Enniscorthy Choir

Momentous weekend in Ennis

2008-12-09T12:28:00.015Z

Robert Rowe starts as he means to continue as Chairman with instructions for Ennis

I had always imagined de Regge as a sort of tortured musical genius with hair like Franz Liszt and a slovenly personal appearance like Beethoven. I thought of him working away in dire exile in a cold organ loft in St Flannans Cathedral immune and oblivious to his surroundings, intent only on his music, pausing only to remember with fondness the rolling hills of his native Belguim. I was therefore surprised to meet him face to face (photographically at least) and to find that he was a very solid citizen with a twinkle in his eye and a great impression of good humour and dynamism: to find that he was the father of at least three delightful daughters who have grown into lovely ladies and who remember him still with great love and sadness at his tragic death. Now instead of De Regge the Composer I think of him as Ernest.

Annette and Earnest and Robert

All this was revealed to me on our trip to Ennis last week where we went to take part in an historical and moving commemoration of Ernest de Regge in St Flannan's Cathedral. We performed his Mass in honour of Blessed Oliver Plunkett which was last performed at an Outside broadcast by RTE in 1947. This was a very rare event for Radio in that era and shows how well regarded he was at the time. It was a marvellous to be part of the group which reintroduced Ernest's music to his adopted home town. We were all pleased with the response and the size of the audience and were pleased to get it done.

St Flannans Cathedral

Donagh and Eanna warm up. This was just after Eanna played

Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary from memory

Donagh had put so much effort and skill and music and learning into editing the manuscript of the Mass ( and it really was a manscript with scribbles and ambiguities and all) and turned it into a coherent score. I hope he was pleased with the result. I think we were anyway. It is lovely music to sing and we all really enjoyed it.

Anxious moments before recording begins. Donagh calms Barry

Practice makes perfect we hope

Of course the amount of work required was quite a lot but we have proved in the past that all we need is a challenge. We had one and we rose to the occasion.. I know this sounds very bumptious but we are proud to have taken part in what was, I believe, a significant musical event. After the Mass we went to An Danlann where we took part in a concert of Ernest's music with our old friend Michael Hennessy, the Soprano Mary O Brien and the most beautifull School Choir in the World. I have never seen so many stunning young women all gathered under the baton of Carmel and so pleasant and polite and perfectly behaved. There is nothing to worry about for the future if these girls are typical of modern youth.

The Colaiste Choir wait patiently

Apart from the drive from 'Scorthy to Ennis on Friday evening which was like the Road to Hell and Back we were well looked after in the Old Ground Hotel. In fact the whole weekend was an other triumph of organisational brilliance by Annette as her swan song as Secretary. It was like being looked after by a besotted mother hen who anticipated all our wants and made sure we didnt have to ask. Congrats Annette on a terrific job.

Trisha, Bernie, Brian Rob, Annette and Larry

Socially we excelled ourselves as usual. The less said about the Friday night the better. Suffice it to say that we were all on parade at Danlann on Saturday at 2 .oopm ready to go. We had a long day as we were recording carols and motets with the School Choir. On to the Cathedral where we practiced again and sang at the very impressive Mass in lovely acoustic surroundings. Without a break we belted back to Danlann to sing in the Commemorative Concert for Earnest and the other poor folk who died in the Carmody Hotel Disaster 50 years ago. We were, it has to be admitted, beginning to feel the pace but after a slightly wobbly start we got going and responded to the warm welcoming athmosphere. During the Concert, Earnest's daughter, Ghislaine, who lives in Texas and had flown specially to arrive that day to attend the Concert, shared some of her memories of her father and Ennis of 50 years ago. A real family moment which we felt priveledged to be part of.

Dinner with the Regge sisters

After the mulled wine and delicious mince pies reception in the School we went for supper to the Town Hall joined again by Earnest's daughters. Then on again to the Party Room where tired and all as we said we were we sang on again for an other hour before starting the party pieces. Garry was in fine form on the Trumpet and our chief Groupie Jimmy produced his guitar to great effect. I looked at my watch and it was midnight. Time for bed. A few more songs and I looked at my watch again and it was 3.ooam. Time for bed again but not before our new chum Paddy Demery gave us a stirring version of Linden Lea.

My charming dinner companions Vanessa Breda and Eileen

Well done everyone.

Great w

2008-11-20T22:02:00.003Z

Big Night in St Mary's on Saturday

We were back in HQ on last Saturday night for the our first major event of the year namely the Fund Raiser for the Restoration Funds of St Mary's and St Senan's. No pictures to show yet as I am waiting for Rory to send me some of his snaps. It was a huge success and went well as far as the almost sell out audience were concerned (What they dont know wont hurt them.) In fact it went well for us too and we were all delighted with the reponse, particularly to the de Regge pieces which we are preparing for the next big day on the 6th December in Ennis. More of that anon. Back to Saturday night.
The Concert Sub Committee of Annette McCarthy, Eileen McAuley and Sheila Farrell had really pulled out all the stops and the place was packed. Even the ArchDeacon saod he had never seen the place so full. So well done ladies.
We started with the Wexford Youth Orchestra and Wexford Junior Strings under their conductor, the delightful Emily Redmond, whose committment and dedication were obvious in the performance of her charges. With Mark Ennett as their Leader they played with spirit and accuracy and were a joy to hear, so much so that the audience joined in the Radetsky March. They surely have a great future and we all wish them well in their trip to Prague. Not only is Emily all the above but she also sold a HUGE number of tickets and was help up to the rest of us as an example to be followed.
Pianist Mick Hennessy brought his latest combo, Jazzical, a very talentd group which consists of himself and his son John on drums, Conor McCarthy on Bass and Flautist Tanya Fritschi. They played the very popular Suite for Jazz Trio and Flute which was written by Claude Bolling for JP Rampal. Rampal is famous as the man who singlehandedly restored the solo flute to the popularity it had enjoyed in the 18th Century. He was the original man with the legendary Golden Flute which he had bought in three different parts from different people and recombined after many years of seperation. It is said that part of his attraction was the fact that he was a very large man playing a very small flute with great sensitivity. Jazzical did a great job and we look forward to seeing them again in Ennis next Month.
The Choir did three sets, the middle one being a selection of pieces by Ernest de Regge from a Mass which he composed in honour of St Oliver Plunkett. Donagh Wylde our MD has been editing and preparing Regges music for performance and publication after a long period of neglect and this was the first ocasion in 50 years that the music was heard in public. The response was gratifying with the Sanctus getting the biggest Hand of the night. Bodes well for our celebration Mass and Concert in St Flannan's Cathedral in Ennis on the 6th December.
The evening finished traditionally with a knees up in the Bailey where I am reliably informed the the singing went on till 4.00. Very Good.

New Season 2008

2008-09-22T23:51:00.011+01:00

Oh No

I have just wiped the whole bloody thing off.

Back to work. You can see how earnest and dedicated we are all looking at the start of the season

START AGAIN

Here we are back again for another year. Everyone seems to be full of enthusiasm and energy and really up for another great year. We have had some great times in the past few years and lets hope we can continue our winning ways. Of course winning isent everything as we knew back in the old days but now that we have started we hope to continue.

There is a great athmosphere around the choir. We have a lot of new members. We managed to capture a few new and very good basses ( welcome lads).

Our three new Basses, Donal McCarthy and Paddy Demery in front and Andrew McHugh in the row behind with Garry McCauley who is not a new member.

And this is a shot of the new faces in the Altos and Sopranos. At the back Miriam Finnegan is an Alto and Catherine Byrne has joined the Sopranos. In front Roisin Dawson and Antoinette Doyle are additions to the Alto Section. It is great to see a bit of new blood and we look forward to hearing your party pieces when we go touring.

You will notice we have a very strict policy of sexual segregation for new members. They are generally not allowed to mix until at least December.

We have a good programme for the year starting with a concert in aid of the Building Funds of our good friends in St Mary's and St Senan's. This is due in November and will feature the new Mick Hennessy Outfit. Anyone who was in the Golf Club a couple of years ago will remember the superb musicianship of his Tango Trio. Well, he's back with an expanded group to play some good jazz.

I think our most important project this year and one close to Donagh's heart is to perform in a Centenary Memorial Mass and a Concert featuring the music of Ernest De Regge. He was a Belgian Church Organist who came to Ireland in the 1920's and who spent most of his career as Choir Master in St Flannan's Cathedral in Ennis where Donagh came under his influence. He was a very well regarded musician by his fellow professionals and he composed a large amount of both Sacred and secular music. His wonderful music is only now becoming well known as it is edited and released by Donagh who has many of his manuscripts.

Our enthusiasm is largely caused by the fresh and lovely music which we are learning for this event. I think everyone is pleased with it and looking forward to singing it. We ahve a few other pieces by de Regge in our repertoir and while they can be difficult to learn at times they are worth the effort.

Finally a few pictures of the Choir hard at work

2008-05-15T16:50:00.003+01:00

Guilty Start

That's what I gave when I realised how long it is since I wrote anything in the blog. We have been working away seemingly endlessly for the Big Gig in Wexford in June. After a slightly iffy start we have come to some sort of terms with Harbourings and now like it a lot. It really does grow on you and as we learn more about it we appreciate it more. There is some lovely music in it and it is becoming a joy to sing.
It has been an interesting experience with new people taking us thru the music, each in their individual way. My respect for all of them increases as I begin to realise just how many balls they are keeping in the air during any performance. I read somewhere that it is actually impossible to do all the things that need to be done in a musical performance....... but, still, they do it.
As the weather improves and the sun shines it is harder and harder to force yourself to rehearsal but it will be worth while in the end.

2008-03-04T16:55:00.003Z

Back Again

A studious bunch in Arklow

Its been quite a while since I last posted anything but I have been very busy with family matters since before Christmas. We have had births and marriages ( not the same People). I have become a Grandfather and my wife has become a Grandmother at exactly the same time. My youngest daughter got married in India in January so I have been otherwise occupied.
But now we are getting back to normal and the best way to reground was to travel to Arklow Music Festival last Sunday to take our usual part in the sacred Music and the Light Entertainment Competitions. This is our 12th or 13th attendance at Arklow and we have always enjoyed it even if we havent always shone. At the very least we deserve the Best Attendance prize.
We sang beautifully in rehearsal but a little accident kept us out of the winner's enclosure in the Sacred Music. We immediately followed into the Light Entertainment with "Africa" an ANC battle song collected in Sydney and arranged by Donagh and "Blue Moon" the great Rodgers and Hart standard. We were so fired up at that stage that we nearly blew the adjudicators out of their Chairs and they just had to give us the First Prize, the Pat Bonner Cup which we have now won on three occasions.

After that it was back to Enniscorthy for a real old style celebration. Just like the old days.
We are now starting to concentrate on our Summer Project " Harbourings" by Ian Wilson. This has been specially composed as the Artistic Element of an EU Funded Infrastructure Scheme. Now doesent that sound much better then the Carcur Main Drainage Scheme Anthem ? The EU insists that 1% of the budget of these scemes should be assigned to cultural and artistic activities and a very good idea it is too although it sometimes has unexpected results. For example, the dreadful scaffolding Bird which lurks on the right bank of the Slaney piddling soap suds just above the new bridge is the enforced artistic element of that bridge. The fact that it is wrongly placed and has nothing to do with the Artist's vision is important because it becomes an anti artistic and anti cultural icon if it is not treated correctly. The original concept was to place the sculpture in the River between the two bridges where it could use the water plumes to suggest feathers and cover it's ghastly naked skeleton. WCC please take note as I intend to return to decry this monstrosity often
I can't finish without paying a heart felt compliment to Councillor Sean Og Doyle who has fought our corner in the Council for as long as the Choir has existed. He has always supported the Choir as a Community Resource and this has resulted in a generous grant to the Choir from the Art Fund of the Council.
Thanks, Sean.

Hard Work for a Monday Night

2007-11-19T22:29:00.000Z

We started on our new pieces in earnest this week. I mean I started on our new pieces this week. Everyone else has been at then for some time now. I find they grow on you. I learnt a lot this week. We tried to make some sense of the words and Declan was very illuminating in teasing out meanings, double meanings, allusions, word play. I think he must be a very good teacher. He, like me, is a 1st Bass so we are finding the Bass parts a bit too low for comfort.

So there endeth the first lesson.

We then moved on to discuss with the Donagh the rapidly changing time signatures ( at least I think that's what he called them) and for the first time it made sense. He demonstrated 7/8 time and then 4/4, 3/8, 5/4 and made it all crystal clear although a lot of it looked like the SP from the Greyhound Track after a bad night for the Bookies. Another gifted teacher.

And there endeth the second lesson.

We were all getting a bit tired at this stage so we werent a bit pleased to be called out for a class with Dierdre Masterson. The last thing we wanted was to be dragged from the other Basses (and Tenors) to have to listen to a stunningly beautifull, amazingly talented vivacious soprano giving us the benefit of her experience with verve and humour and enthusiasm. But for the sake of peace and quiet we put up with it.

This picture gives you some idea of how put out we were. If the one on the left smiled any more his brain would fall out.

Three brilliant teachers in one night and insights galore. This thing just gets better and better.

BY the way

I have a few pics from the AGM when we brought home the bacon from Sligo as it were and filled it up (if that isn't too mixed a metaphor)

Just about to fill up

As can be seen we are a VERY formal outfit. We all dress for dinner and we all just rushed out to get to the very efficiently run AGM

This is a nice shot of the Altos just before they started to fight over the drink

Choir comes first in S and M Competition

2007-11-06T19:24:00.000Z

I have just realised that I haven't written anything since the middle of last month. The reason was that we were so busy getting ready for our assault on the Sligo International Choral festival. The Boss decided that we would enter into four Competitions, that is eight pieces, amidst a certain amount of cribbing. I, of course, not knowing what I was talking about, was quite happy to face 4 competitions. . We had a good team of 26 players and assorted groupies all hot to trot. Percy made his welcome reappearence as Sgt Major and had us all lined up as required. As Sligo is so far we might as well get as much value out of it as we can

And it is a long way, especially on a Friday afternoon wiith 6 k tail backs in Moate. But was it worth it when we all finally got there ?

We had a not very satisfying rehearsal as people continued to arrive all through it. After dinner a couple of scoops before an early bed because we had a very early start next morning ( well it was an early start for me). We were due to sing in the first two competitions of the day both starting at the same time and at either ends of the SIT campus. We sang our Light Music, (T fr 2 and Why do fools) and then rushed off to sing in the Sacred Music ( Cantate and the de Regge). As we came off the Stage we were met by Paul who had collected our First Prize in the other Competition. Here he said casually you won. Oh Thanks. We WHAT? WE WON!!!!!!!!!! Great.

We took it in our stride almost as if we expected it (which we didnt) The rest of the day had to be an anticlimax. The fabulous Norwegian Choir won the Sacred Music amidst scenes of great joy and celebration.

And we set off for lunch and a gig in the entrance to the shopping centre. All excited but tired and the prospect of two more efforts in the PM. We'll just sing for 10 minutes said the Boss. 30 minutes later we decided to call a halt in front of a highly appreciative crowd.

Back for the Madrigals and boys to be put through a long rehearsal of Weep Oh Mine eyes and Joly Jeu. Some good singing in the entrance hall of the SIT and an opertunity for me to take some arty pics of the Choir.

Then back to the Competition. The Norske Ladies sang beautifully but unfortunately they werent singing madrigals and so lost out. However they did a display of marching off the stage in their National Costumes and lining up in front of their chairs before sitting on the word of command that was awe inspiring. They are all fine healthy examples of the benefits of good food and fresh air and their national costume is not, how can I put it, the most slimming of outfits so the resemblence to a platoon of Grenadier Guards in drag was compelling.

What's Happened?

Giving it stick in the Madrigals and even the sopranos are

smiling

We were delighted to come second in the Madrigal Competition. Now we had won a cup AND 600 euro. And there was still the S and M Cup to fight for. We like Gospel Music and we did it well. But the big difference was the solo by Robert Rowe in "Im gonna sing" which was totally superb. It made the difference between winning and losing. So lo and behold we added another Cup presented by S and M Sligo and another few euros.

Here are our favourite adjudicators

We were delighted and Im going to draw a veil over the rest of the evening as we celebrated well but not too wisely.

A few past and present Chairmen with the Boss

Well done to everyone involved( and that does mean ALL the Choir)

Excitement

2007-10-16T20:07:00.000+01:00

Two reasons for excitement

I have just made my way here from a link on our new web-site (http://www.enniscorthychoralsociety.com/) which has recently made it's appearance. It is absolutely wonderful and is all due to Bernie and Elaine's persistance and effort .

They have done a superb job in producing a very professional and good looking site, packed with information and with some really great pictures from the archives. I didn't realise we had archives ! What else is lurking in them ? In fact Liam O'Leary had pictures from way back to the inaugural meeting and I hope will release them gradually.

Elaine and Bernie have also covered our repetoire and the events we have attended. I thought this was really interesting. I didn't realise we were so experienced and so accomplished. And its all true. Unlike the blog.

This a picture from our last rehearsal. Have you ever seen such a contented bunch of choiristers? Everybody ready to sing their hearts out. And not only their hearts. We have discovered a whole lot of new body parts we never realised we had which are VERY important in voice production. Our diaphragms, our soft palates, our masks, all sorts of muscles.

The reason for all this anatomical revelation is pictured below. We are having some voice coaching from the renowned soprano Deirdre Masterson who is introducing us to the world of operatic singing and the techniques used.

Deirdre is amazing. Think of the great Soprano Battleships, of La Tebaldi, Dame Joan Sutherland Montserrat Caballo (that can't be right. She wasn't called Horse ,was she?). Think of them and then think again. Our teacher is something else entirely. How such a slight girl can produce the volume she does without straining, okay, without visibly straining, and still maintain such a beautiful musical sound is beyond me. We have had a couple of classes with her and she really has impressed everyone with her energy, charm, knowledge and commitment. In fact I can use a word which I have never felt justified in using before but which fits exactly. Feisty. Yes, that's the word to describe her when she tells the tenors to stop being so NICE. Or when she grabs Brian's hand and shouts " Feel my diaphragm working ". Or when she says to the Basses after an unimpressive effort "No, I won't accept that. Do it again." She really is shaking up the lot of us.

The terrible thing, of course, is that Donagh has told us about all these things many times before. Except that he is coming from a different direction and in a different way. But it is working. The sound is improving and long may that continue too.

Enniscorthy Choral Society website now live!

2007-10-03T15:50:00.000+01:00

The choir’s official website is now live.
To visit it just type in:
www.enniscorthychoralsociety.com

Happy browsing.

Back again

2007-10-02T20:19:00.000+01:00

What I mean is that I'm back again.
The Choir, of course, have been hard at work since early in September preparing for the big Competition in Sligo in November. I, on the other hand, have been on holiday down Montenegro way. Great fun. I recommend it to anyone who likes a laugh. See it before it loses it's unique character. And I'll let you find out for yourself what that is.
Anyway.
Back to the usual routine. A few new faces. Welcome , Patricia and Olwen. I knew after Vienna you would not be able to resist joining us again.
The Maestro is looking well and rested after the break and rarin' to go.
And so we set off again on the next stage of our musical adventure, not knowing what the year will bring but hoping that it will as good as ever.

2007-05-14T23:31:00.001+01:00

Sorry, i meant fourth from the right. Traumatised after Cork i dont know my ahem from my elbow!

2007-05-14T23:31:00.000+01:00

Sorry, i meant fourth from the right. Traumatised after Cork i dont know my ahem from my elbow!

Our Fuhrer meets their Fuhrer

2007-05-14T14:14:00.000+01:00

Donagh went to Budapest to revisit the scene of his previous triumphs at the Kodaly Institute last year. He met his old Boss there who, by coincidence, happened to be the International Adjudicator in Cork this year. Here is a picture of Prof. Peter Erdie , Der (I mean Their) Fuhrer, giving a talk and Don, far right, trying to hypnotise him into giving us good marks if ever he met us in the future.

And to show he is not just a pretty face, here is a pic of the Alumni Choir singing with our lad giving it yards on the left.

Cease not in Cork

2007-05-11T17:08:00.000+01:00

DISAPPOINTED

We shouldnt be but we are . After coming to Cork with hopes high and hard work we were disapponted to be placed only 4th out of 16 choirs in the National Open Competition. The fact that only 1.2 marks seperated the first four was an indication of just how close the competition was with the order being 87.2, 86.50, 86.25 and us at 86. I have never seen so close a call and we should be proud that we got so close. I know, I know, but it would have been nicer to be placed 3rd. The winners, by the way, were from Killeagh in Co. Cork. I'm told a good time was had by all who stayed over the week end. They didn't look too shattered on the Sunday morning when the rest arrived so the Chairman's words of warning ( about getting fluttered) had been heeded.

We live to fight another day.

At least I hope we live to fight another day. Below is a series of pics taken during a rehearsal where Donagh threw everything ( including himself ) into it

Centenary Celebration Concert

2007-04-22T16:46:00.000+01:00

Some tension before the Off

This is the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of Enniscorthy Golf Club, an organisation with which we share many members. So when Anne Hennessy, the Lady Captain, invited us to organise a Celebration Concert to mark their Centenary we were delighted to oblige. There in front of one of the biggest crowds ever seen in the Club House we put on a display of "a Cappella" singing which amazed and entertained everyone there, particularly ourselves. Donagh led us as usual in his own inimitable style and apart from a slight memory problem with the names of the songs we were singing, all went off beautifully. I suppose age (and drink ) eventually will take their toll and it is the memory that always goes first. Luckily there were plenty of members who had the running order written out for them so they were able to help out. Not, I think, that the audience would haved noticed.

Anne Hennessy
Gracious Lady Captain of Enniscorthy

Golf Club

The second part of the show was supplies by Dial M for Mon.. I mean Music. A beautifull performance by Naomi O'Connell and the 19 year old Baritone Gavin Ring of some well known favourites, sensitively accompanied by Cyril Murphy on piano, was greeted with rapturous applause from a delighted audience.

Naoni and Gavin relaxing

after their triumph

After the Art came the eating and drinking. As one of the punters said "Food, drink AND music, and all for a tenner. You couldnt beat it" Another success with ample supplies for all.

All the proceeds went to the HOPE Hospice Care in Enniscorthy, a very worthy cause.

A really enjoyable evening and great to see such a turnout of ex members and old friends from the past.

Ex Secretary Helen Cosgrave and her lovely daughter enjoying the evening

There are not too many pics this week because I was so busy either singing or opening bottles of wine that I didnt have time to snap. I know some of them look like I was more interested in drinking the contents then opening the bottles but that just is'ent true.

John Burke-O'Leary, Annette McCarthy, Bernie Flanagan and all the Committee and Choir can give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

The BIG TIME

2007-03-30T14:56:00.000+01:00

After the trip to Arklow it emerged that someone had tried to buy our CD after the Concert and was surprised to find that we didn't have one. It seems every dog and devil has a CD to flog after an appearance and we are the exception. So this must be addressed.
Last Monday we met in the hallowed shrine of St Mary's and started recording for a CD to be produced sometime in the future. St Mary's was picked for it's special acoustic and because it is so cold that we had no difficullty in staying awake during the process. This was important because we didn't realise that a recording took so many repeated attempts to get right. I think that the County Emergency Plan was having a trial run in Church St. from the number of Ambulances that went NEENAHing by.
We finally finished ("for now" as Donagh ominously said) and packed up. Very interesting and tiring as it is very intense and concentrated.
And that was only four or even three and a bit pieces done and ( this is added 3 weeks later) none of them were suiteable. Back to the drawing board

Super Sunday in Arklow

2007-03-23T16:50:00.000Z

What a day we had in Arklow. After years of trying and achieving a measure of success we finally hit the big time with two major wins, two cups, two gold medals, a brace of highly commended certificates and enough complimentary remarks from the adjudicators to turn the heads of even the most sober of us. It was one of those days when we got it right at the right time. We also find that the harder we work the luckier we get in these competitions. And we worked as hard as ever we worked at pieces for this competition.

Things started with the Madrigal Competition for the Sean Bonner Cup which was won in great style by the Madrigal Group singing "Now is the Month of Maying" and the hilarious "Weep O mine eyes". Ninety two marks, more then we ever scored and a vindication of all Donagh's work going back years.

We then took on seven other Choirs in the Open Mixed and again managed to come out winners with "Deep River" and " Why do fools fall in love?". This time we scored 91 marks and were delighted by the adjudicator's remark. Which was quite interesting because he wasn't too keen on our performance last year. What a difference a year makes !

We celebrated back home in the Enoteca and had a very enjoyable night of eating drinking and more singing

This is dynamic Chairman John Burke-O'Leary debriefing the troops and giving us our marching orders for the next event which is the Centenary Celebration Concert in the Enniscorthy Golf Club on the 21st April.

Centenary Celebration Concert

Enniscorthy Golf Club

21st April at 8.00

Tickets available from all members . Price 10 Euro

Proceeds to the Hospice Care Centre.

Countdown to Arklow

2007-03-05T16:54:00.000Z

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A NICELY PHOTOMERGED PICTURE OF CONCENTRATION AND DEDICATION.

AND IT WAS TOO.

BUT IT WAS 27 MEGS ( much too big) AND BLOGGER JIBBED AT TAKING IT.

So what we have are two pictures of concentration and dedication. The Choir , without Donagh but with John stepping onto the breach, getting an extra bit of practise in before the big day.

The best moment of all is when you sing the piece and, for the first time as a choir , get it right . It may not be completely right but you know that you have made it. From now on the worry is about perfection. It is truly satisfying and I suppose what keep's choiristers at it. All the grinding and repetition can be forgotten . That transcendant moment when you start hearing the other sections and how they relate to your section, when you feel part of something greater then the sum of it's parts, when you all really make music, that's it.
I think I reached that moment last Friday although the rest may ahve done it on the previous Monday as I missed that rehearsal.
Anyway, we are coming to hand just at the right time with the Music Festival in Arklow on next week. We had a good do there last year winning the Clandillon Cup so we back as defending Champions. That should give us an edge.

Generous UDC

2007-02-14T12:13:00.000Z

John Burke-O'Leary accepts the Amenity Grant from the Chairman of the UDC, Paddy Kavanagh and responds with a pretty speech of thanks.

I am having some difficulty with my machinery so I have no photograph to illustrate the story this week. I should have some in a day or two and will add them then. On Monday night, your Chairman John Burke-O'Leary, Treasurer Bernie Kennedy and yours truly as PRO attended the annual presentation of Community Group Grants to collect the generous grant made to the Choir for their work in the Community. Padraig O'Gorman, the Town Clerk, introduced Council Chairman Paddy Kavanagh who made the presentation in the '98 Centre. We took our place for the first time with many other worthy organisations such as Tidy Towns Committee, the Brownies, Hope, Cycling Club, to name just a few.. We are very gratefull to the UDC for this grant and, as our chairman made clear, we are always available for Civic events if a song is required. We also met Coun. Sean Og Doyle who has always supported the Choir thru' the County Community Grants and had the opportunity to thanks him personally for his interest. John, Hon Treasurer Bernie Flanagan ( I always think of you as Kennedy) ,Chairman Paddy Kavanagh, Town Clerk Padraig O'Gorman at the presentation in the "98 Centre

After the Presentation, like good hard working bureaucrats, we returned to the Choir and managed to take part in the second half of the practice.
Such dedication !

Slipping !

2007-02-06T17:03:00.000Z

Apologies to my faithfull reader for the gap in posting. I just didn't have the energy after the last couple of sectional rehearsals. We are getting steamed up yet again for Arklow and the pressure is coming on. T 4 2 and Deeeep Reeever for the open competition and 2 Madrigals for the A team. There has been some comment about the Benet Madrigal "Weep O mine eyes". People wonder when or where such a song would have been sung, it being so dirge like. Research has shown that all madrigals are about sex. That, in fact, was their attraction and what made them so appealing to the popsters of the day. This is more easily understood when you realise that the only alternative to Madrigals was Sacred Music.
So I was somewhat surprised to find out that "Weep O" is one of the very few NOT about sex. Not even by the longest of allegorical longshots. I tried , dammit, but failed. It is, in fact, about an outbreak of Infectious Conjuctivitis which occurred about 1598 in London. Many of the composer's friends were affected and he wrote the piece to raise their spirits. And I hope this does the same for you.

Visitors

2007-01-22T22:45:00.000Z

We had some pretty distinguished visitors at our rehearsal to night. Ian Wilson, the eminent composer, and the Wexford County Council Arts Officer, Rosaleen Molloy, came to check us out. That's them left and right of Donagh Wylde in the picture above. We are signed up to take part in what promises to be one of the most exciting Musical Events ever in the County. In celebration of ten years of support for Choral Music, the Council have commissioned a major work for massed choirs and orchesta composed by Ian to be performed in 2008. So Rosaleen and he came to hear us and get an idea of our capabilities. I hope they were happy with what they heard. We are all thrilled to be involved with this really significant major work and are looking forward to hearing it and singing it with other choirs in the County.

Back to work (again)

2007-01-15T22:38:00.000Z

It was really back to the grind stone ( Weep, Oh mine eyes ) tonight with hardly an hour passing before we were reminded that there was only 6 weeks to Arklow. So start learning. Get off your boney asses ( or should that be bonny Lasses) and start shakin it. A huge turn out tonight with more new Members starting. Nicky Sheridan has returned to the fold and is very welcome back as is his wife Bernie who singing with us for the first time. That's them at the top of the page being genned up by Bernie Kennedy.

Our new Librarian

Patricia Shiel has taken over the onerous job of Music Librarian from Mary Nagle who has just been promoted to Head of Colaiste Bride. Congratulations Mary, I hope this will not interfere with your enjoyment of Choir Activities. Mary controlled our music for years and did a great job so Trish has a hard act to follow.

With over 120 pieces of music in our repertoire
and a growing membership of over 40 people it is quite a task to keep everyone supplied and ALSO to have copies for the adjudicators in the competitions.

Trish is well able for it and here is a picture of her on top of the job

Starting the New Year

2007-01-09T19:57:00.000Z

We had a slightly anticlimactic start when we had a set of sectionals just to warm us up. The new program for the competition year is as follows:

Deep River--- a blast from the past. We did this in 1993. It will be interesting to see what has changed

Why DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE

Weep, Oh mine eyes -- this is a real laugh. Should bring tears to mine eyes

Now is the month of Maying

Dixit Maria

A Mhuire na nGras

Tea for Two

Keep the Faith

2007-01-01T22:12:00.000Z

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T21:57:00.000Z

Happy New Year

everyone,

members, friends, supporters, sponsors

Looking forward to new challenges and good times in 2007

I am slightly relieved that the Party season is almost over. I am not able to party for as long as I used to and it takes me longer to recover. I have heard other people saying the same thing. However, we have a full week to recover before we start bact to the serious business of preparing for our competition programme

We plan to go to Arklow, Cork and Sligo, all major choral events in Ireland and are looking forward to taking part.

SUPER SUNDAY

2006-12-20T16:59:00.000Z

A few days to recover and we are ready for the biggest day of the year, the Sunday before Christmas or thereabouts. Start in St Aidan's Cathedral with a sung mass. Fr Lawless is very sharp and pushes on at the Sanctus leaving us fumbling in his wake. Very few noticed.
In the afternoon a good turnout for St John's where we sang around the wards and met many old friends. We got to see the wonderfull new Hospital. All very smart and modern. Tea and Cakes very kindly supplied by the Matron and Staff.
The candlelit Advent Service in St Mary's was very enjoyable and we were happy to produce a joyfull noise. The Church of Ireland does not stint on the number of verses in each Carol. Just as well, as we all knew the melody well by the time we reached the end of each one.
A long and tiring day but very rewarding.

The rest of the Trip

2006-12-20T15:09:00.000Z

The next two days have merged into a sort of blur once the pressure was off and we didn't have a performance to focus us. On Sunday morning lots of people went to the Stephandom to hear a sung High Mass. (Is there any other kind?) Smells, bells and a lovely Choir. They even had a ferocious organist who snarled at the gawping tourists who wandered within scowling range. Lunch in the Hofburg Cafe was a laugh with strategic envelopments and tactical advances and retreats all employed to get a table that 8 people could sit at. One lady, the Emperor's grandmother I suspect, showed the slighest inclination to move from her large table and was almost bodily removed in a perfect pincer movement which gained the place for us at the same time keeping the other foraging groups away.

So much to see and so little time to see it.
The Picasso Exhibition at the Alberina kept some of us amused. A very large representative Exhibition of his later opus which is known as his Kunststruck period. He was producing this when he was in his eighies and nineties. His energy and humour and interest in humanity are wondrous to see. I read that you must look at each feature in a picture seperately and not to try to relate it to the portrait as a hole. This made a lot of sense and was an entertaining way of looking at the pictures.
In the evening there was a large turnout back at the Stephandom for a String Quartet with an occasional flute addition. All very low key and "refined" as the Nobs had it. Too f***ing refined for me. Home via a bottle of Prosecco.
We were amazed that everyone was gone off the streets by 11.30 and they just left their shops with trees and lights in front open to the elements. Obviously no petty vandalism or crime.On the other hand , from what I saw of the Polizie armory, I wouldn't like to tangle with them over a Christmas tree.

Next morning I went to see the War Museum in the Arsenal and was surprised to find Franz Ferdinand's Car in pride of place with the actual bullet hole that started the First World War. Everyone else went shopping and we were all present and correct for our return trip.

Just before we set off home a small presentation was organised by Bernie Kennedy Rob Rowe and Mary Nagle. It was made on behalf of the Choir to Annette and Deirdre as the main organisers of such a marvellous trip, to John as our inspiring Chairman and to Donagh for bringing us so far along the musical journey which we are all enjoying so much and which we hope will continue on and on. These trips get better and better. I have rarely seen the Group so pleased. It was great credit to all involved, singers and groupies alike, that so much fun and enjoyment was had and hardly a blow struck.

Lets do it again soon.

Wine Women( and Men) And Song

2006-12-18T20:14:00.000Z

That was what Vienna was famous for in the good old days. In fact, I think one of the innumerable Strausses wrote a piece of music , had to be a waltz, called "Wein, Weib und Gesang". Yes, I've just checked wikipedia and it was Strauss II in 1869. Well , times have changed since that patriarchal time and nowadays we men know our place. Which in our case was the back of the bus taking us off to one of the famous wine restaurants in the Vienna Woods and Hills. Took about an hour to get there and we arrived ready to rock and roll. After the excitement of the performance we needed to come down.

The Heurigen
We entered a place reminiscent of a bomb shelter and were fed wine and large chunks of meat from various animals. And Saurkraut of course. And potatos.

Fairly rough and ready but saurprisingly good. Lots of wine and beer and pork later we were surrounded by exhibitionists from other choirs all singing German or maybe Austrian drinking songs. Soon they sounded like they were singing the same song again and again, sometimes swaying in time with the music and sometimes not.

There was a gypsy fiddler and his accordianist who played absolutely marvellous music, csardas to get the head spinning and then Danny Boy ala Fritz Kreisler and then more dancing.

The Basques arrive

Things were beginning to warm up when suddenly a train of people entered the bunker. Amidst great language difficulties, they announced, using a mixture of mime, dance and various unrecognisable tongues, that they were a Basque Choir from near Bilbao and wished to dedicate a song to us. They entertained us with some Basque music both sung and played on the quaint one handed flute. ( Talk about making life difficult for yourself).

Our urge to respond was overwhelming and we answered with "Saoitheo" and Maureen Walsh singing the solo beautifully. We had them on the run at this stage and finished them off by lilting a Basque song "Gabona Beri" which they admitted they had never heard of. They are great people and we have a merger in hand as we have their contact details. So now we have two Choirs wanting to sing with us. I hope they arn't those holiday romances which fade when you go home.

The Romantic Injection

We were well warmed up by this stage. Someone, I can't remember who, asked for a "Romantic Injection" (of music I presume) and an extended period of singing and dancing ensued.

It could well have gone on all night if little Astrid (or Schatzi as we now called her) had not appeared frighteningly sober and said the bus was leaving in 20 minutes. Some panic attacks later we were all out and mounted and delivered back home very pleased with ourselves.

If it's Saturday, it must be the Rathaus

2006-12-14T15:35:00.000Z

Sightseeing

The morning was filled with shopping, sightseeing and sachertorte. We were met by unsmiling Viennese saying "Bitte Schon" ,"Danke Schon" "Gross Gott". It was all very schon.The wonderful tram sysytem allowed us to spread out in all directions and cover the centre of the city in such a way that it was almost impossible to turn around without seeing some Irish person somewhere in the distance. In the back of all our minds was the Concert in the Rathaus that evening. We had seen it and it was BIG.

Many people got to see the Treasury or Schatzkammer in the course of the weekend. A truly mystical and magical collection of objects at the exact centre of the Empire, all designed to emphasise and re-inforce the divine right of these kings to reign. From the True Cross to the Biggest Emerald in the World to the Holy Grail to Charlemange's Sword, all proved that God had given them the special right to be his representative on earth. If he hadn't, why would they have all these wonderful objects ? Marvellous! Surprisingly, this was the second Holy Grail I have seen this year. The other one belonged to the Spanish Hapsburgs and was kept in the Cathedral in Valencia. But it's not quite as impressive as the Austrian Hapsburg's one.

Getting Ready for the Gig

A rehearsal had been called for 4.00 and we all dragged back exausted. But we met a ball of fire, Donagh. Firing on all cylinders, he revved us all up with his energy and got what turned out to be a very good run thru. I was amazed because I had come back from the Belvedere with him 10 minutes before and he was as tired as anyone. As I said before, must find out what he's on.

Astrid ( or Schatzi,as she was called) our little guide was all we could expect from a guide. She marshalled us all onto the bus on time and delivered us to the Great Hall in plenty of time. Complaints of " We've over an hour to wait ! etc" quickly died as we took in the opulence of our surroundings. The place was built just before the Empire took a nose dive into oblivion. It was as if they realised the game was up and they wanted to go out on a high note. They truly wanted to impress. And they did.

An opportunity arose to have a warm up and we were ushered to a smaller reception room with a piano in a corner. The room was warm and comfortable and the sound was great and then Donagh said " It's a Boesendorfer". Luckily he was referring to the piano. Even more luckily, we knew what he meant. He had been telling us earlier that his favourite piano was a Boesendorfer and here it was, perfectly in tune and ready to go. Gemutlichkeit!

THE CONCERT

This is the great Hall of the Town Hall of Vienna where we performed a Concert of Christmas Music on the 10th December 2006 as part of the 26th International Advent Festival.

This was a venue that we could get used to, vast and as long as 2 football pitches but with a perfect acouistic. Made us sound great. The MC was a Ukrainian who told us that he was specially moved by the way we had sung the "BogaroDitse". He also said that it was UKRAINIAN and NOT Russian

I had noticed him earlier, during our performance looking a little anxious..

Accepting that he had sat thru a lot of Choral Music by the time we started, there is some excuse for his slightly wandering attention. I, personally, have no objection to members of the audience consulting their watches frequently. However I do draw the line when they start shaking them as if they are afraid they have stopped. This can cause loss of concentration which, as we all know , is not a good thing.

After the Concert we had the pleasure of talking to Michael Ladic who runs a Choir in the 13th District of Viennaand who called around to compliment us on our performance. His kind words were all the more appreciated as he certainly knew what he was talking about. He listed off all our good qualities, our blend, our discipline, our dog like devotion to our conductor. This WAS A MAN WHO KNEW HIS ONIONS. Michael suggested a sort of twinning between our two Choirs. This was met with interest and delight and we hope will be followed up. As well as Michael, we made contact with a group from the Basque region of N. Spain who were keen on singing with us again. But that was later, in the Heurigen and that requires a whole post to itself.

Gemutlichkeit

2006-12-12T11:57:00.000Z

Gemutlichkeit is an Austrian word meaning niceness, cosyness, comfort, pleasantness. And that is what we found in Vienna both in the place and the people. Arriving in the Imperial City on Thursday night we prepared ourselves for the packed program ahead of us. The sensible ones went to bed while the rest celebrated our safe arrival in the City of Mozart, Scubert, Haydn, Strauss the elder, the younger, the nephew ,the other nephew. Never realised there were so many of them .

HUNDERTWASSER HALLE
Our orientation started with a sightseeing tour of Vienna, taking in the Danube Canal, The Old Danube, The New Danube and the Blue Danube. Never realised there were so many of them either. Around the Prater area with its big famous Ferris wheel and then a visit to the startling city housing development designed by Hundertwasser. This is a prime tourist venue and the number of camera toting Japanese is high. It also seems to be a retail opportunity of high intensity.

This is the entrance to the Art Toilets, a concept which was unfamiliar to us. They are part of the Hundertwasser Village. We are nothing if not competetive and we all had a go. Sean won with a score of a perfect 10 for artistic impression and 9.2 for technical ability. No prize was awarded.

Hunnertwasser was allowed to use only recycled material, a good idea as there was a lot of it about after the war, and he produced a fascinating mad hatter type building with different levels and uneven floors. A sort of Gaudiesque effort on a domestic scale. Great to look at and admire but I don't know if it would be comfortable to live in the place with hordes of tourists peering in thru every aperture. Certainly, nude callisthenics on the balcony would cause a stir.

OLD TOWN
Our guide took us for a walk thru the centre to Schottentur. The Imperial scale and pomposity of the place is mind blowingly grandious. Who did those Hapsburgs think they were ? Well, God, I suppose. Or the nearest thing to God. But they certainly knew how to build and collect lovely things, pictures, jewels, horses, countries. The whole place is overwhelming.
Business is conducted ceremoniously, without noise or fuss and very seriously as the Viennese are a quiet and dignified people. The loudest sound heard was the muzak in the shops. They do however respond to a bit of humour with great delight and friendliness.
Our tour took us thru the Hofburg and on to the majestic Rathaus where the municipality of Vienna sprung us a lunch while we were recorded and registered in the remembrance book.

This is a beautifully leather bound book containing pictures of all the Choirs who had been invited to partake this year, each signed by the Chairman and the Musical Director and stored in the historic annals of the City of Vienna. So we have finally made it into the annals, along with Rudolph's accession document, Napoleon's laundry list and a multitude of Franz-Joseph' grocery orders.

SCHONBRUNN
The highlight of Friday was the performance on the stage in front of the beautiful Summer Palace of Schonbrunn. Every year the main Christmas Fair is held here in the courtyard before the magnificent building with it's gigantic stairway up to the Grand Entrance. We hit the stage after a Ladie's Choir from Limerick and, as there was a huge area to cover, we really let it go. Everthing remained sunshine and lightand the gig went well. Richard arrived like a miracle just in time and all the way from Munich.After the gig we split up around the fair , drinking gluewein and punsch and admiring the stalls.

Suddenly we were literally brought to a halt by a haunting sound, a trumpet solo by GarryMcCauley from the Grand Ceremonial Stairway. A hush fell over the whole area as the Enniscorthy Carol rang out for what must be the very first time in the Schonnbrunn Palace. Garry was unfazed by the fact that that he was playing where Mozart had played or that many of the audience were professional musicians. He played superbly and got great applause from the whole assembly.

Garry on the Great Ceremomial Staircase of the Palace, playing The Enniscorthy Carol

More history being made

The Christmas Markt.
This is what we were singing to and Gar was playing to. This view is taken quite early in the day. Eventually the place was packed with people drinking punsch and eating worst. Some of them obviously the worst for the wear.

We even saw the angel Gabriel and had our picture taken with him

Later, much later
Vienna is a city of almost unlimited cultural events and concerts so the hardier culture vultures set off for a Mozart /Strauss Concert in the Centre. while the rest went off to relax after the gig.

.E

Last Chance Saloon

2006-12-04T22:30:00.000Z

This is a picture of pure dedication in action. It shows the Basses desperately trying to learn their music before the last rehearsal before we set off to Vienna. Ex-Chairman Richard Doyle, sitting on the left, got Robert Rowe, Bass Enforcer (next to him) to arrange the extramural activity as he was unhappy with the performance last week ( whose performance ? ). Ian Jacob and Declan Groves are sitting quietly, pretending they know what they are doing while Sean O'Leary, smiling broadly, makes no pretence at all. The serious one in the front is Garry McCauley. The extra work paid off however as we were complimented highly not only by the Chairman but also the Big Enchilada himself.

Next Post from Vienna.

Back to Work

2006-11-28T10:00:00.000Z

We are back to work with a vengeance this week. As I predicted, we now suddenly realise that we have only one week to Vienna and the Big Kahuna is not happy with our preparations. Refreshed by his week off, he projected a lot of energy and got everyone going strong.
The travel section, Annette and Deirdre, a formidable combination, are putting the final touches to the Vienna Campaign. We are now getting itineraries, programmes, lists in abundence. All very efficient and impressive. Looks like it will be a great trip
Above, by the way, is our Soprano section, well, part of it, at least. I finally managed to get some of them to stand still for a picture in a group. This was difficult as they are a notoriously shy and nervous bunch and are liable to spook at the slightest sound or sudden movement. I may have to resort to stalking methods to get the lot of them

our repertoire

2006-11-20T15:48:00.000Z

Enniscorthy Choir
Here is a list of all our songs in alphabetical order. It might be of some use to the people like me who have great difficulty in picking out the correct sheet when called for. The numbers indicate roughlythe order in which we learned them.

A MAIDEN MOST GENTLE
42
AINT GONNA STUDY WAR NO MORE
20
ALLIN AN APRIL EVENING
24
ALTA TRINITA BEATA
112
ANGEL GABRIAL
45
AUTUMN LEAVES
99
AVE MARIA STRAVINSKY
87
AVE MARIA VICTORIA
19
AVE MARIA VIRGO SERENA DEPREZ
115
AVE MARIS STELLA
77
AVE VERUM BYRD
95
AVE VERUM DE REGGE
96
AVE VERUM MOZART
28
AWAY IN A MANGER
7
AYA NGENA
94
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC
70
BATTLE OF JERICO
86
BEATI ERITIS
30
BEATI QUORUM VIA
39
BEIDH AONAC AMARACH
108
BLUE MOON
98
BOGARO DZETSE
74
BOOLAVOGUE
49
BOYS OF WEXFORD
51
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS
38
COVENTRY CAROL
11
DECK THE HALLS
9
DEEP RIVER
2
DERRY AIR
25
DIE NACHTIGALL
54
DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH
10
DIXIT MARIA
55
DOWN TO THE RIVER
92
ELENOR RIGBY
91
ENNISCORTHY CAROL
81
EVRY TIME I FEEL THE SPIRIT
31
FAIR PHYLLIS
76
GABONA
105
GAUDETE
23
GLORIA GLORIA
48
GREGORIAN CHANT
58
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANON
36
HARK HOW THE BELLS
79
HARK THE HERALD ANGEL
59
HEBREW SLAVES CHORU VERDI
69
HEILIG HEILIG LEILIG
17
HOLIEST OF NIGHTS
80
HURON CAROL
118
ID LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING
27
IF I HAD A HAMMER
21
IF YE LOVE ME
5
IL BIANCO E DOLCE CIGNO ARCADELT
22
IL EST BEL ET BON
90
IM GONNA SING
73
IN DULCI JUBILO
82
IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER
13
IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT
85
INFANT HOLY INFANT LOWLY
44
IRISH BLESSING
65
JESUS CHRIST THR APPLE TREE
12
JINGLE BELLS
103
JOSEPH AND THE ANGEL
71
KYRIE ELAISON
47
LETZES GLUCK
16
LINDEN LEA
6
LOCK LOMOND
26
LONG AND WINDING ROAD
102
LUIREACH PARRAIC
84
MATONA MIA CARO
89
MEMORIES
33
MEMORY OF THE DEAD
52
MONTH OF MAYING
64
MUIRE NA NGRAS
72
MULL OF KINTIRE
34
NAPADLY PISNE
100
NOBODY KNOWS THE TROUBLE IVE SEEN
88
O QUAM GLORIOSAM
37
O SACRUM CONVIVUM VIADANA
114
O VOS OMNES
56
OH COME ALL YE FAITHFULL
63
OH HOLY NIGHT
14
ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS CITY
101
PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND
68
RHYTHM OF LIFE
66
RISING OF THE MOON
50
SALVE REGINA
41
SANCTUS CLEMENS NON PAPA
107
SANS DAY CAROL
43
SCARBORO FAIR
29
SHENANDOAH
1
SICUT CERVIS
75
SIGNORE DELLA CIME
111
SILENT NIGHT
60
SINGALONG BY ELAINE
35
SIYA HAMBA
62
SONGS OF AFRICA
40
SOON I WILL BE DONE
104
STREETS OF LAREDO
32
SUANTRAI
15
SUSANNA
57
TEA FOR TWO
110
THANK YOU FOR DE CHRISTMAS
93
THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA
116
THE LARK IN THE CLEAR AIR
4
THE LONG DAY CLOSES
83
THE SILVER SWAN
67
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
8
UAIL GUT AN AOIBHNIS
97
VENI VENI EMMANUEL
46
VILIA OH VILIA
18
VIRGEM MARY HAD A BABY BOY
78
WEEP OH MINE EYES
113
WERE YOU THERE
3
WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN TERRY
117
WHEN THE SAINTS
53
WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE
109
ZITHER CAROL
61
106

Rehearsal in the Music Room

2006-11-13T22:57:00.000Z

The Altos ( or some of them ) resting during the rehearsal to-night afterr giving their all in the Huron Carol. We had a very relaxed and enjoyable session with everyone doing their best and the Boss ( that's him in the background, talking to Annette) being very nice to us. A pleasant change. Even the Basses got away without the usual flogging. I must try and find out what he is on. We got thru a lot of work and sang many of the songs we will be doing in Vienna and here at Christmas.

Greetings to the overseas branch in the Canaries and best wishes for a speedy recovery to our Chairman who is hors de combat tonight.

Enniscorthy Choir

2006-11-08T14:41:00.000Z

Mid Term Break

We are now back from our mid term break and ready and willing for more rehearsals. At some time soon someone is going to say in panic-stricken tones " We only have three weeks to Vienna!" and then all hell will break loose.
Some members went to hear the National Concert Hall Choir singing in Rowe St Church as part of the Wexford festival. They are a professional group who come together occasionally as a choir and are superb. We could pick up a few tips from them. I noticed that almost all of them had tuning forks which they used ostentatiously during the singing. Real Class ! I think we should all get tuning forks. It would be a brave adjudicator who would question our pitch if we were all waving tuning forks at him.
I also noticed that they seemed to have a male alto as part of their line-up. And why not ?

Rehearsals

2006-10-23T23:28:00.000+01:00

This is most of the tenor section resting at half time.John Dempsey is sitting left with our three new members Barry Kinsella, Larry Murphy and Brian Broaders. At the back standing is John Burke- O'Leary, with Deirdre MacDonald ( one of the very few female tenors in captivity) and Jim Slevin. Between them is Declan Groves in the red jacket. Declan is a Bass and has assumed the customary kneeling position which is used when addressing tenors .

CONGRATULATIONS

2006-10-18T21:22:00.000+01:00

Our new Chairman celebrating his election victory in the usual manner with a little drink

Our AGM

2006-10-17T20:20:00.000+01:00

We had our AGM last night. A very controlled and sober affair which ran thru the business very smoothly. No hysterics, tantrums or bad language. To nobody's surprise and the relief of everyone our popular Chairman, John Burke-O'Leary, was elected for another year of power. I hope it doesent drive him mad.
Annette McCarthy is back as Secretary and Bernie Kennedy has returned to her old job as Treasurer. Mary Nagle holds the keys of the Library and Sheila Farrell will run the Draw. Patricia Shiel has returned to the Committee as Attendence Officer and Enforcer. Rob Rowe will continue as Gripesmeister and Assistant Enforcer. Deirdre MacDonald contiues her successfull career as Trips Organiser. John Gregan is PRO.
We all look forward to a fun filled and successfull year.

more history

2006-10-15T18:46:00.000+01:00

A picture of the Choir in the beautiful St Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy. This Pugin gem was totally restored recently and we have often sung at special services and events there.
Our annual Carol Concerts are an established part of Christmas in the town.

And now, to bring the story of the Choir up to date.............

Since our trip to Prague we have travelled within the country to ever more prestigious Competitions such as the Sligo International Music Festival and , last year, to the Cork International Choral Festival where we came second in the National Open Competition.

Our Travels

2006-10-14T17:53:00.000+01:00

After a couple of years competing in local competitions in Arklow and New Ross we got the urge to travel furthur afield to broaden our experience of choir singing and to have a good time. So in 1995 we set off for the first of many trips to Llandydno Eisteddfod in Wales. We did have a good time there but didn't do so well in the competition. I wonder if the two things were related ? We went back to Wales for a few years until we finally managed to win a competition against the home teams. Then in 2004 we spread our wings a bit more and went to Cantat 2004 in Prague where , to our delight and surprise, we won a gold medal in the Open competition and a special award for folk song interpretation. The picture above is after the prize giving ceremony in the Narody Dum.

We are now preparing for a visit to Vienna in December to take part in the Christmas celebrations there.

Enniscorthy Choir

2006-10-11T18:41:00.000+01:00

Enniscorthy Choir
Before we continue the story of the Choir, I should mention the present situation. We meet every Monday evening at 8.00 pm in the Music Room of Colaiste Bride, the local Girl's Secondary School. We rehearse for 2 hours with a break at half time . Afterwards we often meet at Rackard's Pub to relax.

Chairman is John Burke-O'Leary, noted musician and legal eagle.
Hon. Secretary is Annette McCarthy, another legal eagle who hails from Lismore in Co. Waterford.
Treasurer is Declan Groves who teaches in St. Patrick's Special School.

Enniscorthy Choir

2006-10-10T21:03:00.000+01:00

Enniscorthy is a small town in the centre of the County of Wexford in Ireland. It is a quiet market town which has served the area for a thousand years. The population of about 7500 people live in a pretty little town beside the River Slaney where the old bridge is overlooked by a Norman castle. We are surrounded by rich agricultural land and are about 20 kms from the Sea. We live in an area known as the Sunny South East because of the unusually mild and sunny weather ( compared to the rest of the country).

Our Choir has some 40 members who all live in the immediate area. We are truly a community based Choir.
Founded 1993 by Liam and Sheelagh O 'Leary, we started meeting in the Church Institute with over 70 members. This is a testament to the effort the founders had put in to recruitment. Liam is still an active Member when he is in the country and not soaking up the sun in Spain.
We started from scratch, very few people had any experience of choral singing. Luckily, our first and only Music Director, Donagh Wylde was a superb and patient choir master. He has stayed with us thru thick and thin and the first few years were thin indeed. We had our first concert in St Mary's Church just 3 months after our foundation.
Afetr that we got serious and a cull took place which reduced our numbers down to 40 which we have stayed at ever since.
Over the next few years we slowly slowly learned our trade and improved, attending all the local competitions. As a community choir we also sang at concerts, charity fund raisers, religious ceremonies of all denominations, and at civic ceremonies in town.. We took part in the Commeration of the Rising of 1798 which was a big event in the history of Enniscorthy and we sang for the Special Olympics Team for Canada when they used Enniscorthy as their Base.

The next post will continue the saga of the Enniscorthy Choir.

We have landed.

2006-10-10T20:55:00.000+01:00