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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Choral Festival celebrates 40 years of music as Wexford nominees line up for prestigious awards
A standout moment came when local musical society, St Michaels Theatre Musical Society (SMTMS) won their category, earning top honours under the Musical Direction of Kevin Kennedy. Competing against other musical societies and choirs, SMTMS earned top place in Competition F, winning the Maeve Wilson Trophy for the third time since it commenced in 2019. 'I am incredibly proud of our choir. The dedication, energy and commitment of our members really shone through on stage. It's especially wonderful also to win the Maeve Wilson cup. Maeve was so fond of local talent and she would be delighted to see us win this for another year', said Mr Kennedy. Mr Kennedy also paid tribute to Ms Heffernan, describing her as 'not only a valued member of our society, but a valued member of AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies), having joined the Choral Festival committee 15 years ago, and taking over as administrator four years ago. The entire weekend is a credit to her leadership and hard work'. The festival opened on Friday, May 16, in which 16 schools participated in the schools' competition, much to delight of the passers by in Brennan's Lane as choirs took advantage of the revamped space to warm up. Several competitions were held over the day, comprising primary school choirs, secondary school choirs, junior musical cameos and soloists to name but a few items. The day was a showcase of the passion and promise of the next generation of musical talent. Hosted by Chris and Roisin Currid, A Night at the Musicals was the spectacular Saturday night event. With the steer of Mr Kennedy, this concert featured an array of talent from 10 musical societies from across the AIMS South East Region; some performing highlights from their recent productions and some performing brand new arrangements. It was an evening filled with excellent music, standout performances, joyful energy, good humour and charm, making it a thoroughly entertaining experience for the sold-out event. Competitions continued on Sunday at St. Michael's Theatre and The Parish Church, with an impressive 38 choirs comprising approximately 1,100 singers performing throughout the day. Both venues, praised widely for their acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, proved to be the perfect settings for events. Reflecting on the occasion, Festival Director Lizzy Heffernan said: 'This weekend was really special. Celebrating 40 years of the AIMS Choral Festival here in our town and seeing so many groups, both young and old, come together in song was just brilliant. New Ross was alive with music, and the atmosphere was electric.' Beyond the music, the festival brought a welcome social and economic boost to the town. The shops and pubs benefitted greatly from the impressive turnout. The recently opened Brennan's Lane added to the vibrant atmosphere, where the weekend was rounded off with a lively open-air performance by local group, The Nomads. South Street was buzzing as choirs and spectators came together in joyful song, while gathering together along the street. There was also great excitement for many in attendance as AIMS announced their nominees for the 2025 awards, which will see 11 Wexford nominees who have been shortlisted from various groups across the county up against drama groups across the country for the top spots. The nominees include: Jacinta Kavanagh, Nominated by Carnew Musical Society; Best Visual - Sullivan: Enniscorthy Musical Society - Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Best Technical – Gilbert: Wexford Light Opera Society - Young Frankenstein; Best Stage Management – Gilbert: Oyster Lane Theatre Group - A Christmas Carol; Stage Manager: Colin Murphy; Best Comedienne: Antonia Close as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein - Wexford Light Opera Society; Best Actor: Kevin Reade as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol - Oyster Lane Theatre Group; Best Male Singer - Richard O'Toole as Joseph in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Enniscorthy Musical Society; Best Overall Show – Gilbert: Oyster Lane Theatre Group - A Christmas Carol. Meanwhile, two top Wexford musical directors are in contention for the spot as Best Musical Director – Gilbert, as Patrick Clancy and David Hayes have been shortlisted for their work with Oyster Lane Theatre Group's adaptation of A Christmas Carol and Wexford Light Opera Society's Young Frankenstein, respectively. The Enniscorthy Musical Society has also been nominated for the prestigious Adjudicator's Special Award - Moment of Theatre for the camaraderie, energy and full commitment of 11 brothers' hatred of Joseph in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The awards, which will be held in Killarney, Co. Kerry, will take place on Saturday, June 14.
Irish Examiner
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
In pictures: Cork International Choral Festival provides a weekend of song
The sounds of song reverberated around Cork over the weekend as more than 130 choirs took part in the city's Choral Festival. Founded in 1954, this year was the 70th incarnation of an event that has a claim on the title of Cork's oldest festival. The Mount Royal Kantorei from Alberta Canada performing outside Cork City Library as part of the 70th Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane First place and winners of the Fleischmann International Trophy, Conductor Donka Miteva Cormai, April and Bella Ryan, Blackrock, going to see Danish choir Syng Selected in City Hall as part of the Cork International Choral Festival. Kammerkoret NOVA From Oslo performing at the bandstand in Cobh. St Mary's Trebelmakers from Toronto Canada conducted by Tanya Earle performing at the bandstand in Cobh. The Cân Aderyn Singers from South Wales conducted by Sally Ann Evans performing in Tequila Jacks, Lapps Quay. Dynamics Vocal Ensemble taking part in the Ibec Workplace Choir of the Year Competition in City Hall. The Cork Headway Brain Injury Services and Support Choir conducted by Esther Anna Bennett performing in the Clayton Hotel. The Lilly Ireland choir conducted by mark Milford rehearsing for the Ibec Workplace Choir of the Year Competition. The Chamber Choir of the Collegium Musicum Berlin performing in St Annes Church, Shandon. Members of East Cork Choral society , Middle Magical-75, The Guinness Choir, Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra, Tenor Dr. Gavan Ring and Baritone Gyula Nagy performing with conductor Keith Pascoe at the opening gala of the 70th Cork International Choral Festival. The opening gala of the Cork International Choral Festival at Cork City Hall Members of the Chamber Choir of the Collegium Musicum Berlin performing in St Annes Church, Shandon. Glanmire Community College celebrate their win in the Mixed Voice Post Primary Completion Choirs School Choir. Students from Ashton School celebrate after winning the Irish Federation of Musicians & Associated professions trophy at the National Competition for Schools - Mixed Voice Post-Primary.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gay Men's Chorus Of DC Reacts To Canceled Kennedy Center Show: 'Deeply Disappointed'
With President Donald Trump taking over the Kennedy Center, don't expect any Pride Month festivities at the performing arts institution. The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) recently shared in a statement they were 'deeply disappointed' to hear about the Kennedy Center's cancelation of A Peacock Among Pigeons, their Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra. More from Deadline Kennedy Center Cancels Tour Of Acclaimed Children's Musical 'Finn'; Actors' Equity Calls Decision 'Beyond Appalling' 'Finn' Team Thanks Fans For Support After Kennedy Center Kids Show's Cancelation: 'Determined To Get This Message Out' Fox News And Newsmax Among News Outlets Urging White House To Lift Ban On Associated Press Over Continued References To "Gulf of Mexico" 'We believe in the power of music to educate and uplift, to foster love, understanding, and community, and we regret that this opportunity has been taken away,' the statement read in part. 'While we are saddened by the decision, we are committed to this work and to our mission of raising our voices for equality for all,' they continued. 'We are grateful for those who have supported us, and we will continue to seek spaces where our voices, our stories, and our music can be heard. To that end, we will be performing A Peacock Among Pigeons during our upcoming Choral Festival that is a part of WorldPride 2025.' The CMCW added, 'We will continue to advocate for artistic expression that reflects the depth and diversity of our community and country. We will continue to sing and raise our voices for equality.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (@gmcwashington) Deadline has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment, following Trump's appointment as the Center's new chairman after he ousted half the organization's board members, whom were nominated by Joe Biden. Since Trump took over, Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the board of the Kennedy Center, and Issa Rae has canceled a show scheduled for the venue. Meanwhile, Trump has faced backlash from supporters of the Kennedy Center's canceled touring children's musical Finn. Trump previously threatened to make the Kennedy Center 'GREAT AGAIN,' announcing his plan last week to remove those 'who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.' 'We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!' he added. 'Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!' Best of Deadline 'Poker Face' Season 2: Everything We Know So Far 'Paradise' Episode Release Guide: When Are New Episodes Streaming On Hulu? 'The Last Of Us' Season 2: Everything We Know So Far
