The Culwick Choral Society celebrates Christmas
With Irish Opera star Rachel Croash
National Concert Hall
Thursday 5th December 2019.
Irish National Opera star Rachel Croash joins the Culwick Choral Society and Ensemble and award-winning conductor Bernie Sherlock for an unmissable performance for Christmas. There will be carols, solos and music from across the ages, and chances for the audience to join in the singing. This year’s
Wesley College Girls Choir conducted by Holly Woods
The Culwick Ensemble led by Brona Fitzgerald
Bernie Sherlock – Conductor
Culwick Choral Society Summer Concert
Orff’s Carmina Burana
Jonathan Dove’s Arion and the Dolphin (Irish premiere)
Tuesday, May 28, 8pm
Earthy tales of life, lust, and love.
The Culwick presents Carl Orff’s great and immensely popular classic, Carmina Burana– with words written centuries ago but today still sounding fresh, spicy and real in Orff’s percussive and energetic setting.
The soloists are the Irish soprano Aisling Kenny (‘glorious top register, crystal clear and ringing, delighting the audience.’ Eastbourne Herald), baritone Gavin Ring–(‘…the agility of a gymnast and the vocal command of a sergeant-major…’ – Opera Magazine)– and countertenor Stephen Wallace, early music specialist who has worked with René Jacobs and William Christie among others.
The concert presents the Irish premiere of Jonathan Dove’s magical and colour-filled cantata Arion and the Dolphin, written to be a companion piece for Carmina Buranaand first performed in 2015. For this the choir is joined by Stephen Wallace in the role of Arion and by two pianists – David Leigh and David O’Shea – and percussion ensemble.
The Culwick is delighted to offer a second performance of the piece it specially commissioned from Irish composer Seán Doherty to celebrate its 120th anniversary in 2018. In his poem The Happy Grass, Brendan Kennelly pays tribute not only to the Culwick Choral Society and its long, long tradition, but also to the eternal nature of song in human society. Doherty’s brilliant piece honours Culwick singers past, present and future, and by extension all singers and those who love singing.
Seán Doherty (b.1987) – The Happy Grass
Jonathan Dove (b.1959) – Arion and the Dolphin
Carl Orff (1895-1982) – Carmina Burana
The Culwick Choral Society and Orchestra
Aisling Kenny, soprano
Stephen Wallace, countertenor
Gavin Ring, baritone
Leader: Mia Copper
Conductor: Bernie Sherlock
Tuesday, May 28, 2019. National Concert Hall, Dublin 8pm.
A Culwick Christmas!
NCH, December 4th 2018, 8pm
Special guests soprano Rachel Croash, the Dublin Brass Quintet, and the DIT Youth Choir join forces with the Culwick Choral Society and their award-winning conductor Bernie Sherlock for this year’s unmissable celebration of Christmas featuring much-loved carols, music and songs from across the ages.
The Culwick is proud to present the World Premiere of The Happy Grass by Seán Doherty, specially commissioned by the Culwick to celebrate its 120th anniversary. The choir’s long, long tradition is beautifully reflected in Brendan Kennelly’s poem The Happy Grass which honours the eternal nature of song in human society. This brilliant new piece honours all Culwick singers – past, present and future – and by extension all singers and those who love singing.
And then, following on from the choir’s huge audience hit in December 2015 with Cecilia McDowell’s A Winter’s Night, the Culwick is greatly looking forward to performing another of McDowell’s sparkling Christmas cantatas: Christus natus est. In what will be a most memorable Irish premiere, Christus natus est magically weaves together five favourite carols with soprano soloist, brass ensemble, organ, percussion, children’s choir, and of course the Culwick Choral Society in full voice!
Other highlights of the evening include two sublime Christmas motets from the sixteenth-century by Giovanni Gabrieli, Christmas music from Messiah, Stuart Nicholson’s exciting Lord of the Dance, the traditional lullabye Suantraí with Rachel Croash, a rollicking Rudolph performed by the DIT Youth Choir, and a medley of much-loved carols with the Dublin Brass Quintet.
The audience will be greeted and hosted throughout the concert by our special compère, the outstanding Irish broadcaster Olivia O’Leary.
In all, a lovely evening is in the offing and a delightful beginning to the Christmas season.
National Concert Hall, Tuesday 4th December, 8pm
Tickets €6 – €27
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THE CULWICK CHORAL SOCIETY
CELEBRATES 120 YEARS!
Poulenc Gloria
Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem
National Concert Hall
Wednesday 2nd May 2018, 8 p.m.
THE CULWICK CHORAL SOCIETY
Sinéad Campbell-Wallace, soprano
John Molloy, baritone
The Culwick Orchestra
Brona Fitzgerald, Leader
Bernie Sherlock, Conductor
The Culwick Choral Society is delighted to bring to the NCH their 120th anniversary concert performance of two great choral masterpieces: the jubilant Gloria by Francis Poulenc and the sublime German Requiem by Brahms. Unique among choral requiems for setting passages from the Bible rather than from Catholic liturgy, the Brahms Requiem enjoys an enduring popularity with audiences because of its real, spiritual power. Non-believers and believers alike readily connect to an underlying universal assertion in this great work, namely that it is the living rather than the dead who stand in need of consolation. Conductor Bernie Sherlock directs the Culwick Choral Society with a professional orchestra led by Brona Fitzgerald, and highly-renowned soloists Sinéad Campbell–Wallace (soprano) and John Molloy (baritone).
The exuberance of Poulenc’s Gloria offers the perfect foil to the Brahms. ‘When I wrote this piece’, Poulenc famously recalled, ‘I had in mind those frescoes by Gozzoli where the angels stick out their tongues; and also some serious Benedictine monks I had once seen revelling in a game of football.’
2017
A Culwick Choral Christmas
The National Concert Hall on December 11th, 2017 at 8pm
With special guests, mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty and baritone David Howes, an unmissable celebration of the season with carols, music and songs from across the ages. This year’s special work was Vaughan Williams’ ultimate homage to Christmas, The First Nowell, which combines favourite carols for soloists, choir and orchestra in what proved to be the last music he wrote before he died in 1958.
Sharon Carty, Mezzo – soprano
David Howes, Baritone
The Culwick Choral Ensemble
Bernie Sherlock , Conductor
David O’Shea, Organ and piano
Ralph Vaughan Williams: The First Nowell.
Seasonal Carols and Partsongs.
Christmas Music from Messiah.
Singalong Carols.
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Mendelssohn’s Elijah
The National Concert Hall on Sunday 9th April.
Culwick Choral Society
Colette Boushell, soprano
Sharon Carty, mezzo-soprano
Julian Hubbard, tenor
Gavan Ring, bass-baritone
Cantáiri Óga Átha Cliath
Brona Fitzgerald, leader
Bernie Sherlock, conductor
Mendelssohn’s ever-popular dramatic re-telling of events from the life of the fiery prophet Elijah,brings us beautiful arias, uplifting choruses, and colourful orchestration. Led by bass Gavan Ring as Elijah and the Culwick under conductor Bernie Sherlock.
2016
‘TIS THE SEASON
National Concert Hall; December 5th at 8pm; Guest soprano Cara O’Sullivan; Cantairí Óga Átha Cliath; Dublin Concert Band, conductor Fergus O’Carroll; Conductor Bernie Sherlock; Organ and piano David O’Shea
Bob Chilcott: On Christmas Night
Seasonal Carols and Partsongs
Christmas Music from Messiah
Singalong carols
WESTMINSTER MASS, Roxanna Panufnik (Irish Premiere); REQUIEM, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
8 May; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Claudia Boyle soprano; Anne-Marie Gibbons alto; Owen Gilhooly tenor; Gavan Ring bass
Brona Fitzgerald; Orchestra Leader
Doireann Ni Bhriain; compére
MESSIAH George Frederic Handel
19 March; Christ Church Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Maria McGrann soprano; Gina Oberoi alto; Andrew Gavin tenor; Eoghan Desmond bass.
Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader)
2015
THE COMING OF CHRISTMAS!
A WINTER’S NIGHT, Cecilia McDowall (Irish Premiere)
Favourite carols and Christmas songs
7 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor
Claudia Boyle soprano
St Brigid’s N.S. Choir, Castleknock (Niamh Williams conductor)
David O’Shea (accompanist organ & piano)
MASS in B MINOR, Johann Sebastian Bach
3 June; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Colette Boushell soprano; Victoria Massey alto; Eamonn Mulhall tenor; Adrian Powter bass
Brona Fitzgerald; Orchestra Leader
MESSIAH George Frederic Handel
21 March; Christ Church Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Sarah Brady soprano; Victoria Massey alto; Andrew Gavin tenor; Padraic Rowan bass.
Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader).
2014
THE COMING OF CHRISTMAS!
Including CEREMONY OF CAROLS (Benjamin Britten)
1 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Claudia Boyle soprano; Dublin Concert Band (Fergus O’Carroll conductor);
St Brigid’s N.S. Choir, Castleknock (Niamh Williams conductor);
David Bremner (accompanist organ & piano); Cliona Doris, harp; Stephen Dungan (Boy Soprano).
PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE (Rossini)
18th October; Christchurch Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Rachel Croash soprano; Anne Marie Gibbons contralto; Mark Tilley tenor:
Gavan Ring bass; David O’Shea piano; David Leigh organ.
GREAT MASS IN C MINOR (Mozart) & CHICHESTER PSALMS (Bernstein)
Adagio for Strings (Barber)
24 April; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Ailish Tynan soprano; Colette Boushell soprano; Andrew Boushell tenor;
Owen Gilhooly bass; Orchestra (Brona Fitzgerald, leader)
2013
A GLORIOUS CHORAL CHRISTMAS!
Including Lauda per la nativitá del Signore (Respighi)
9 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Jean Wallace soprano; Gemma Ní Bhriain alto; Stuart Kinsella tenor;
Suzanne Savage jazz singer and Johnny Taylor piano;Culwick Wind Ensemble;
Castle Park School Choir (Edel McKiernan, conductor); Olivia O’Leary, compére.
NELSON MASS (Haydn) & DIE ERSTE WALPURGISNACHT (Mendelssohn)
30 October; Whitefriar Street Church; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Janyce Condon soprano; Gemma Ní Bhriain alto; Peter O’Reilly tenor: Gavan Ring bass;
Orchestra (Elaine Clarke, leader).
CREATION (Franz Joseph Haydn)
21 April; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Colette Boushell soprano; Eamon Mulhall tenor; John Molloy bass.
2012
A GLORIOUS CHORAL CHRISTMAS!
Including Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Ralph Vaughan Williams); Angelus Ad Pastores Ait & Hodie Christus Natus Est ( Giovanni Gabrieli).
6 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Padraic Rowan, baritone; Vox Merus, brass quintet; St Brigid’s N.S. Choir, Castleknock (Niamh Williams, director); David Leigh (accompanist organ & piano);
Doireann Ní Bhriain, compére.
MESSIAH, George Frederic Handel
21 & 22 November; St Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor.
Helen Hassett soprano; Stephen Wallace countertenor; Julian Hubbard tenor; Gavan Ring bass; Orchestra (Brona Fitzgerald, leader).
2012
CARMINA BURANA, Carl Orff, Kodály’s Missa Brevis, & Bartók’s Hungarian Pictures. 20 May; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Cara O’Sullivan soprano; Chloe Hinton alto; Brian Gilligan tenor; Owen Gilhooly baritone; St. Brigid’s N.S. Choir Castleknock. Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader); David Leigh organ.
2011
A GLORIOUS CHORAL CHRISTMAS! Including Saint Nicolas Cantata (Britten) 8 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Suzanne Savage soprano; Eugene Ginty tenor; New Dublin Voices. The Culwick Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader).
MESSIAH, George Frieeric Handel 23 & 24 November; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Mary Nelson soprano; Duncan Brickenden countertenor; Ben Thapa tenor; Mark Saberton bass. Dublin Baroque Ensemble (Thérèse Timoney, leader).
A SEA SYMPHONY, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Beethoven’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, & Mäntyjärvi’s Canticum Calamitatis Maritimæ. 21 May; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor Cara O’Sullivan soprano; Paul Carey Jones baritone; New Dublin Voices Orchestra (leader Alan Smale). Dedicated to RNLI the Lifeboats charity. Supported by RTÉ Lyric fm, Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust, Forás Éireann, Pilkington & Associates.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 16 April; Church of Sts. Peter & Paul, Balbriggan; Bernie Sherlock conductor Nicola Mulligan soprano; Laura Murphy alto; Brian Gilligan tenor; Gavan Ring bass. Culwick String Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader), David Leigh keyboard.
2010
A GLORIOUS CHORAL CHRISTMAS! Including Cantata No.5, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio 9 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Suzanne Savage soprano; Jennifer Hughes alto; Brian Gilligan tenor; Gavan Ring bass; The Culwick Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader); David Leigh accompanist (organ & piano); Paul Kenny (jazz pianist); Olivia O’Leary compère. Dedicated to the 60th anniversary of UNHCR the UN Refugee Agency.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 1 & 2 December; St Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor Sinead Campbell-Wallace soprano; Chloe Hinton alto; Benjamin Hulett tenor; John-Owen Miley-Read bass. Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader).
MONTEVERDI 1610 VESPERS 19 May, St Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor Colette Boushell soprano; Alison Browner mezzo soprano; Duncan Brickenden countertenor; John Elwes tenor, Benjamin Hulett tenor; Jonathan Gunthorpe bass; Jeffrey Ledwidge bass. Camerata Kilkenny, QuintEssential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble (Claire Duff, orchestra leader). Supported by RTÉ Lyric fm, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Fyffes.
2009
A GLORIOUS CHORAL CHRISTMAS! Including Messe de Minuit (Charpentier), Ave Maria (Mendelssohn). 14 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Hannah Macaulay soprano; Suzanne Savage soprano; Duncan Brickenden countertenor; Fearghal Curtis tenor; Tristan Caldwell bass. The Culwick Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader); David Leigh accompanist; Paul Kenny jazz pianist; Doireann ní Bhriain compère; Supported by the Cultural Service of the Embassy of France in Ireland.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 2 & 3 December; St Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor Róisín O’Grady soprano; Alison Browner alto; Eamonn Mulhall tenor; Roland Davitt bass. Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader).
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 20 November; Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon; Bernie Sherlock conductor Katy Kelly soprano; Chloe Hinton alto; Jacek Wislocki tenor; Tristan Caldwell bass. Culwick Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader), David Leigh keyboard.
VERDI REQUIEM 17 May; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Mairead Buicke soprano; Victoria Massey-Diala alto, James Edwards tenor; Philip O’Reilly bass. Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader). Supported by RTÉ Lyric fm, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Forás Éireann.
2008
A GLORIOUS CHORAL CHRISTMAS! Including A Christmas Oratorio (Saint-Saëns) 17 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor. Katy Kelly soprano; Kate Allen mezzo-soprano; Mihaela Loredana Chirvase alto; Eoin Hynes tenor; Tristan Caldwell bass. David Leigh accompanist; Doireann Ní Bhriain compère. Ottoni Brass Ensemble, Culwick String Ensemble (Brona Fitzgerald, leader);
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 3 & 4 December; St Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor Sally Harrison soprano; Tanya Sewell alto; Eamonn Mulhall tenor; John Molloy bass. Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader).
FAURÉ REQUIEM & POULENC GLORIA 17 May; St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork; Bernie Sherlock conductor Mary Hegarty soprano; Tristan Caldwell baritone. David Leigh organ.
FAURÉ REQUIEM & POULENC GLORIA 26 April; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor Sally Harrison soprano; Owen Gilhooly baritone; David Leigh organ accompaniment; Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader); Orchestra performed: Ravel’s Menuet Antique.
2007
CULWICK CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS! 20 December; National Concert Hall; Bernie Sherlock conductor Special Guests: Suzanne Savage soprano, Jonathan Wilson guitar, Ottoni Brass Ensemble. David Leigh piano/organ; Liz Nolan presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 5 & 6 December; St Patrick’s Cathedral; Bernie Sherlock conductor Lynda Lee soprano; Edel O’Brien alto; Derek Moloney tenor; Andrew Slater bass. Orchestra (Alan Smale, leader).
FOCUS ON OPERA Favourite Operatic Choruses and Arias 28 April; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor Sandra Oman soprano; Edel O’Brien contralto; Oliver White tenor; Philip O’Reilly bass. David Bremner keyboard; Mairéad Hurley piano; David Leigh organ.
2006
JOY TO THE WORLD – A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 16 December; St. Teresa’s Church, Clarendon Street; Colin Block conductor Guests: John Dexter Harmony, Sylvia O’Brien soprano. David Leigh & Malcolm Wisener accompanists; Giles Baily presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 6 & 7 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor Anna Devin soprano; Máire Flavin contralto; Eamonn Mulhall tenor; Andrew Slater bass. Orchestra.
ELIJAH, Felix Mendelssohn 20 May; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor Anna Devin soprano; Maria de Moel contralto; John Elwes tenor; Philip O’Reilly bass. Orchestra.
2005
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 8 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor Guests: John Dexter Harmony, Dublin Symphony Orchestra (Ciaran Crilly, conductor). Malcolm Wisener accompanist; Pádraig O’Rourke presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 30 November & 1 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Colette Boushell soprano; Edel O’Brien contralto; Oliver White tenor; Jeffrey Ledwidge bass. Orchestra.
CHORALE OF HONOUR – PRESENTATION TO CULWICK CHORAL SOCIETY OF SANTA CECILIA CHORAL AWARD 2005 BY THE VOCAL HERITAGE SOCIETY OF IRELAND 22 November; Bank of Ireland Arts Centre; Colin Block conductor David Leigh piano accompanist and soloist.
CONCERT TO CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARGARET HOLME 22 October; St Philip & St James Church Booterstown; Colin Block conductor With Dexter Family Ensemble, David English tenor soloist.
A GERMAN REQUIEM (EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM), Johannes Brahms 21 May; National Concert Hall; Mark Armstrong conductor Franzita Whelan soprano; Andrew Slater baritone Orchestra (Alan Smale leader). Orchestra: Variations on a Theme of Haydn (St. Anthony).
2004
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 10 December; National Concert Hall; Mark Armstrong conductor Guests: John Dexter Harmony; Orchestra of the Royal Irish Academy (James Cavanagh conductor); David Bremner organ; Angela Kelly-Molloy presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 1 & 2 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Mark Armstrong conductor Lynda Lee soprano; Cliodna McDonough contralto; Derek Moloney tenor; Jeffrey Ledwidge bass. Orchestra (Alan Smale leader)
STABAT MATER, Antonín Dvořák, & BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST, William Walton Jointly presented by Culwick Choral Society and Dublin County Choir 15 May; The Helix; Colin Block conductor. Sylvia O’Brien soprano; Deirdre Cooling Nolan contralto; Robin Tritschler tenor; Ian Caddy bass-baritone. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
2003
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 12 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor With St. George’s Brass Band (Jack Regan conductor); John Dexter Harmony. David Bremner accompanist; Angela Kelly-Molloy presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 3 & 4 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Kim Sheehan soprano; Deirdre Cooling Nolan contralto; Eugene O’Hagan tenor; Conor Biggs bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
DIXIT DOMINUS & ZADOK THE PRIEST George Frideric Handel, & MAGNIFICAT, John Rutter, 10 May; The Helix; Colin Block conductor. Sylvia O’Brien soprano; Kim Sheehan soprano; Amanda Neri contralto; Derek Moloney tenor; Frank O’Brien bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader). Orchestra Four movements from Handel’s Water Music.
2002
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 20 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Guests: John Dexter Harmony & Rathfarnham Concert Band (Vincent Kennedy conductor) Mark Armstrong accompanist; Jeananne Crowley presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 4 & 5 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Maeve Morris soprano; Joyce Byrne contralto; Derek Moloney tenor; Jeffrey Ledwidge bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 30 November; St. Peter’s Church of Ireland Drogheda; Colin Block conductor. Maeve Morris soprano; Joyce Byrne contralto; Derek Moloney tenor; Jeffrey Ledwidge bass. Mark Armstrong & David Bremner keyboards.
CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL HOSPITAL DONNYBROOK 19 October; St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Dublin; Colin Block conductor. Guests: Frank O’Brien bass, Sylvia O’Brien soprano. Malcolm Wisener organ; Gillian Smith piano. Supported by Arnotts and Clerys.
CARMINA BURANA, Carl Orff; LUMEN CHRISTI & THE FOURTH STATION, Philip Carty; CHORAL FANTASIA, Ludwig van Beethoven 13 April; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Niamh Murray soprano; Sylvia O’Brien soprano; Yvonne Woods mezzo-soprano; John Scott, tenor; Frank O’Brien bass; Jeffrey Ledwidge bass; Ballyshannon Choral Group, John Dexter Harmony; Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader), Philip Carty piano; Ronan McDonagh organ.
2001
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 15 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Guests: John Dexter Harmony & Rathfarnham Concert Band (Vincent Kennedy conductor) Malcolm Wisener accompanist; Jeananne Crowley presenter.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 5 & 6 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Sylvia O’Brien soprano; Yvonne Woods contralto; John Scott tenor; Derek Ryan bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
REQUIEM, John Rutter; CHICHESTER PSALMS, Leonard Bernstein; VESPERAE SOLENNES DE CONFESSORE (K339), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 28 April; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor Mary Nelson soprano; Sheila McCarthy contralto; Declan Kelly tenor; Andrew Redmond bass; Patrick Dexter treble. Malcolm Wisener organ; Celine Kelly continuo. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
2000
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 16 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Guests: Sandra Oman soprano; Rathfarnham Concert Band (Vincent Kennedy conductor) Malcolm Wisener & Mark Armstrong accompanists; Doireann Ní Bhriain presenter. Dedicated to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on their 50th anniversary.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 6 & 7 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Colette Delahunt soprano; Edel O’Brien contralto; Eugene O’Hagan tenor; Martin Higgins bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
A CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC 23 September; Westport Arts Festival; Holy Trinity Church; Colin Block conductor. Lynda Lee soprano; David Bremner organist; Trumpets: Colm Byrne, Earmonn Nolan, Vivienne Johnston; Timpani: Richard O’Donnell.
ON WINGS OF SONG Concert featuring the Irish première of Return to Old Ireland by Mary McAuliffe 17 July; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. With the Michael O’Neal Singers, Atlanta Georgia USA, Michael O’Neal conductor. Niamh Murray soprano; John Dexter organ; Mairéad Hurley piano; instrumental ensemble.
B MINOR MASS, Johann Sebastian Bach 4 March; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Lynda Lee soprano; Sandra Oman soprano; Sheila McCarthy contralto; Eugene O’Hagan tenor; Conor Biggs bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
1999
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! 11 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Franzita Whelan soprano; Pádraig O’Rourke presenter; Malcolm Wisener organ; Mark Armstrong piano; Rathfarnham Concert Band (Vincent Kennedy conductor).
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 1 & 2 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Sandra Oman soprano; Cliona McDonough contralto; Paul McNamara tenor; John Milne bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
PIONEER CENTENARY CELEBRATION CONCERT 16 October; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Niamh Murray soprano; Brian Hoey tenor; John Roche tenor; Mark O’Keeffe solo trumpet; Yvonne McQuillan solo piano; Malcolm Wisener organ; Trudi Carberry accompanist; Fred Cogley host. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
REQUIEM, Giuseppe Verdi 22 May; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. With St. Eugene’s Cathedral Choir (Derry); Belfast Community Choir; Armagh City Choir. Orla Boylan soprano; Deirdre Cooling-Nolan contralto; David Fieldsend tenor; Frank O’Brien bass. The Studio Symphony Orchestra (Belfast) principal conductor David Openshaw.
REQUIEM, Giuseppe Verdi 1 May; Belfast Waterfront Hall; David Openshaw conductor. With St. Eugene’s Cathedral Choir (Derry); Belfast Community Choir; Armagh City Choir. Orla Boylan soprano; Deirdre Cooling-Nolan contralto; David Fieldsend tenor; Frank O’Brien bass. The Studio Symphony Orchestra (Philip Walton leader).
CHOIRS OF IRELAND CONCERT IN AID OF UNICEF 10 April; University Concert Hall Limerick; Gearoid Grant conductor. With The Hallelujah Choir; The Carrigaline Singers; Limerick Singers; and massed choir of Bray Choral Society, Blackwater Singers, Cantairi Singers, Harmonia Singers, Limerick Choral Union, Lismore Singers, Music Ministry Tipperary, Tipperary Singers, New Ross Singers, Non Nobis Domine Shannon, St. Mary’s Choir Clonmel, Virginia Singers. Brian O’Kane treble; Seamus Brett pianist; Geraldine O’Grady violinist; Margaret O’Sullivan pianist. Ciana Campbell presenter.
1998 – CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE CULWICK CHORAL SOCIETY
A CULWICK CHRISTMAS! 12 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Bryan Hoey tenor & presenter; Trebles from St. Bartholomew’s Choir, Clyde Road: Robert Dempsey, Danny Groenland, Patrick Groenland; Rathfarnham Concert Band (Vincent Kennedy conductor); Malcolm Wisener organ; Mark Armstrong piano & keyboard.
MESSIAH, George Frideric Handel 9 & 10 December; St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Colin Block conductor. Orla Boylan soprano; Deirdre Cooling-Nolan contralto; Emmanuel Lawler tenor; Ian Caddy bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia.
MESSIAH FOR ALL 6 December; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Sandra Oman soprano; Cliona McDonough contralto; Paul Kelly tenor; Eugene Griffin bass. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
CENTENARY YEAR CHORAL EXTRAVAGANZA 11 October; O’Reilly Hall UCD; Colin Block conductor. With Bray Choral Society (Frank Kelly conductor), Dublin County Choir (Colin Block conductor), Dun Laoghaire Choral Society (David Milne conductor), Goethe Institute Choir (John Dexter conductor), Guinness Choir (David Milne conductor), Our Lady’s Choral Society (Robin Moore conductor), Tallaght Choral Society (Gráinne Gormley conductor)
GALA CENTENARY CONCERT 16 May; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. Lynda Lee soprano; Frank O’Brien bass; Pádraig O’Rourke compére. Gillian Smith piano; Malcolm Wisener organ & keyboard. Orchestra of St. Cecilia (Mary Gallagher leader).
CENTENARY CELEBRATION Concert featuring Borodin’s Polovstian Dances, and Verdi’s Four Sacred Pieces 20 February; National Concert Hall; Colin Block conductor. National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland (Alan Smale leader); Malcolm Wisener organ. Broadcast live on FM3 Classical Radio.
and for the first 100 years click here