40th anniversary: Longford children to perform and star in special concerts at St Mel's Cathedral

Some very special concerts are taking place in St Mel’s Cathedral on Tuesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 10 at 8pm. They are this year’s National Children’s Choir local concerts.

This is a very significant year for the choir as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. And, fittingly, they have their biggest number of children taking part – 430 from ten different schools in Longford, Leitrim, Cavan and Sligo branch of the National Children’s Choir.

The schools involved are St Joseph’s NS, Longford; St Mary’s NS, Edgeworthstown; St Emer’s NS, Longford; St Columba’s NS, Mullinalaghta; St Teresa’s NS, Killoe; Sacred Heart NS, Granard; St Patrick’s NS, Drumshanbo; Annaduff NS; St Patrick’s NS, Gowna and Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Sligo.

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The National Children’s Choir is a school based choral experience for primary school children. It was founded by the late Seán Creamer in 1985 to celebrate European Music Year.

Affiliated pupils from 4th, 5th or 6th classes learn a common repertoire of songs in their own schools.

They are taught by their own teachers and then join other local schools three or four times a year to rehearse these songs together.

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Every child who learns the repertoire then performs in their local concert. Because of the numbers this year, they’ve decided to split the choir over two nights, performing the same repertoire each night.

This years’ repertoire has fifteen songs old and new, many of which are familiar and one which has been newly commissioned for the 40th anniversary.

Accompanied by Fintan Farrelly and the choir orchestra, and with special guest, Charlie McGettigan, it promises to be a wonderful night’s entertainment.

Tickets cost €15 and are available through the schools or at the door. Any queries contact Sinéad Smith 086 824 6553.