A magical festive evening in St Mel's Cathedral with Longford County Choir

The superb Longford County Choir is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2025 and their Christmas concert promises to be extra magical this year.

For twenty-five years, Longford County Choir has been an integral part of the local arts scene.

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Giving people a chance to express themselves through music, the choir has fostered new talent as well as experienced members from counties Longford, Cavan, Leitrim and Roscommon.

The choir will perform their annual Christmas concert in St Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday, December 21 from 7.30pm and for many people this concert signifies the beginning of the Christmas season.

The familiar Christmas carols evoke memories of Christmases past for the older generation and continue to be very popular with the young.

Roger Timlin, choir PRO explained:

“Last Christmas was our largest audience. It was run in support of local charity, Cian’s Kennels. A little boy died of cancer and when he was in hospital, his parents could bring his pet dog and eased his situation when he was undergoing treatment. After he died, his mother and family started the charity. We had a great response last year; a really wonderful event.”

Rehearsals for this year’s concert began in mid-September, taking place in Sylvia Dawson Hall, St Christopher’s every Wednesday.

With the setlist being Christmas favourites, the music is directed by Fintan Farrelly.

Every year the concert features a guest soprano, previous guests including Emer Barry and Eimear Reynolds.

“People wishing to join can come at any time, particularly men. We are short of men. We welcome anyone who is interested in singing. You don’t have to read music. We’re a four-part choir with soprano, alto, tenor and bass. There are a number of experienced singers. It’s a big help to people who join to pick up the music,” explained Roger.

Director Fintan Farrelly revealed that this year’s guest soprano singer will be Maria Matthews.

“Maria sang last May because there was a commission for Longford Creative Arts, Longford Lights Festival. They engaged her for that and as well for the choir. The choir will be backing her up in some pieces.”

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Moyne performer Maria said, “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Longford County Choir for their Christmas concert. Singing in St Mel’s Cathedral is always a total joy, and there is something extra special about performing there. I’m really looking forward to catching up with Fintan and the choir, who have been so supportive and encouraging to me.”

Longford County Choir promises to deliver a magical festive evening on December 21.