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Welcome 2012!

Every good wish to all for 2012. We look forward to welcoming musical directors Fergus O’Carroll and Gavin Maloney back to Mullingar for what will be an action packed rehearsal schedule in the run up to our Spring concert.

So with 2011 and a highly rewarding Christmas Carol Concert behind us, the focus now moves to our March 4th. Carl Orff Carmina Burana and Puccini Messa di Gloria production in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar. Rehearsals re-commence on Monday January 9th. in the CBS, Mullingar and will continue each Monday and Wednesday through to March 4th. We look forward to enthusiastic attendances as both pieces present unique if wonderful musical challenges, each demanding a high level of commitment over the coming two months. The March 4th. 2012 Spring Concert promises to be a truly memorable occasion supported by acclaimed soloists and the Dublin Baroque Players orchestra. So an evening of high drama for all to enjoy! Tickets (20eu. ea.) go on sale end of January and will be available through any choir member or by contacting this site.

Full House at Christmas Carols Concert

Our September/December schedule of rehearsals and performances ended with our annual Christmas Carol Concert which took place on Sunday Dec. 11,  in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar. ‘Full House’ notices went up for the 200 musician performance which included the 120 Mullingar Choral Society singers, the  64 strong members of the Mullingar Town Band, and 40 Cor Schoil Mhuire and Cathedral choristers. The programme included many Christmas classics, Christmas is here, (composer Jean McClintock was in attendance) While Shepherds Watched, Silent Night, the Hallelujah Chorus, and Walking in the Air from the Snowman.  Mullingar’s Billy Gilleran performed the solo part in a delightful rendition of O Holy Night.  The Mullingar Town Band  included a John Williams Collection of movie theme music, the Radetski March, and Daniel in its most entertaining programme. Under the baton of Conductor Gavin Maloney the evening proved to be one of those rare occasions when both full house audience and players established that special connection in the enjoyment of music. A great start to the Christmas celebrations.

Seems only a short time has passed since the Society welcomed old and new members to the start of the new season. That was Monday sept. 5th., when over 126 singers turned up for registration and participated in the first rehearsal in St.Mary’s CBS. Music director Fergus O’Carroll got straight down to business and put the choir through early paces with extracts from Carmina Burana and Messa di Gloria given initial ‘outings’.

“We’re off to a great start”, said Fergus,  ”good music, good membership and good fun. The first rehearsal for the Musical Director is always a nervous affair – how many tenors will we have, how confident will the altos be, will there be some voices that stand out, etc, etc. Well, it was a good night, a great start and I’m really looking forward to the season. Good job”.

With19 rehearsals behind us, the choir has worked its way through the basics of O Fortuna and Ecce Gratum from Carmina Burana, and the Kyrie, Gloria, Qui Tolis, Quoniam, and Cum Sancto from Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. In addition, the Choir was invited by Lt.Col.Ray Yorke, Officer Commanding, Columb Barracks, Mullingar, to join the Band of the 4th. Western Brigade in a concert in the Art Centre Mullingar on Nov. 3rd. The programme presented by the Choir included O Fortuna, Rocky Road to Dublin, (a traditional air arranged by Mullingar’s John White), Va Pensiero, and Be Still My Soul from Finlandia.

 

The 2012 programme:

March 4th.           The Spring Concert in the Cathedral of Christ the King,Mullingar