Kingswood Community Choir goes international in Tuscany

The Kingswood Community Choir is set to win the international audience over with an upcoming performance in Tuscany, Italy.

The choir, founded in 2019 to help members navigate mental and physical health challenges together, now consists of 65 members.

This summer, the group will sing abroad for the first time in the Italian town of Montecatini, Tuscany on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14.

Their performances will be part of a local choir festival and will be held at the towns ancient thermal building and in the main piazza [square].

“One day we said, why not perform abroad? And before we even knew, the decision was made and we started booking,” said choir leader Pauline Dalton.

Pauline explained the group have “worked hard” to fundraise for the trip, starting with revenue from their concert at the Civic Theatre.

Fifty-two members will travel, and besides singing they will tour around Florence and Tuscany.

“A Kingswood woman who is of Italian origin will join us and will be our local guide,” she added.

“Kingswood Community Choir has grown into one of the most spirited and inclusive musical groups in Dublin,” said the group ahead of taking off.

“Led by the ever-inspiring Pauline Dalton, the choir lives by one golden rule: no auditions, and everyone is welcome. This open-door philosophy has built more than a choir—it created a family.”

“We call ourselves the Choir Family,” says one member. “It’s not just about singing, it’s about being there for each other.”

With their motto ‘Sing, Love, Laugh,’ the choir encourages members to navigate personal challenges collectively and make it “a way of life.”

The singers have previously taken the stage at the Electric Picnic, sold-out concerts at the Maldron Hotel, and held a “memorable” concert at The Civic Theatre with the Dublin Gospel Choir.

Most recently, they surprised Luas commuters with 30-minute pop-up performances at various tram platforms partnering with Luas Light Rail for the Summer Sounds programme.

The choir will delight Italian audiences with a “vibrant” repertoire starting with 1950s classics to more modern hits, including California Dreaming, Rocket Man, What About Us, and Believer.

“Our performances are never just concerts,” said the group. “They’re experiences, full of warmth, laughter, and that unmistakable spark that only comes from singing with soul.

“With Tuscany next on our tour and new partnerships blossoming at home, one thing is clear, the Kingswood Community Choir isn’t just making music, they’re making a difference, one song at a time.”