Choir raises voices for frontline workers

Choir raises voices for frontline workers

By Mary Dennehy

MEMBERS of the Tallaght Choral Society took part in a national tribute to Ireland’s frontline workers, by raising their voices in thanks on Sunday.

To mark European Music Day on Sunday, June 21, everyone was invited to perform in tribute to Ireland’s frontline workers by giving a rendition of Ode to Joy on their doorstep.

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Tallaght Choir outside the Priory

President Michael D Higgins launched the tribute, which, organised by musical groups nationwide, took place across the country at 6pm last Sunday.

Here in Tallaght, 25 members of the Tallaght Choral Society gathered on the steps of St Mary’s Priory to perform their six-minute, socially distant, rendition of Ode to Joy.

Only 25 of the choir’s 80 members took part in the rendition, with the choral society continuing to hold its rehearsals online.

Speaking with The Echo, Lynn Broderick, Tallaght Choral Society chairperson, said: “We were delighted to take part, and delighted to be able to show support for the frontline workers in our community.”

Lynn, who lives in Bancroft, told The Echo how Professor James Cavanagh, the creator and curator of Ode to Joy, was the Tallaght Choral Society’s conductor around 20 years ago.

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Members of Tallaght Choral Society outside the Priory

Alongside showing support to frontline workers, Lynn said that the choral society was delighted to be able to support James Cavanagh’s project after the support he gave them.

“We were delighted to take part and show support to Jimmy [James Cavanagh]”, Lynn said.

“We really enjoyed it and I think it was important to have something locally with Tallaght Hospital in our community.

“It was a message of thanks to everyone on the frontline in our community.”

She added: “It also helped some of the society’s members to keep engaged and active in singing.

“Singing is really enjoyable and really good for you, and members have been missing it.

“Taking part helped us to continue connections.”

Lynn has been a member of the Tallaght Choral Society, which was founded in 1967, for more than 30 years.

When asked if she was a good singer, Lynn said: “I’m not a good singer but you can get away with a lot in a choir, and it gives you great confidence.

“If my singing hasn’t improved over the past 30 years, my enjoyment of it certainly has.”

The Tallaght Choral Society is a sociable, mixed choir that is always open to new members.

For further details visit www.tallaghtchoral.ie, email info@tallaghtchoral.ie or follow the group on Twitter or Facebook.

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