director David Leigh
Limerick Gospel Choir under the direction of Mr David Idioh is currently in its 14th year of being together. They are a mixed voice, multicultural choir with approximately 35 members from all over city, county and they also have members from countries such as Spain, Italy, Hungry, Serbia and Africa.
Their focus is on making each performance: fun, bright & uplifting. Their range of repertoire includes a wide range of traditional gospel to contemporary classics and also performing some up to date favourites.
They have won awards over the years, in the Limerick Choral Festival they came 1st three times in the Gospel Choir Category and in the past won Best Limerick Choir & other awards. In recent years they have supported the Harlem Gospel Choir, and were also on RTE ONE’s Sunday Service televised Mass.
There is a great sense of friendship and community spirit within the choir and it is this friendship and respect that helps them to bond together and grow in strength
I am the Choir director for Dungiven Parish Church Choir. We are an amateur voluntary choir who come together to sing for all the church services weekly in our local parish.
I started leading the Choir in 1998 and although originally the choir sang in unison we have over the years developed into a four part ensemble. Members have come and gone throughout the 19 years but the choir photographed here have been with me now for over four years and some of them for over 18 years.
In order to celebrate the wonderful standard of choral singing the choir has achieved and to celebrate my own 30 years of voluntary service leading church choirs I decided last year to produce a C.D. of some of our most popular hymns and carols. The making of the C.D. was a fantastic experience for us all and apart from selling brilliantly locally, it has also been downloaded from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify in over 23 countries throughout the world and continues to do so. It also continues to receive airplay on two local radio stations - BBC Radio Foyle and Downtown Radio.
The track which I have included here from our C.D. is our version of ‘O Holy Night’. It was written by Adolphe Adam and J. B. Dwight and arranged by Marie Lacey.
We really hope you enjoy listening to it, Many thanks,
Maeve McAteer Choir Director
DCU Lumen Chorale is a mixed choir of about 70 singers based at the Dublin City University All Hallows Campus. The choir is made up of students of the Bachelor of Religious Education and Music degree programme, so all members are preparing to become secondary school teachers.
Earlier this year, the DCU Lumen Chorale took part in the Feis Ceoil for the first time, and came away with first prize in the mixed-choir competition. The choir is led by Dr Róisín Blunnie and Dr Seán Doherty, both lecturers in DCU’s School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music.
Conductor: Dr Róisín Blunnie
Title of piece: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Composer: Elizabeth Maconchy
The Killaloe Male Voice Choir was formed in January 2015 under the musical directorship of Anne Cullen. The choir has over 20 members and its expanding repertoire draws on classical and contemporary pieces in four parts including musical standards and popular world favourites.
Over the last year the choir has performed at venues including St. Mary’s Cathedral Limerick and St. Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe, Co. Clare. Members come from a wide variety of occupations, backgrounds and musical experiences.
Title: I Saw Three Ships Composer: Traditional Arranger: John Leavitt Choir Director: Ms. Anne Cullen Accompanying Pianist: Ms. Anne Cullen
St. Columba's National School Choir is from Glasnevin, north of Dublin City. They are a group of enthusiastic singers ages 8-12, from 3rd to 6th class in the school. They rehearse in the mornings twice a week before school begins. They perform at school events, but also enjoy taking their singing further afield to perform in local churches and other venues such as nearby DCU, St. Patrick's campus.
Since the first rehearsal in 2014, the choir has represented the school at Córfhéile na Scoileanna, Navan Choral Festival and Wesley Interschools Music Festival. Last year they appeared several times as special guests with the Humanitarian Symphony Orchestra. They particularly enjoy singing Christmas music.
Choir Director: Ailse Nolan
St. Vincent’s Girls’ National School choir is a new choir. Formed in September 2015. The choir is open to girls from 3rd to 6th class. The girls rehearse twice a week in the morning before school. Singing is a great way to start the school day. The girls love to sing all kinds of songs and greatly enjoy singing at the Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna each year.
This recording of “The First Noel” has been a great learning experience for the girls. The choir is busy preparing for the school Christmas concert and every girl is looking forward to singing for their friends and families.
Traditional English Song: The First Noel
Accompanist: Ms. Una Fox
Choir Director: Ms. Fiona McNamara
The Cantemus Chamber Choir NI, formed in 2011, is a cross community mixed chamber choir with 24 members coming from all walks of life in the Causeway coast area of North Antrim and county Derry. The one thing we share is a love of choral church music; anthems, psalms, hymns and liturgy. We sing ancient & modern repertoire; anything from Byrd to Whitacre. We also love Christmas choral music and hold a yearly concert in Portstewart where we perform the enclosed piece.
Our Musical Director is Tony Morrison. He brings a wealth of experience, charisma and dynamism to our singing. Tony is also the organist and choir director of St Patrick's Church in Coleraine. He also directs the Let's Sing Gospel choir based in the Ballymoney area of county Antrim.
The enclosed recording is 'Song Of The Crib' by Bob Chilcott; a contemporary choral composer who fuses classical and modern harmony.
The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin
“bright young things” (The Irish Times)
The UCD Choral Scholars is Ireland’s leading collegiate choral ensemble, founded in 1999 by its Artistic Director Dr. Desmond Earley. With a large repertoire ranging from art to popular music, and stretching from the medieval to the contemporary in style, this choir gives many concerts throughout the academic year, both in Ireland and abroad.
Following a competitive selection process each September, eighteen gifted students are awarded a scholarship, with recipients of the award coming from a range of academic disciplines across the university, from Music to Medicine, Law, Agricultural Science, Commerce and Engineering.
The group frequently performs with orchestras, including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Earley Musicke Ensemble and the European Union Chamber Orchestra, and on the university campus with the UCD Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Choir. In touring The Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and the United States of America the group has brought UCD and its music to an international audience.
The performance of works by living composers is a hallmark of this ensemble. New compositions have been written for the group by Colin Mawby, Ivo Antognini, Desmond Earley, Michael McGlynn and Bill Whelan. Equally comfortable outside the concert hall, the group has appeared at the Electric Picnic festival and has collaborated with indie-rock band ‘Ham Sandwich’, electric-pop group ‘Young Wonder’ and indie-folk duo ‘Heathers’, in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
In December 2015 the group released their debut international album on Signum Records, which is currently taking the classical charts in Ireland, the UK, USA and Germany by storm. The disc, entitled Invisible Stars is a collection of traditional and contemporary choral music from Ireland and Scotland and features arrangements and new compositions by some of Ireland’s most celebrated composers for choir.
VoiceOver Choir has gone from strength to strength since its inaugural year of 2014 and have become known for their unique harmonised sound.
Under the Musical Direction of Cordelia Burke the 12 ladies enjoy singing from popular to classical pieces. Their Christmas 2017 schedule promises to be a very busy one! Recent highlights for the Choir include taking part in the inaugural Dungarvan, Lions Club West Waterford ChoirFest and the ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising Afternoon of Music for the Glencairn Cistercian Community.
Evoking the mystery and symbolism of the Christmas Star today VoiceOver sings ‘Star of Wonder’
Vocal Point are a four-piece jazz acapella group based in Dublin. Established in January 2013 with the aim of entertaining others and challenging themselves, their members are Paul Glennon (Bass), Colm Fewer (Tenor), Gwen Moore (Alto) and Rachel Thomas (Soprano), Vocal Point have performed their own gigs as well as at various weddings and events. With a penchant for interesting and sometimes quirky arrangements, Vocal Point hope to entertain you with warm jazz harmonies and a dash of fun. For more info go to www.vocalpoint.ie
The recorded piece is "We Three Kings" by John H. Hopkins, adapted and arranged by Russell Robinson. The piece is sung a capella.
Based in Waterford, South East Ireland, Voci is a female voice choir founded by Anne Barry and currently conducted by Fintan Scanlon. Since its establishment in 2005, the choir has been contributing to the musical life of the city, giving recitals and sharing concerts with other local groups. Voci has had competitive successes at Arklow and New Ross Choral Festivals. The choir's repertoire explores a range of music from early polyphony to arrangements of light music and also includes music by Irish composers.
The piece we have performed is "Cradle Hymn" by Kim André Arnesen and our accompanist is Siobhán Keappock
The Living Well with Dementia Sweet Memories Choir came about in response to a voiced need by people with dementia and their carers to have social options based in the community. The choir is part of the Living Well with Dementia Project in partnership with HSE CHO 6 Dublin South and Southside Partnership. The purpose of the choir is to give people an opportunity to come together in a relaxed environment and reconnect through music. Music and singing helps lift mood, provides cognitive stimulation and supports social interaction. The choir is open to all but is specifically supportive and welcoming to people affected by dementia.
The group is led by a Choral Director, Gerry Noonan and supported by a team of volunteers. The inclusion of volunteers is very important. Volunteers organise the venue, refreshments, and assist people with music sheets and encourage participation for people with advanced dementia. Volunteers with LWwD have recently been shortlisted in the Group Category of the National Volunteer Awards Ireland.
The choir is just one of a number of community based activities provided by LWwD to support those who are living with a dementia diagnosis. Other activities include dance, Art, Bridge and Exercise groups.
The song we've recorded is an Irish Christmas Carol, called The Virgin Mother's Lullaby and the melody is based on the traditional Irish song, Túirne Mháire. The words are by Seamus Doherty and the tune was arranged and adapted by Josephine Patricia Smith. The Carol was originally published by Pigott and Co. Ltd., Dublin.
Our instrumentalists are Bríd Carr, piano and Jennifer Sullivan and Michael Doherty on Violin. (Jennifer and Michael are part of our marvellous Volunteer Group and Bríd is a very much-valued choir member).
Glenageary Killiney National School Choir meet weekly at 8.00 a.m. They sing at school assemblies, local church services, take part in Festivals and Competitions, earning themselves Second Place in the Kilcoole Music Festival Primary School Competition this November. They are highly motivated, very talented and 100% attendance at rehearsals is a common occurrence! The choir really enjoyed making their recording for this year’s Choirs for Christmas.
The Choir is open to all pupils from 3rd to 6th class each year. This year the choir comprises of twelve 3rd class pupils who joined the choir in September 2017. Five 4th class pupils who joined the choir in September 2016, twelve 5th class pupils who joined in September 2015 and five 6th class pupils who joined in September 2014.
Parents volunteer to assist in the supervision of the choir. We are very fortunate to have the enthusiastic, dedicated and talented Ms Helen Doyle to conduct our choir.
Piece: Codhladh Sámh composed by John Gibson Accompanist: Helen Doyle Choir Director: Helen Doyle
The choir of Bunscoil Chríost Rí is made up of boys and girls from 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes in the primary school.
They sing regularly at school events and also in the parish church. They were invited to host the Countrywide Christmas programme on RTE Radio 1 and have appeared on stage with Liam Lawton, The Irish Tenors, Mary Hegarty and at a special ceremony for the Papal Nuncio Most Rev. Charles John Browne. They regularly perform with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland and participated with them at the official opening of the 1916 Centenary Celebrations at the Conference Centre, Dublin.
They have won several prizes at the Cork International Choral Festival including first prize for three years in a row. They have won the Soroptomists’ Trophy and special bursary at Feis Maitiú Corcaigh several times, the latest occasion being 2017. They were also awarded first place in the All-Ireland Choirs for Christmas competition on RTE Lyric FM.
Their conductor is Mrs. Anne Murphy and the accompanist is Mrs. Kate Walsh,
Piece Details: The Little Road to Bethlehem: Music by Michael Head
Words by Margaret Rose
The parish church choir in Carndonagh has been in continuous existence for over 100 years. Since September 2009, the choir has been directed by Dr Helen Haughey.
The choir performs at 11am mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carndonagh every Sunday, at all the church ceremonies throughout the year, and in concerts in the church and in the Colgan Hall, Carndonagh.
In 2016, the Donagh Choir premiered a new work, 'The Eternal Rebel' by John McLachlan, commissioned by Colgan Heritage to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.
Director: Dr. Helen Haughey
Piece Performed: See amid the winter's snow (West)
Organist; Mike Doherty
Holy Child Killiney Choir is an all girls secondary school based beside the sea in South Dublin. The choir includes students from 1st to 6th Year. The Choir in HCK is a weekly extra-curricular commitment. Every year they sing at school Liturgies, Assemblies and Choral Festivals across the country. The HCK Choir came 2nd in the ‘National Youth Choir of the Year Competition’ at the Navan Choral Festival in May this year. This Christmas Holy Child Killiney School celebrates their 70th Anniversary with a concert held in the RDS Arena, Dublin at which the Choir will perform and headline the event in front of nearly 1,000 people. The evening will be presented by former Holy Child Student, Lyric FM’s Liz Nolan. We are delighted to be entering the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition this year!
Piece performed: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Piano Accompanist: Bláth Conroy- Murphy
Choir Director: Regina McDonald
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen is a Christmas Carol and Marian Hymn of German origin composed by the 17th century composer Michael Praetorious. The Trinity Singers have been carefully preparing for their Christmas Concert which will be held on the 15th of December at 8pm in the Trinity Chapel. This piece is one of many Christmas favourites to be sung.
Nicole Cooney is the choir's director for this year. She is a final year Music Education student in Trinity College, Dublin. The choir is made up of students from all disciplines who all come together through their enjoyment of choral music.
Laetare Vocal Ensemble is a mixed choir based in Dublin City Centre. Formed in 2014 by conductor Róisín Blunnie, the choir is fast developing a profile in Irish choral performance.
Laetare has had a busy year – they released their debut CD ‘In Circling Flight’, featuring music by contemporary Irish composers Rhona Clarke, Seán Doherty, and John Buckley; they won the ‘Ireland’s Choir of the Year’ award at the Cork International Choral Festival, and on their first trip to the City of Derry International Choir Festival, they came away with 2nd prize overall, the CMC Trophy for Irish choral music, and the festival’s special award to a conductor.
The choir also features on the critically acclaimed album ‘West to the Evening Sun’ released recently by singer-songwriter Ailie Blunnie.
Conductor: Róisín Blunnie
Piece: Lullay, My Liking
Composer: Rhona Clarke
We are so proud of our School Choir, a 60 strong group of extremely talented girls. The Choir was established five years ago by Director and Pianist Anna Kennedy and Conductor Maria Crowley. We are previous Feis Maitiu title holders, winning The Sr.M.Benedicta Memorial Perpetual Cup for Primary school Unison choirs(2015 and 2016) and the Soroptimist International Perpetual Trophy and bursary Unison or part choirs 13 years and under(2016) .We also took First Place in Cór Bhunscoile, Dhá Phairt and second place in Primary School Choirs two part at the Feis Ceoil Dublin in 2016.
Our entry song is: In the bleak mid-winter arranged by Gustav Holst (1906).
Loreto St. Michael’s Competition Choir is an award-winning choir for students from 2nd to 6th year. The aim of the choir is to enhance the musical education of girls in the school, and to encourage them to develop confidence through knowledge and performance.
The choir provides comprehensive training in singing, music theory and music appreciation, in a relaxed fun atmosphere, while introducing the singers to all music styles, from classical to modern. They meet twice a week during lunchtimes and after school.
In the 20 years since it’s founding, Loreto St. Michael’s Competition Choir has won many competitions and performed all over Meath and Leinster.
Many of the girls who join the choir go on to study music at third level, and some of our former members are now evening conducting and performing with their own choirs.
The social mix within the choir of girls from different year groups is very important. The girls make new friends outside of their year group and senior members are encouraged to give tuition to juniors and gain valuable teaching experience.
The piece that the choir has recorded for application is "My Love is Always Here". The song was composed by Alexandre Despat and is arranged by Laurie Pavero. It was made famous in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part One) in the scene where Harry and Hermione return back to Godric's Hollow on Christmas Eve.
Choir Director: Siobhán Maguire
St. Joseph’s School Choir was formed in 1998 and in the current school year has approx. 100 students from classes 3rd to 6th with 3rd being the newcomers this September. The Choir rehearse every Tuesday from 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s School Choir performs for the school community regularly and at many local events to include the turning on of the Christmas Lights in Tipperary Town, Carol Singing Downtown in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul and by invitation to other local events.
The School Choirs at St. Josephs have made many CDs over recent years to include 2 Christmas CDs and 2 Springtime CDs and indeed were featured on the Lyric FM Christmas CD in 2012 with the RTE Concert Orchestra.
This is the Choirs 7th time entering the ‘Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas Competition’ and we were thrilled and delighted to be runners up in our section in Dec. 2011 and winners in 2014.
Our Choir Teacher is Ms. Helen Colbert.
We hope you enjoy our song for this year; it’s called Sparklejollytwinklejingly from the Musical ELF.
Accompaniment: Backing track
Choir Director: Helen Colbert
Grosvenor Chorale was formed in 1993 by their conductor Edward Craig and this year are enjoying their 25th season. The choirs brings together 40 singers from a diverse range of backgrounds, mainly from the Greater Belfast, South Antrim and North Down areas.
They enjoy performing for audiences throughout the Province and especially welcome the opportunities to support local charities, and this Christmas season are actively supporting the newly established Northern Ireland Air Ambulance.
They have also enjoyed success at various Choral Festivals, most recently being finalists in the UK National Choir of the Year Competition. The family spirit in the choir is tangible and this ethos of working together has stood them in good stead over their quarter-century together with lifelong friendships established. They are particularly grateful to have a loyal group of supporters called the Friends of Grosvenor and their website is www.grosvenor-ni.org
Piece performed: "There Was A Beauty Once" is a carol commissioned by the choir from composer Andrew Carter to words by Graham Walker. It is published by Eboracum Publications, York.
Accompanist is organist, Stephen Hamill
Carrickfergus Grammar School Choir is from Carrickfergus in County Antrim and are made up of around 60 voices from throughout the senior school.
They have a strong ethos of inclusion of all musical abilities and everyone is welcome to be part of the choir and do not have auditions for the children. The choir enjoy a busy and varied schedule which often includes a tour, recently performing in York Minster and Selby Abbey.
They were runners-up in the BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year for the past two years and broadcast several times on both local and national radio. They are directed by Edward Craig.
Piece Perfromed "The Twelve Days After Christmas" is by Frederick Silver and is a rather fun piece parodying the traditional 12 Days Of Christmas.
Accompanist is pianist, Stephen Hamill
The Cross Border Youth Choir was formed in October 2017 and made its debut public performance in Belfast that same weekend. This was followed by a performance at the City of Derry International Choral Festival 2017. The choir comprises two regional choirs: the Belfast Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Dublin Youth Chamber Choir. The two groups first came together to take part in a workshop with the BBC Singers through the BBC 10 Pieces Coaching Scheme in April 2017 and the sound was so inspiring that it began a more permanent relationship between the two ensembles.
The newly formed Cross Border Youth Choir has a number of collaborative projects planned for 2017-18. As Dublin Youth Choir is still in its first year, the Belfast Youth and Chamber Choirs have provided great inspiration to create a comparable structure of choral music education in Dublin. Both ensembles are conducted on a weekly basis by Lynsey Callaghan. It is therefore fitting that the two organisations have come together to make beautiful music and to learn from each other. Through workshops, rehearsals, and informal performances, great friendships have already been created and there is much excitement for the future.
Piece In the Bleak Midwinter - Gustav Holst, 1874-1934
No instrumentalists
Conductor Lynsey Callaghan
DYC began in January 2017 with the launch of Dublin Youth Chamber Choir. 24 young singers between 14 and 18 years were chosen to perform challenging choral music in this exciting new chamber choir for young singers. Directed by Lynsey Callaghan, the singers receive expert tuition from experienced vocal tutors and highly skilled musicianship staff. DYC aims to fulfil the regional gap in choral music education in Dublin. The young singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from medieval and renaissance music to compositions by living composers. The Dublin Youth Chamber Choir also comprises one half of the Cross Border Youth Choir.
Piece 'Maria durch ein Dornwald ging' trad. C19 German carol arr. Gottfried Wolters, 1910-1989
No accompaniment
Conductor Lynsey Callaghan
Founded in 2006 with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Belfast Philharmonic Youth Choir is one of three unique Belfast Philharmonic choirs for young singers in Northern Ireland. Young singers have the opportunity to sing weekly with a highly trained group, combining singing with games and musicianship training. Musicianship sessions take place in small groups using pitching and rhythm games and introducing solfa and notation reading using Kodály philosophy. The Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály believed that musical understanding through singing reaches everyone.
As well as taking part in regular Youth Choir recitals, in recent years the Youth Choir has taken part in concerts with the Ulster Orchestra. In 2017 they took part in a concert performance of Puccini’s La Bohème with Belfast Philharmonic Choir in association with NI Opera. At the end of last season the young people enjoyed a joint workshop day with Cór na nÓg in Dublin. In December, the choir will travel to Dublin again to sing Britten's 'Saint Nicolas' with Tallaght Choral Society.
Piece: Child Within - Elaine Agnew
Accompanist Gail Evans
Conductor Lynsey Callaghan
Dublin Youth Choir began rehearsing in September 2017. The choir rehearses every Tuesday in the Unitarian Church, Stephen's Green, followed by musicianship classes for each of the members. The singers develop skills relating to aural awareness and musical literacy, placing emphasis on musicality and a direct engagement with music. The singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from medieval and renaissance music to compositions by living composers. The social side of the choir is very important and great friendships have already been developed through social events (often featuring a lot of hot chocolate!).
Conductor Lynsey Callaghan
Piece Es ist ein Rose entsprungen - Michael Praetorius c.1609
No accompaniment
Cór Mhaigh Eo, a mixed voice choir with 44 members, was established in 1994. Under the direction of Dr. Brian Lennon, the choir sings a wide repertoire of sacred and secular choral music ranging from the 16th century compositions of Byrd, de Victoria and Monteverdi right through to contemporary composers such as Whitacre, Lauridsen and Dubra. Beside a busy local schedule of performances at masses and concerts, the choir participates at International Choral Festivals with great success and also enjoys travelling and performing abroad, having visited Scotland, Latvia, Italy, Spain, Monaco and Portugal. The choir was part of the 120-strong Peace Choir in the Concert for Peace, Knock Basilica 2016 and also part of The Armed Man performance at the National Concert Hall in February of this year with the RTE Concert Orchestra, under the baton of David Brophy. On the 18th November the choir was back to the Knock Basilica for a performance of Handel’s 'Messiah'. This time they were under the baton of maestro Proinnsias Ó Duinn. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and a massed choir, 180 strong, performed to a rapt audience of 3,400. The choir hopes to travel next year to Italy.
Choral Director:
Dr Brian Lennon,
Kilmeena,
Westport,
Co. Mayo.
Piece performed:
Ding Dong Merrily on High
16th century French tune
Words by G.R. Woodward
Arr. Stuart Nicholson
Organ accompanist: Michael Quinn, M.Mus, LTCL ARIAM
Castle Park School is a primary school in Dalkey, Co Dublin. Overlooking the sea at Bullock Harbour, the school has a strong tradition of music and all pupils take part in weekly music lessons, choir sessions and instrumental tuition. The Senior Choir is a large choir consisting of all the boys and girls in 5th and 6th class. They meet once a week in the Music Room and enjoy performing a variety of musical styles from choral to popular to folk music. The choir regularly performs at school assemblies and competitions and are currently preparing for the annual carol service and carol singing in the local community.
Piece performed "The Song of the Winter Wind"
Composer: Chris Williams (from A&C Black publication Sing A Christmas Cracker)
Accompanist: Edel McKiernan
Is aoibheann le cór Ghaelscoil Dhún Dealgan canadh ag ócáidí speisialta i rith na scoilbhliana, sa scoil agus sa chomhphobal. Glacann achan páiste i Rang 5 agus Rang 6 páirt sa chór, agus bhí ceolfhoireann na scoile páirteach sa taifeadadh seo freisin. Is breá linn an carúl seo,'Bhí Íosa sa Mhainséar', aistriúchán den charúl traidisúnta 'Away in a Manger'.
The choir of Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan love to sing at special occasions during the school year, both in school and in their community. Every pupil in 5th and 6th class sings in the choir, and they are joined by piano, harps, tin whistles, fiddles and cello. They especially enjoy singing 'Bhí íosa sa Mháinséar', a translation of the well known traditional carol 'Away in a Manger'.
Choir Director Áine Uí Choinne,
Choir: Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan Instruments: Piano, Harps, fiddles, Tin Whistle, 'cello Piece: Bhí Íosa sa mháinséar (Away in a Manger) Composer: Traditional
School: Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan, Muirtheimhne Mór, Dún Dealgan, Co. Lú.
New Ross Singers have been in existence since the early 80s. We are a community based mixed voice choir under the direction of Connie Tantrum and have been to the forefront of choral singing in New Ross, presenting an annual Christmas Concert and singing at various local events.
Over the years we have competed in Cork, Navan and A.I.M.S. Choral Festivals. Our more recent major performances include the Schubert Mass in F, Stainer’s Crucifixion, Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, the Faure Requiem and, most recently, Gounod’s Mass of St. Cecelia.
But we have a lighter side too with of varied repertoire encompassing Gershwin to Queen, Leonard Cohen to John Denver.
We are currently preparing Haydn’s Creation which is due to be performed in Rosbercon Church on March 11th next year.
We currently have about 50 members and we rehearse every Monday evening at 8.00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Secondary School in The Irishtown, New Ross.
Our piece - We Wait by Ruth Elaine Schram.
Our accompanist is John Kissane
Our Musical Director is Connie Tantrum
Séidiú is a three-part vocal ensemble that was founded in November 2015. The ensemble currently consists of three sopranos, two altos and a bass. Our repertory includes music from the Italian Renaissance as well as more modern Scandinavian music.
About the piece The Swedish Christmas song Jul, jul, strålande jul by composer Gustaf Nordqvist was published in 1921. The lyrics by Edvard Evers describe the Scandinavian landscape at Christmas time with sparkling snow on the trees. It expresses a wish that Christmas may bring light and peace on earth.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL CHOIR
TULLAMORE, CO. OFFALY
The S.H.S. Choir comprises of both junior and senior students. The choir under the direction of Regina McCarthy has won many accolades at festivals throughout the country such as Feis Ceoil, Cork International Choral Festival, Sligo Feis Ceoil, Sligo International Choral Festival, Kilcoole Music Festival, Navan Choral Festival, Arklow Music Festival, Wesley Interschools Music Festival and Feis Maitiu Cork. Recently, the choir were the overall winners of the Youth Section at the North Wales Choral Festival. The choir perform a broad range of repertoire from sacred to secular and participate in many community events in their locality.
Director: Regina McCarthy
Accompanists: Loreta Mackelaite (piano)
Eva Barry (violin)
Cliona McCarthy (violin)
Ellen Godley (cello)
Piece being performed: The First Noel/Pachelbel's Canon arranged by Michael Clawson
Amica Voce Hungarian Chamber Choir was established in 2007 by their current conductor Krisztina Takacs. The Choir members are formed by Hungarian choral music enthusiasts. Over the past 10 years the Choir had many successful performances and had won many prizes at choral competitions including Navan Choral Festival and Bangor Choral Festival.
The piece we are submitting for the competition is Hungarian Christmas Carols arranged by Krisztina Takacs The piece includes 4 Carols: Kiskaracsony Nagykaracsony (Little Christmas Big Christmas) Csendes Ej (Silent Night) Mennybol az Angyal (Angel from Heaven) A Kisjezus Megszuletett (Baby Jesus is born)
Conductor: Krisztina Takacs
Cantate is a small and vibrant mixed voice choir. The group was formed in Monkstown, Co. Cork, in 2006, and has a very varied repertoire which spans across multiple musical genres. Cantate has been very successful in competition; three time winners of Feis Maitiú's Lynch Perpetual Trophy, winner of Feis Maitiú's Holy Trinity Cup for chamber choirs, and five time winners of the Mixed Voice Perpetual Trophy at Munster's Féile an tSamhraidh. In addition, they perform regularly for charity and corporate events.
Here, the choir performs Coventry Carol (second version; arranged by Martin Shaw). This carol is named after the city of Coventry, England, where the Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors anciently depicted Herod's slaughter of the innocents, as told in the lyrics. Recording took place in Sacred Heart Church in Monkstown, Co. Cork.
Cantate is directed by the award-winning conductor, Elaine Kelly (M.A. B.Mus), who recently conducted the Dublin Symphony Orchestra for their 50th Anniversary Celebration at Christ Church Cathedral.
Piece performed Coventry Carol (Second version) Modern version of tune arranged by Martin Shaw
The Alumni Ensemble are all graduates of NUI Galway. The singers were members of the NUI Galway Choral Society as students and relish the opportunity to reform, and reconnect friendships. Currently the singers are based all around Ireland and Europe and rely on choral festivals to see their friends, sing some songs, reminisce about University days and maybe even have a glass of wine (or two and sometimes even three)! The joy of choral singing and the friendships made from choral singing have made this group a solid bunch of friends who are as excited to see each other as they are to sing together! The choir is conducted by Peter Mannion.
Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging is a traditional German carol arranged by Czech based composer and pianist Irena Szurmanová. This arrangement calls on the ensemble to start intimately and through the lyrical content intensify the music as each verse develops, climaxing in verse three with the phrase when describing how the thorns are transformed into roses in the presence of Mary and the baby Jesus.
"Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging" Traditional German Carol arranged by Irena Szurmanová (all rights secured for broadcast, playback, recording etc.) Conducted by Peter Mannion
Performed by the NUI Galway Alumni Ensemble, in partnership with the Galway Music Residency, the Galway ConTempo Quartet and the NUI Galway Orchestra Society
The NUI Galway Alumni Ensemble are accompanied by: The Galway ConTempo Quartet - Strings Maeve Bryan (The Galway Music Residency) - Double Bass NUI Galway Orchestra Society Conductor · Matthew Berrill - Clarinet NUI Galway Orchestra Society Members · Gilles Dupouy - Piano · Brian O'Sullivan - Bell
Recorded LIVE in the Emily Anderson Concert Hall (Aula Maxima), NUI Galway, on 22 November 2017, with the support of the Galway Steinway Trust.
Castlecomer Male Voice Choir was set up in 1984. Based in Castlecomer, a traditional Coal-mining town, the choir is made up of 37 members from kilkenny City, North Co. Kilkenny & south Co. Laois.
Our most senior member, Jimmy Farrell is 94 who enjoys hopping on and off our tour bus to travel to various Concerts and entertains us in the sing-songs afterwards with comical songs & poems of his own composition!! Next in seniority is Jack Dunphy (86) who is our star bass and a celebrity in his own right for his rendition of Lily Marlene and also for setting the questions & being the quiz master for our annual table quiz!!
The Choir's repertoire ranges from Sacred Music to lighter, Traditional & Popular favourites. The choir regularly take part in Concerts and fundraising events, most notably being guest performers(along with Tenor Anthony Kearns) at this year's Jim Bolger & Davy Russell "Hurling for Cancer 2017" a celebrity Hurling Match that raised €160,000 for Cancer research. The choir have performed in concerts & festivals in London, Vienna, Prague,Chester, Wales & Jersey. Last December, the choir were invited to perform in Farmleigh House as part of their Christmas programme. The Choir Director, Clare Mc Hugh has been with the choir since 2016.
Voices of Bray was founded in 2013 and welcomes singers of all abilities on a no-audition basis. Originally envisioned to attract 50-60 members, demand for places was so high that within a year, membership expanded to over 130 singers. The choir focuses on a repertoire of popular music with a firm emphasis on singing for fun. The choir also aims to achieve a community spirit and social interaction among members and to promote well-being through the enjoyment of singing. Through its concert performances, the choir has raised over €34,000 to date for local charities.
Piece performed:
Believe (from the movie 'The Polar Express') Words and Music by: Alan Silvestri Arranged by: Mark Hayes (SATB) Alfred Music Publishing Co.
Pre-recorded backing track - Alfred Music Publishing Co.
Choir Director: John Ivory
We are a male voice choir of 30 stout-hearted men founded in 2003. The Baldonnel singers has performed at a range of concerts and special events throughout the country, including performances in the National Concert Hall with Celine Byrne, in Lansdowne Road at the invitation of the IRFU, and in 2013 in three performances at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with tenors Paul Linehan and Patrick Hyland as part of Ireland's EU Presidency.
The choir are regular performers in Kildare and throughout the country in aid of local and national charities as well as attending choral competitions and music festivals in Ireland and abroad. The choir have participated in choral festivals in Barcelona and in 2016 in Prague.
We continue to develop a wide repertoire of famous opera choruses, musical standards, and popular world and Irish favourites. Members are from a wide range of occupations, including self-employed, business and commerce, communications, IT and the military. We rehearse weekly on Tuesdays at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel by kind permission of the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps.
The Choir perform here “We Three Kings of Orient Are" or "The Quest of the Magi", a Christmas carol words and music by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in 1857.
Our Musical Director is David Lanigan, who is the Music Teacher at St Mary’s College Naas.
The Seafield Singers were founded by William Young in 1990 with the assistance of John Rowden. After Bill’s death in 2001 his wife Alison took over the role of musical director. Alison recently stepped down from this role and is once again our accompanist. In 2015, we were delighted to engage Elizabeth Hilliard as our musical director.
We are very proud that the proceeds of our concerts are for charities and to date we have raised over €230,000 for a variety of charities. Some performances have been in collaboration with other choirs including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and East Cork Choral Union. We also participate in St Ann’s Church in Dawson Street for their ‘Songs of Praise’ events and we will join them the week before Christmas to raise funds for the homeless in their Black Santa appeal.
Our Christmas concert this year is on 15th December in St John the Baptist Church on Seafield Road West, this year our charity is RNLI and we will be joined by David Bremner and Alison Young on organ and piano, Eoghan Desmond (baritone), and we are delighted that the soprano Deirdre Moynihan will compere for us.
Piece performed: Mary had a baby Arr. Malcolm Sargent
Conductor: Elizabeth Hilliard
This group of young ladies left school last June with a hope to continue singing even though they were all going their separate ways. Perseverance is the aim of the game for these young ladies and so we meet each Sunday morning – hence the name….. The Choir will sing at a variety of Christmas concerts over the Christmas season.
Notable upcoming events are the annual inter church carol service, also a return to their alma mater for a carol concert on Friday 15th December. It’s also great to continue the tradition of entering the lyric FM carol competition as well!!!!
The song is "For him All Stars Have Shone " by Bob Chilcott thanks
St Peter’s Singers are a combination of the church choirs who sing in St Peter’s Vincentian parish in Phibsborough, Dublin. The parish has a long tradition of quality liturgical music spanning many decades. The current choir sings at two of its Sunday masses and represents a wide variety of experience, talent and age. Coming from all parts of the country, Slovakia, Scotland, America and the Phillipines, the members of St Peter’s choir share a deep love of both quality liturgical music and choral singing. In 2014 the choir travelled to Italy to perform at St Paul’s Basilica (‘outside the walls’) in Rome to a wonderful reception. Building on this experience, the choir travelled to Spain in April 2016 to perform in both concert and Eucharist at the Basilica De la Milagrosa in Madrid. The choir has also performed at the local Phizzfest festival in Dublin 7, in the Navan choral competition, in Kylmore Abbey, Connemara and in concert at St Peter’s for various occasions.
This piece Breath of God’s desire was composed and arranged by choir musical director Helen Walsh. It is a carol of love of the Virgin Mary to her new born infant. The piece is performed by the choir and its lead soprano Mary Flaherty with Hannah Snowe on flute and Helen Walsh accompanying on piano.
The NUI Galway Staff Choir is a workplace choir consisting of approximately 30 administrative, academic and research staff members from across the university campus and is led by Michel Durham.
The choir was originally formed in 2013 to participate in a local charity “Choir Factor” fundraiser. The group had such fun in the process they decided to keep singing together and went on to win “Choir Factor” in 2014.
Since then the choir has participated in Choral Festivals in Castlebar, Kiltimagh, Limerick and Sligo and performed in Galway Cathedral, Glenstal Abbey, St. Nicholas’s Collegiate Church and with NUI Galway undergraduate choirs, the Alumni Choir and the Bel Canto Singers. The choir also performs at various university events.
Piece performed: Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Frank Loesser arranged for choir by Kirby Shaw
Accompanist: The choir is accompanied by the award-winning harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin
Choir director: The choir is directed by Voice Teacher and Choral Conductor, Michel Durham who has conducted community choirs in Ireland for nearly two decades. Her private vocal studio is based in Galway City and her clients include; the Saw Doctors 2017 UK tour, 2016 Junior Eurovision, and members of Wexford Opera.
Castle Park School is a primary school in Dalkey, Co Dublin. Overlooking the sea at Bullock Harbour, the school has a strong tradition of music and all pupils take part in weekly music lessons, choir sessions and instrumental tuition. The Senior Choir is a large choir consisting of all the boys and girls in 5th and 6th class. They meet once a week in the Music Room and enjoy performing a variety of musical styles from choral to popular to folk music. The choir regularly performs at school assemblies and competitions and are currently preparing for the annual carol service and carol singing in the local community.
Title and composer and / or arranger
"The Song of the Winter Wind"
Composer: Chris Williams (from A&C Black publication Sing A Christmas Cracker)
Accompanist: Edel McKiernan
Rathdown Cantori was founded in 2005. The aim of the choir is to provide adults with the opportunity to meet together socially and explore the enjoyment of singing in a choir. Under the baton of conductor Siobhán Kennedy-Perri, the Ladies have progressed from a tentative first recital to performing at the American Ambassador’s Christmas party for the Irish-American Society(at the Residence, for three years running 2007 –’09), competing in festivals and competitions and have many successful annual concerts and recitals under their belts. They have co-performed with other choirs including Brittas Bay Singers, Greystones Synchrony Choir and the Celtic Choristers
Recent Choir Highlights:
In 2012 they took first place in the Arklow Music Festival Advanced Ladies Choir section, having come second the year before,
Also in 2012 they performed in the National Concert Hall, as part of the Rathdown School show, with a David Mooney arrangement of Irish songs (The Cat’s Ramble to a Child’s Saucer)
In 2013 as part of the Irish Russian Society’s 140th Anniversary Rachmaninoff commemoration they performed once again in the NCH, for which they received a favourable review in the Irish Times.
2013 highlights also included participation in RTE’s Big Music Week, a “flashmob” performance of the Hallelujah Chorus in Dundrum Shopping Centre, conducted by David Brophy.
In 2014 the choir featured on Lyric fm in the Carols for Christmas competition with a recording of an original carol “Buvez Bien”, penned by director Siobhán Kennedy-Perri.
In 2016 they celebrated the 10th Anniversary of their formation. It was a special night, hosted by Lyric FM’s Bernadette Comerford.
In March of this year they came 2nd in the Arklow Music Festival "Light Jazz and Popular" section of the choral competition. (Photo taken at this event)
Piece: Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth as performed by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
Arranged for SSA by Siobhán Kennedy-Perri
Accompanied on piano by: Elizabeth Hilliard
Director: Siobhán Kennedy-Perri
The Wesley College Senior Choir is a mixed-voice SATB choir with members from 4th, 5th and 6th year. They always enjoy making their Lyric Choirs for Christmas recording – it get their Christmas season off to a great start. They have had a busy term, appearing in the National Concert Hall only two weeks after their first rehearsal as part of the Feis Ceoil Young Platform Series in September. They are looking forward to several concert engagements over the next few months, as well as upcoming competitions around Ireland. They will be appearing in ‘It’s the Taking Part That Counts’ on December 13th, with other school choirs, Ardú vocal ensemble, members of Anúna and Owen Gilhooly in Dublin’s Mansion House as part of a nationwide campaign to get more of Ireland’s schools singing – tickets for this Christmas themed celebration of Ireland’s school choirs are available on Eventbrite.
The choir travel abroad every year and are looking forward to the annual choir trip in February, which follows on from their previous tours to Paris, Bath and London. The Senior Choir performs at lots of different functions in the College, as well as numerous competitions. They have been lucky enough to enjoy great success in many of Ireland’s school choir competitions in recent years. In 2017 they were winners Folens Publishers Award for Best Secondary School in the Feis Ceoil.
Our weekly rehearsals are lively and noisy affairs out of which comes performances of a high calibre and great energy. This is an outstanding group of students who contribute hugely to the life of Wesley College and are an inspiration to pupils, staff and parents alike.
Piece: Suantraí ár Slánaitheora (The Saviour’s Lullaby) arranged by Fiontáin Ó Cearbhaill
Choir Director: Helen Doyle
Cahir to Sing is a ladies’ choir based in Cahir, and was formed in January 2016 by a small group of ladies with a common interest in singing. While based in Cahir, the choir members are drawn from around the globe and this eclectic mix is reflected in the repertoire which ranges from traditional Irish airs to modern standards to songs from French movies. We have six different nationalities in the choir: German, Swiss, English, American, Finnish and Irish.
To date, the choir has performed in St. Mary's Church in Cahir, at Brú Ború Heritage Centre in Cashel, Cahir Historical Society functions, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann 1916 Commemoration, the Cork Choral Festival, St Paul’s Church in Cahir and our Christmas fundraiser concerts are held at Cahir Castle every year. As well as a forum for fun and laughter, we hope to build community through singing and through connecting artistically with each other.
Our Musical Director is Fidelma Nugent, a music graduate of N.U.I. Maynooth and currently studying organ at Glenstal Abbey. She is a multi-instrumentalist, playing organ, accordion, violin and piano. Nicole Butler, our soprano and a student of Drama and Theatre in University College Cork, is singing the solo in Gaudete.
Piece performed: Gaudete from Piae Cantones (1582), arranged by Michael McGlynn.
Wesley Girls choir comprises of approximately 35 girls from 3rd, 4th and 6th year. We rehearse once a week and enjoy singing all genres of music from popular to musicals and classical to jazz. This is our first time entering this competition and we really enjoyed preparing the song and recording it. We hope to continue to perform throughout the school year and learn lots more music.
The song is entitled Virgin Slumber Song by Max Reger and arranged by Anton Becker for SSA choir and piano accompaniment.
The choir was conducted by myself, Jean O'Reilly and accompanied by Chris Merton.
The Sandford and St Philips' Choral Scholars is a group of young musicians based in the grouped parishes of Sandford (Ranelagh) and St Philip's (Milltown). There are currently nine members, ranging in age from 12 to 20. The Choral Scholars sing frequently at services in the parishes, both alone and with the parish Choral Union, as well as at concerts and other events.
Piece performed: 'There is no rose' (Anon. 14th century, ed. John Stevens).
Choir director: David O'Shea
The Clongowes Wood College Senior Choir is open to students from 2nd to 6th year in the all boy boarding school in Clane, Co Kildare. It contains a mix of unbroken, changing and developed voices. The choir regularly performs at events in the school, and give concerts for local senior citizens as part of Clongowes' Age Action initiative. In recent years the choir has won prizes at the Wesley Interschools Music Festival and the Drogheda Youth Choral Festival, and members of the choir have been successful at Sligo Feis Ceoil, Kilcoole Music Festival and Navan Choral Festival. The choir is directed by Mr David Scott and accompanied by Ms Anne Conaghan.
Song Details "Jingle Bell Rock" Words and Music by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe Arranged by Mac Huff
Accompanist Ms Anne Conaghan, piano
The second year music class choir of Holy Child Killiney Secondary are a group of enthusiastic young musicians aged 13-14 who love to perform. The students like to play music from many different genres and they are always open to doing something new. In the music class, we have piano players, violin players and traditional music players but what they all collectively have in common is that they absolutely love to sing! We decided to enter the best performance of the RTE Lyric FM Choral Commission competition as a class project as we thought that it was an interesting concept and an imaginative score to work on. We really enjoyed coming up with our own version of this composition, trying our best to convey the text of the poem through music.
Piece performed: Self Portrait on Christmas Morning by Sebastian Adams
Other Instruments used- Alarm Clocks of various sizes and makes!
Choir Director: Brian Murphy
THE KILL SINGERS, KILL, Co. KILDARE were founded in 1993,as a Choral group within the Kill Musical and Dramatic Society. Emer Hartnett is their Musical Director.
Under Emer’s direction, the choir has competed in and won at most of the Irish Choral Festivals
The Kill Singers have also performed in Barcelona, Jersey, Riva Del Garda( Italy), Rome and Prague.
They have been providing the Christmas entertainment at the prestigious K Club for the past four years.
To celebrate their 25th Anniversary in 2018.they have recorded and launched their debut album “ Silver Songs”
Piece performed here LET THE WHOLE WORLD SING
Words By: Joel Raney / Music By: Joel Raney
New music is blended with familiar, traditional carols in a wide variety of styles to create an interesting and fresh retelling of the Christmas story.
Cappella Lyrica is an equal-voice choir comprised of full-time students of the CIT Cork School of Music. Its repertoire ranges from early music to contemporary works. Formed in 2011, the choir has establised a relationship with new music in the commissioning of composers, David Wallace and Marion Ingoldsby, to write for equal-voice choir. They have also premiered works by Richard Rudkins, C.S.L. Parker and in September 2017, collabourated with Crash Ensemble to give the first performance of Out Into by Emily Hall at the Sounds of a Safe Harbour Festival in Cork. Cappella Lyrica’s programmes also regularly feature the compositions of established Irish composers and those works in the Irish language.
In competitive performances the choir has been successful at the Cork and City of Derry International Choral Festivals and at the Limerick Church Music Festival.
The Choir are under the direction of Maria Judge and their rehearsal accompanist is Deirdre Long.
The entry is The Coventry Carol arranged by Michael McGlynn.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School is a small coeducational school in the heart of Dublin 8. The all-inclusive school choir is open to students from 1st to 6th year and currently has a membership of 70. They rehearse during lunchtimes and Wednesday after school.
The Choir are regular participants and prize-winners at the EBS Feis Ceoil, Interschools Music Festival, and the Navan Choral Festival. In October, the choir had great fun participating in a choral workshop with Dr. Róisín Blunnie of DCU as part of National Choral Singing Week. Most recently, the choir participated at the Sligo International Choral Festival and were awarded 2nd place in the 3/ 4 School Choir competition. Currently, the Choir are busy preparing for their annual Carol Service and their first choir trip abroad to Prague in February 2018.
The title of our piece is Lully, Lulla, Lullay and the composer is Philip Stopford.
The piece is unaccompanied and the soloist featured at the end of the recording is 1st year student Davide Antochi.
The Choir Director/Music Teacher is Ms. Áine Balfe.
CANTORAL was formed in 2009 by Helen Phelan (Managing Director) and Catherine Sergent (Artistic Director). The ensemble specializes in singing chant and polyphony from the early medieval period with a special interest in repertoire from or related to Ireland. It has recorded one album called Let the Joyous Irish Sing Aloud/Laetabundus Decantet Hybernicorum Cetus featuring chants for a variety of Irish saints including Brigit, Patrick, Killian, Columbanus and Gall. Its membership includes students and faculty from the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick. It has performed in Ireland and abroad in Paris, Strasbourg, New York, Notre Dame, Harvard and Yale. Its most recent project is called NAVIGATIO and features Latin chant, polyphony and poetry inspired by the Voyage of Brendan the Navigator.
Veni, Veni Emanuel! is a well-known piece, associated with Advent and Christmas. The text is inspired by the ‘O’ Antiphons: a series of Latin chants sung in the days leading up to Christmas. These texts date back to approximately the 9th century but the popular, metrical version sung here dates to the 13th century. An English language version of the piece was created by J.M. Neale in the 19th century and is still sung today as ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’. In this recording, we sing the original, Latin version, accompanied by the vielle, a medieval version of the fiddle.
Michelle O’Connor: Vielle Singers: Catherine Sergent, Helen Phelan, Ewa Zak-Dyndal, Rosemary Heredos, Femke Van Der Kooij, Eleanor Giraud and Hannah Fahey
Booterstown National School is a small Church of Ireland school in Blackrock, County Dublin with 96 children attending. The Booterstown N.S Choir was founded in September 2015 by their Music Teacher Catherine Madden and comprises of 26 children from 3rd – 6th class. The children involved in the B.N.S. Choir volunteer to be members of the choir and possess a deep love of music and singing. The children sing a variety of music including repertoire from Classical, Latin American, Music Theatre, and popular genres. The choir rehearse every Friday morning before school and perform occasionally at the weekly school assemblies and of course the School Christmas Carol Services and Summer shows. The B.N.S. Choir made their exciting debut performance at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum last May.
Title of piece performed: A Christmas Medley. (a mash up of Gloria (Traditional), Deck the Halls (Traditional), White Christmas (Irving Berlin), Snow is Falling(Shakin Stevens), God Rest You Merry Gentlemen (Traditional), Jingle Bells (Traditional), Carol of the Bells(M. Leontovich),)
Arranged by Catherine Madden
PIANO ACCOMPANIST: Catherine Madden
The 25 strong Youth Choir from Moate, Co.Westmeath are excited to share with everyone their verys first entry into Choirs For Christmas competition. They are still dazed after their hugely successful year last year where they claimed first prize in the Junior Youth Choir competitions at Kilkenny Choral Festival and were hugely successful being awarded 4th prize and trophy out of 19 choirs in Ireland’s “National Youth Choir of the Year 2017”, which took place last March at Navan Choral Festival. The young singers comprise of mainly junior cycle secondary school students and it is growing in strength from year to year.
The choir were founded by Ciarán Brady and is a training ground for young secondary school singers in the Midland regions. They give there annual “Carols for All” concert with Professor Gerard Gillen on Organ on Sunday 10th December at 7pm in St.Patrick’s Church Moate.
They are singing an arrangement of the Traditional Austrian Carol "Still,Still, Still" - arranged by Ron Jeffers.
Conductor - Ciarán Brady
CSM Junior Childrens’ Chorus
This 50-strong choir is comprised of boys and girls aged 7 to 11 years. It performs at least twice yearly and presents repertoire from the Children’s Choral Literature, many from the pens of Irish composers such a Brian Boydell, John Buckley, Sue Furlong and Havelock Nelson. Highlights of the choirs experience in recent years, was a recording of a CD and three performances of a specially commissioned Mass for Peace, a performance for the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese on the occasion of her official visit to the School in 2008, in 2011 participation in the CSM performance of Ralph Vaughan William’s Hodie. The children participated in the first performance in Cork of Arthur Honegger’s Christmas Cantata. The CSM Junior Choir hosted a visit and shared a concert with the Capitol City Children’s Chorus from South Dakota and have facilitated workshops given for choral conductors in the CSM by Dr Brent Gault, Indiana University. Auditions are held regularly and all applications are welcome
Conductor: Maria Judge The entry is The Angel's Message by Steven Harder, Arranged by Alison Hedger Accompanist is Hilda Chan, Masters Student at the CIT Cork School of Music, Union Quay, Cork
The Choir of the Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny, has achieved enormous success over the years and have delighted audiences both nationally and internationally. They have sung for the President of Ireland at Aras an Uachtarain, and have been invited to perform in Carnegie Hall by acclaimed composer Karl Jenkins, composer of Adiemus. Winners of the RTE Lyric 'Choirs for Christmas' competition on three separate occasions, the Presentation School Choir has also won first place in the Cork International Choral Festival and won overall top choir in Feis Ceoil.
The school year got off to a great start when the choir was awarded first place at the Sligo International Choral Festival in October under the direction of Ms Patrice O’Connor. It was their first competition with their new director and they were thrilled with the result.
The choir is very much looking forward to the Christmas Season and looking forward to many choral events in the new year.
Choral Director: Ms Patrice O’Connor Accompanist: Mr. Tom Keogh
Lady Barbalade are an all-female Barbershop Quartet formed in 2015 from members of the award winning Enchiriadis Chamber Choir. The four ladies, Rebecca Gilbert, Clare Hayes-Brady, Hilary Harnett and Evie Wroe are all accomplished singers who love the challenge of new music and singing in different styles. Since their formation, the girls have won prizes in choral music and Barbershop competitions around the country, including first prize at Ireland’s International Accapella Comeptition in Dublin 2017.
The piece performed here is 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town' - Coota and Gillespie, Arr Rebecca Gilbert
Sung by Lady Barbalade , Barbershop Quartet: Rebecca Gilbert, Evie Wroe, Hilary Harnett and Clare Hayes-Brady
Ceiliúr
Choral singing is wonderful training for the mind and soul and is provided for every student in the school through the formal curriculum.
For students who want wish to go further to fuel their passion for singing, Ceiliúr is the school choir, comprising students from 1st to 6th Year. There are no auditions. The only requirement is a genuine love of singing and a willingness to work very hard.
Ceiliúr meets every Monday afternoon until 5.30 and on Friday at lunchtime. There are extra rehearsals coming up to performances. Ceiliúr performs at school liturgies, at the Christmas Concert and at Maytime Music. In recent years the choir has performed in Salzburg, Paris and Prague and are about to head off to Switzerland where they will perform their Christmas repertoire.
Ceiliúr is directed by Caoimhe Ní Áinle
Accompanied by Ms Alison Thomas
Percussion: Jordan Roche
Recording:
Do you hear what I hear
Words and music by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne
Arranged by Harry Simeone
Limerick has many diverse musical traditions from marching bands to the sacred music of its churches and cathedrals, from its well-known rock bands, to the internationally renowned Irish Chamber Orchestra. Michael Murphy talks to Derek Mulcahy, Peter Barley, and Gareth Cox about musical life in Limerick. Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill of PineValley Productions for RTÉ lyric fm.
In tonight's interval Michael Murphy explores the improvisational nature of music with organist Peter Barley, composer Sam Perkin, violinist Diane Daly, jazz bassist Damien Evans and traditional flute player Desi Wilkinson.
Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill of PineValley Productions for RTÉ lyric fm.
In tonight's interval, organist and choral conductor Mark Duley looks at some of the neglected organ works of French composer and organist, César Franck.
Ireland is home to many styles and genres of music, old and new. It is internationally renowned for its own folk-music tradition, and for producing some of the world’s most famous pop and rock music groups. In recent years musicologists have increasingly focused their attention on Ireland’s diverse musical culture. However, they have also studied music from around the world. Michael Murphy talks to Harry White, John O’Flynn and Lorraine Byrne Bodley about the current state of musicology in Ireland. Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill of PineValley Productions for RTÉ lyric fm.
In tonight's interval, Sandy Burnett looks at some of the most popular classics works from across the centuries and asks "What Makes a Hit"?
In tonight's interval, Sandy Burnett profiles African-American ragtime composer Scott Joplin, and we'll hear musical excerpts including his opera Treemonisha.
As the great violinist visits Dublin, Jon Tolansky profiles the life and career of Maxim Vengerov.
In tonight's interval, Michael Murphy meets members of the Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra, the first group in Ireland to perform full symphonic arrangements beyond the scope of wind band music. Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill of PineValley Productions for RTÉ lyric fm.
In tonight's interval, Michael Murphy explores the world of the Irish classical contemporary composer, and meets with Sam Perkin and Anne-Marie O'Farrell. Presented and researched by Michael Murphy and produced by Joe Ó Dubhghaill of PineValley Productions for RTÉ lyric fm.
In tonight's interval, Michael Murphy examines the world of community choral singing with Limerick Choral Union director Malcolm Green; Máire Keary-Scanlon who directs various youth and adult ensembles and Dermot O'Callaghan, Chief Executive of the Association of Irish Choirs based in UL.
We're delighted to have been awarded the IMRO Radio Awards 2017 Music Station of the Year
Sebastian Adams’ 2017 Christmas Choral Commission: Self-Portrait on a Christmas Morning (for children's choir with optional alarm clocks)
The silver award winning submission to the 2017 IMRO Radio Awards, won by sound engineer Tom Norton in the Best Live Sound - Music category
In this short feature, Michael Lee looks at Elgar's chamber music, in particular his Violin Sonata, one of three important chamber pieces that Elgar composed in the same year.
In this interval feature, Michael Lee introduces us to the music of Louis Vierne which, apart from his organ works, is mostly unknown.
Carl is joined by musician and songwriter Christy Moore for a special session on Carl's final live Blue of the Night. Christy's songs span the gamut of human emotion and experience and Carl will chat to him about his musical career and enjoy a live performance from one of Ireland's best loved musicians.
In March 2014, legendary jazz guitarist Louis Stewart was Carl Corcoran's featured artist on The Blue of the Night. Following his passing in 2016, Carl revisited the interview to create this special programme that features many of Louis' wonderful performances and his chat with Carl, recalling his early days and the highlights of his international career.
On Carl Corcoran's last week of presenting Blue, he had a visit from young Dublin based Sun Collective - led by singer songwriter Caimin Gilmore.
Carl Corcoran is joined in studio for a session and a chat with traditional concertina player and composer Jack Talty and sean-nós singer Saileog Ní Cheannabháin from Raelach Records.
An exclusive performance on The Blue of the Night, a new work by Benedict Schlepper-Connolly which received its' premier at Clonmel Junction Festival and is performed by cellist Kate Ellis and violinist Yuki Numata Resnick
Singer songwriter Sonny Condell has been at the forefront of Irish folk and folk-rock since his days with Leo O'Kelly collaborating as Tir na nOg. Sonny is also a founding member of Scullion. His latest album 'Seize the Day' sets the poetry of Paddy Kehoe to music, and they join Carl Corcoran on The Blue of the Night for tunes and a chat.
Blue's way of marking Bloomsday comes in a unique form - a bespoke live session with composer/pianist Brian Byrne, vocalist Declan O'Rourke and guitarist Nigel Clark. They'll play a couple of tunes from Brian settings of Joyce poems as featured on his 'Goldenhair' album and Brian will be chatting to Carl about the composition of the material and the making of the album.
Landless are Ruth Clinton, Meabh Meir, Sinead Lynch and Lily Power and they join Carl Corcoran for a Blue of the Night session.
They sing unaccompanied traditional songs from Irish, Scottish, English and American traditions in close four part harmony. Their repertoire features songs of love, death and lamentation, as well as work songs, shape-note hymns and more recently penned folk songs. Landless have performed in a variety of settings, both in Ireland and abroad, and are closely involved with traditional singing sessions in Dublin and Belfast.
Edinburgh born Ross Wilson spent his creative formative years in East London, then moved to South England 'to be by the sea's energy' but it is in his homecoming that he has found where his heart is. He considers himself to be an exponent of Caledonian Soul. From attrition to intense moments of ecstatic love, Wilson's lyrics challenge the ear and soften the heart. He goes by the moniker Blue Rose Code and has been described as 'slippery as an eel; a genre dodger; a mess of influences and contradictions'. Judge for yourself - he's our featured artist this week on The Blue of The Night and joins Carl for a live session. .
Carl Corcoran is joined by pianist Francesco Turrisi and vocalist Michelle O'Rourke for a Blue of the Night session. Both have previously been featured on Blue individually but here the two musicians collaborate and perform their imaginative and thoughtful interpretations of music from the early 17th century in advance of their performance at Kaleidoscope Night.
Pianist Ivan Ilic is a regular visitor to Ireland and joins Carl for a Blue of the Night session. The Serbian-American Paris-based pianist has signed a new multi-album recording contract with Chandos Records, following internationally acclaimed recordings of Godowsky and Feldman. His first project under the label will be a series devoted to the solo piano works of Czech composer Antoine Reicha, a contemporary and lifelong friend of Beethoven.
Raised in the heart of the Kerry Gaeltacht and immersed in traditional music since childhood, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is one of Ireland's leading traditional singers. For thirteen years she was the singer and flute player with Danú before embarking on a solo career that encompasses a wide range of activities including singing, composing, tutoring and most recently broadcasting. While she maintains a strict adherence to the tradition in much of her music, she is also determined to add other colours to her palette with some recent musical adventures. Enjoy this wide range all week on Blue as she is under the Blue spotlight. And on Wednesday Muireann joins us for a Live Session accompanied by the brilliant Gerry O'Beirne.
The 2017 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May 2017, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 13th May. On Classic Drive and Weekend Drive we bring you reports on the previous night’s performances, every day at 5pm.
The 2017 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May 2017, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 13th May. On Classic Drive and Weekend Drive we bring you reports on the previous night’s performances, every day at 5pm.
The 2017 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May 2017, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 13th May. On Classic Drive and Weekend Drive we bring you reports on the previous night’s performances, every day at 5pm.
The 2017 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May 2017, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 13th May. On Classic Drive and Weekend Drive we bring you reports on the previous night’s performances, every day at 5pm.
The 2017 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May 2017, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 13th May. On Classic Drive and Weekend Drive we bring you reports on the previous night’s performances, every day at 5pm.
The 2017 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival takes place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May 2017, with the Presentation of Awards on Saturday 13th May. On Classic Drive and Weekend Drive we bring you reports on the previous night’s performances, every day at 5pm.