From: Martin Carney, PRO, MMVC
Springtime in Ballintubber Abbey. Venue, setting and atmosphere chimed on an evening when the historic 800 year old church played host to the Mayo Male Voice choir’s springtime concert. The ancient abbey reverberated to an eclectic, enjoyable and riveting selection of music and song. The evening was enhanced with the presence of tenor extraordinaire Ross Scanlon and the delightful strains of soprano Emma Nash.
Both added a touch of class to the programme and captivated the attendance with superb renditions from, among others, Les Miserables, My Fair Lady and Tosca. Under the baton of Musical Director Deirdre Lee and with accompanist Rebecca Cresham the evening was one of the most successful ever staged by the choir. A special word of thanks is due to Fr. Frankie Fahey of Ballintubber in granting the use of the Abbey for the concert at short notice. The wonderful acoustics enhanced the occasion and patrons favourably remarked afterwards on the sound quality. It would be remiss not to mention the kindness and hospitality of all the volunteers who went out of the way to extend a welcome and provide refreshments afterwards. The choir members also wish to thank all the media outlets for publicising the event.
Some upcoming dates on the calendar are worth remembering.
On Thursday May 25th the choir will perform in the ‘Ballina Sings’ at the Ballina Arts Centre at 8pm. The occasion is part of the Mayo International Choral Festival which is always worthy of support. Click here for details of the events of the festival.
Two days later on May 27th the choir will strut its stuff in the Male Voice Section of the Choral Festival at 12 noon. On this occasion the choir is on home ground in the GMIT and once more all support would be welcome.
Already plans are afoot for a trip to Wales next February so dull interludes are few and far between with the choir.