Lucan Gospel Choir perform Elvis for charity at National Concert Hall

THE Lucan Gospel Choir performed at the 40th Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death in the National Concert Hall recently to aid The Phoenix Project Ireland.

Established in 2008, The Phoenix  Project Ireland gives professional support to distressed families and individuals financially, legally and emotionally who are at risk of losing their homes.

Anthony Bradley starred as Elvis in the performance and he invited the Lucan Gospel Choir to join him in a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.

The choir was established in February 1998 by Bernie Martin and  has been directed by Ian Brabazon since 2001. It currently stands at around 70 members with the oldest member in her 70’s and the youngest in her early 20’s.

It is a voluntary social event and does not take part in competitions or perform for money but rather they sing on invitation to help raise money for charity fundraisers and events.

Sandra Whelan aged 49, has been a member for almost two years said that “the hardest thing is to walk through the door” but goes on to emphasise that the choir has an “absolutely huge repertoire” in the country, having performed on The Late Late Show and The Republic of Telly to name a few.

Some of the big fundraisers that the Gospel Choir have been involved in include the 24 hour Carolathon for the Simon Community, The Marie Keating Foundation fun run in the Phoenix park for Breast Cancer Ireland and most recently performing at the Civic Theatre’s Night at the Musicals for Gaza children.

They have also performed internationally such as the USA and they are recently back from Malta where they performed an original song commissioned for the Lifesaving Foundation entitled Do Not Go Gentle which was then dedicated to the Rescue 116 crew.

Every Tuesday at 8.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Lucan is when rehearsals take place. All are welcome to come and join up, there are no restrictions on who can join except that you must be over 16.