The choir will be performing with Musical Director, Anthony Norton and a number of other choirs at the “Celebration Of Song” in McCreddin Village at 8:00pm on Sunday 11th June 2017.

 

 

Sunday 28th May 2017, Ballina, Mayo.

After the competition of the 27th Of May, the members of WMVC were delighted to be asked to participate in the liturgy of Sunday Mass at St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.

This was a beautiful mass, in a lovely cathedral and the choir sang a number of songs including “The Lost Chord”, “Ave Maria”, “The Lord Bless You & Keep you” and “Goin’ Up A Yonder”. The choir also assisted the cantor through the mass.

All the members of the choir thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the choir intends to do more local events when travelling. It was a hit with the congretation also and one parishoner recounted how he had been baptised in the cathedral in 1944 and it was the most “memorable experience” he had there since!!

Below, the choir is pictured with Musical Director, Anthony Norton, after the mass.

 

 

Saturday 27th May 2017, WMVC travelled to Castlebar to Compete in the Male Voices section of the Mayo International Choral Festival. The competition was very strong this year with excellent performances from both the Mayo Male Voice Choir and the Cavan Male Voice Choir.

This was the first competition for WMVC under new Musical Director Anthony Norton and the choir rose to the challenge put down by the other choirs by performing to the very highest standard. A fitting reward for the hard work done by the choir and MD.

The two contrasting songs performed were “Softly As I Leave You” and the rousing “Soldiers Chorus”. The performance earned very high praise from the adjudicators and WMVC were awarded first prize.

After the competition, the choir was invited to perform at the Annual Peace Ceremony to commerorate the Irish men and women that gave their lifes in the cause of peace while on duty for both the Irish and foreign military services. The ceremony was closed by WMVC singing Amhrán na Bhfinn.

 

Wicklow Male Voice Choir performed a concert recently for the residents and staff of St. Coleman’s Hospital, Rathdrum.

It was a real pleasure for the choir to perform and the choir was warmly received by all who attended.

Below, the choir with Musical Director Anthony Norton.

Wicklow Male Voice Choir is delighted to announce the appointment of Tenor, Musician and Music Teacher, Antony Norton as Musical Director.

Tony is one of Ireland’s most accomplished and versatile lyric tenors. As a solo artist and as one of the internationally acclaimed Three Irish Tenors he has toured America, Canada, Europe and as far afield as India, Taiwan, Japan and the Caribbean. He studied singing, piano, ‘cello and conducting at Trinity college of Music London before embarking on a career as a singer. He began his career with The Scottish Opera before moving to Teatro La Scala Di Milano, where he was resident for a number of years. His work as a soloist in opera, concert, oratorio and musical theatre has seen him perform in venues from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden to Carnegie Hall and Broadway. At home in Ireland he has performed with every major orchestra and ensemble, including RTE Symphony and Concert Orchestras, Opera Ireland, Wexford Festival Opera and numerous concert appearances with some of Ireland’s leading chamber musicians. Further to the operatic and classical repertoires his ensemble Passion has notable success performing songs from French Cabaret, Tango and popular songs from Spain, Italy and South America. For more information on Tony, see http://anthonynortontenor.com/about/

As you can see, Tony brings years of performing and teaching experience to the role and we are eagerly anticipating the new songs and direction that he will bring to the choir.

In Bernard Geary, Tony has a tough act to follow and we wish him every success.

The much anticipated Wicklow MVC annual concert was again another major success attended by, and enjoyed by a near record crowd.

In addition to Wicklow MVC, the audience enjoyed the performances of reknowned soprano Cara O’Sullivan and also the excellent harp playing of the Sheridan Colohan Music Bursary winner, Siofra Ni Dhubhghaill. Siofra performed beautifully and was triumphant in a very tough competition to claim the €1000 prize and the opportunity to perform solo in front of the packed Wicklow audience.

Our thanks must go to Eamonn Sheridan (pictured above with Siofra and Noel Geraghy of WMVC) of Sheridan Colohan, Insurance Brokers, Wicklow for donating this extremely generous bursary prize.

The night was a major success but was touched by an element of sadness as it was to be our last performance hosted by our excellent long standing (18 fabulous years) Musical Director Bernard Geary. Bernard has moved on to other projects and the choir wish him every success in all his endeavours.

 

Great News!!!

Rehearsals for the 2016-2017 season are starting on Tuesday 13/09/2016 in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow at 8:00pm.

We are looking forward to a very busy Autumn schedule of concerts leading to our show piece Christmas concert on sunday 11th December.

New members are especially welcome and are invited to contact any member of the choir or committee or the Recruitment Officer, Owen O’Sullivan on 0870513080 or by email on sullo62@gmail.com.

 

We are pleased to be performing in this concert with the touring Florida State University Choir in aid of St Catherine’s Newcastle in St Patrick’s Church, Greystones at 8:00pm on Tuesday 03/05/2016.

St Catherine’s provides invaluable early interventions in the lives of young people with disability.

This is our second year doing this concert for St Catherines following on from a very enjoyable and successful evening last year when the visiting choir came from East Kentucky State University.

Tickets can be purchased from:

• Appletree Crafts in Newtownmountkennedy Tel: 01 2810060
• The Happy Pear Vegetable Shop in Greystones Tel: 01 2873655
• St Catherine’s Association Tel 086 4661487

For full details on the concert and tickets, please click on the following link – St Catherines A4 (1)