Christmas concerts on the way

Christmas is well and truly here. Back in the day, December 8th would have been the day to go to Dublin for your Christmas shopping! No need for that these days, instead you can shop local (or online) and then come to Listowel tomorrow night for the first of our Christmas concerts (Storm Atiyah permitting) at 7:30 pm in St. Mary’s in aid of the church renovation in Listowel. Tickets will be available on the door.

In the meantime, here’s something soothing from our concert earlier this year, just to counterbalance the windy weather outside.

Benedictus (Karl Jenkins – Armed Man) April 2019. St. Brendan’s Church. In aid of Recovery Haven. Accompanist: Lucy Tanner (Violin) Aine Murray (Piano). Director: Sharon Reidy. Filmed by: EmmaJude Lyons & Malachy Scanlon

It’s National Singing Week!

Organised by Sing Ireland in association with Mental Health Ireland, the aim is to encourage newcomers to group singing and to remind everyone that singing contributes to physical & mental health and well-being. With studies showing that singing as part of a group can provide a wide range of wellness and mental health benefits, such as improving breathing, posture and muscle tension as well as lessening stress and anxiety, now is the time to get involved! Kerry Choral Union will be hosting an open rehearsal this Wednesday 9th October in Collis Sandes House at 7:30 pm. Why not come along and hear us rehearse. You can join in if you like or not if you prefer – no pressure! It’s always good to sing!

A Celebration of Light – Wetlands Concert 2019

Last night was our annual concert with Recovery Haven at the Tralee Bay Wetlands and it was as always a lovely and deeply moving event. The weather played nice too and we were treated to a dry, mild evening with a lovely sunset. As the evening wound down, I took a walk around the lake to watch the floating lanterns and the lights of the centre against the darkening sky and was struck at how perfect this location is for this event. In and of the town, bridging the urban setting with the bay beyond. Peaceful and tranquil. Thanks to everyone who made last evening such a huge success and to Recovery Haven for having us be part of it again.

Spring Concert with Duhallow Choral Society in Millstreet

On Palm Sunday last, the choir travelled down to Millstreet in Cork to sing with the Duhallow Choral Society in aid of Millstreet Community Hospital. Judging by the turnout, it is a cause close to many a local’s heart. It was wonderful to have such a warm and appreciative audience and also to get the opportunity to sing with Duhallow Choral Society again. There is a very special sound and feeling when the two choirs combine. Also, the hospitality was amazing! Thanks to everyone involved in organizing this great event.

Duhallow have some lovely clips from the concert on their facebook page but I’ve just included some audio from the rehearsal below. Enjoy!

Lord of the Dance, Kerry Choral Union with Duhallow Choral Society in rehearsal, St. Patrick’s, Millstreet. Accompanists Ian Sexton (piano) and Lucy Tanner (violin)

A Light Exists in Spring

A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period

Emily Dickinson

Spring has arrived, the clocks have gone forward and there’s a cock’s step in the evenings. It is a time for joyous singing! And it has been a busy start to the year for Kerry Choral Union. We have been flat out rehearsing for our Spring Concerts, the first of which is this coming Sunday (14.04.2019) in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet, where we will be joining our friends from Duhallow Choral Society for what is sure to be a wonderful evening. Last Sunday’s rehearsal in Millstreet was really good and we were all delighted with how well the two choirs blended together – both vocally and socially! The video below features a taste of the rehearsal with images from the gorgeous St. Patrick’s. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. Don’t be late!

Eagle-eyed readers will also note that we’ve had a bit of a spring clean on the website too. It’s the time of year for it after all. Take a look around, we’ll be adding more photos and videos in the months ahead!

From Benedictus by Karl Jenkins with Duhallow Choral Society in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet.