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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
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A little light for the darker evenings

May It Be by Enya from the soundtrack to the Lord of the Rings was one of my favourite pieces last year. I hope you like it too.

May there always be light in the darkness, and if there isn’t then be the light.

May It Be (Ni Bhraonain/Ryan/Ryan). April 2019. St. Brendan’s Church. In aid of Recovery Haven. Accompanist: Aine Murray. Director: Sharon Reidy. Filmed by: EmmaJude Lyons & Malachy Scanlon
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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!

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From the Spring Concert

Storm Lorenzo definitely wants to put us in mind of winter but before we give in completely, let’s take a look back at our Spring Concert for Recovery Haven. Keep an eye out for the videos as I’ll be posting more of them over the coming weeks.

I’m starting today with And Can It Be (Wesley/Plew/Forrest) for no particular reason other than that it starts with ‘A’. Enjoy!

And Can It Be (Wesley/Plew/Forrest). April 2019. St. Brendan’s Church. In aid of Recovery Haven. Accompanist: Aine Murray. Director: Sharon Reidy. Filmed by: EmmaJude Lyons & Malachy Scanlon
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New season ahead

That first breath that a band or choir or orchestra takes together, a breath filled with focus, intention and emotion, a breath unified for no other reason than to make something beautiful together … there is simply no better way to demonstrate the core of who we are, and the best in all of us.

Eric Whitacre

I came across this quote the other day from Eric Whitacre (he of the gorgeous Seal Lullaby and so much more) and it perfectly expresses that moment, the deep breath before the notes are formed, a moment full of possibility, before we all dive into the music together. It is a wonderful thing to experience and you can too. Our first night of rehearsals is next Wednesday, September 4th and new members are always welcome. There will be tea and refreshments so we can all catch up after the summer in style and to allow Sharon time to take new members through a few scales. Practice is at 7:30 p.m. (but if you’re new, come a little earlier, say 15 to 10 minutes) in Collis Sandes House as usual.