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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.