Longford County Choir set to celebrate milestone 25th anniversary with anniversary concert
The concert, 25 Years of Harmony, takes place in St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford on May 24
Longford County Choir celebrates the 25th anniversary of its founding this year and an anniversary concert is being held to mark the momentous milestone.
The anniversary concert, 25 Years of Harmony, takes place in St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford, on Sunday May 24 at 7.30pm.
The programme includes Vivaldi’s Gloria—the first major work performed by the choir 25 years ago—along with a selection of popular pieces from past concerts.
The choir will be joined by soprano soloists Ami Hewitt and Eimear Reynolds, and by its tenor Breen McGee.
Musical Director Fintan Farrelly will conduct the choir and orchestra.
The choir was established in 2001 through the efforts of the late Fergus Kennedy, then County Arts Officer, who recognised that Longford had no four-part choir beyond church choirs.
Four-part choirs sing in harmony across soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
The choir warmly acknowledges the support it has received from the Arts Office and the elected members of Longford County Council since it began.
Blánaid Murphy (with family roots in Ballymahon) was the choir’s first Musical Director.
A gifted and inspiring leader, she handed over to Catherine Killoran in 2002 when she became director of Dublin’s renowned Palestrina Choir.
Catherine Killoran (with family roots in Ballinalee), continued to build the choir.
Fintan Farrelly has been involved from the outset—initially as piano and organ accompanist and, for the past 16 years, as Musical Director.
His contribution has been immense, and he continues to motivate members to perform at their best.
Members travel from across the Midlands to rehearse and perform, and several singers who took part in the first concert are still with the choir. New members are always welcome in this friendly and supportive group.
Among the choir’s highlights are RTÉ’s Carols at Christmas from All Hallows Church in Dublin, two appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and a memorable concert at the summit church on Mont Saint-Michel, France.
The choir has also performed widely in County Longford and throughout Ireland and has welcomed many of Ireland’s leading singers to St Mel’s Cathedral.
It is grateful to the Parish Administrators and Pastoral Councils whose support has helped make these events possible.
The choir is also proud to have raised over €100,000 for local charities and to continue supporting fundraising in Longford.
Reaching 25 years is a milestone the choir could scarcely have imagined at its founding.
Looking ahead, it is planning new initiatives to attract members when rehearsals resume in September.
The choir also remembers with affection those members who have passed away and deeply appreciates the loyal audience that has supported it over the years.
Tickets are selling quickly for what promises to be a special occasion.
Tickets are priced at €15 (individual) or €30 (family of two adults and two children).
They are available from Denniston’s, Farrell Stationery, Longford Presbytery, or any choir member, and will also be on sale at the door.