What a difference a year makes! – Extraordinary year for North Clondalkin choir

THE North Clondalkin Community Choir has had an extraordinary year by any measure.

The fledgling choir started out last summer in a state of uncertainty and isolation.

This time last year, the group had no money, no management structure, and no rehearsal space.

However, what a difference a year makes!

Under the direction of Noel Collins, an AGM was called, a management team was selected, a bank account was set up, and community grants were successfully received with the support of South Dublin County Council.

More importantly, they found a new home for rehearsals at Rowlagh Church.

They held a sizable Christmas concert in Rowlagh Church last year with the Astral String Quartet performing.

They performed a selection of favourite Christmas carols, such as ‘O Holy Night,’ in addition to some modern classics from ‘One Day Like This’ by Elbow to ‘Somewhere in My Memory’ by John Williams.

It was “extraordinary” to see the church packed with locals.

After the concert, many remarked about the emotion from the singers and the professionalism of the entire event.

The choir’s performance in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in March and their subsequent performance in St Francis’ Basilica in Assisi were the highlights of the year for them.

This was a privilege afforded to a few choirs.

The Irish Ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Collins, visited the Vatican during the performance in a show of support for the group.

They performed a range of sacred music, some in English, Latin, and Italian.

For the communion piece, they performed the Irish Blessing, “May the road rise to meet you,” by Lori True.

All our songs were performed in harmony with live accompaniment.

Overall, it was an incredible experience and opportunity, one that we won’t forget anytime soon.

The choir is currently open for membership.

If you are interested in joining, please contact: northclondalkincommunitychoir@gmail.com

Thanks to Musical Director Noel Collins for his collaboration with this review!