28.04.2009
Pro-Cathedral to Host RSCM Choral Festival
St Mary's Pro-Cathedral will be the Dublin Venue for the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) Choral Festival on Saturday 9 May. A simultanious event will also take place in Downpatrick Cathedral in Northern Ireland.
“Over 250 singers took part in last year’s festival services” says Peter Parshall, RSCM Ireland co-ordinator. “We’ve put together an enticing selection of music, ranging from the challenging to the straightforward and we hope to break the 300 barrier this year.”
Judy Martin, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral will conduct in Dublin, and Michael McCracken, Director of Music at Down Cathedral, will be on home territory conducting at Down Cathedral which celebrates the 400th anniversary of its charter this year. Also involved are organists Peter Barley, from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin and Stephen Hammill from St Peter’s Church in Belfast.
Celebrating the feast of Pentecost in words and music, the event is open to all choirs and individual singers, whether they are RSCM members or not. “Interest has been expressed already by a number of church choirs, school choirs and individuals who would just like to come along for a good sing!”, explains Peter. “All we ask is that singers purchase and learn the service music in advance”.
A booklet containing all the music to be sung at the festival service has been produced and, together with booking forms is available from Peter Barley or Mark Bowyer (ROI festival) tel:01 453 9472 peter.barley@stpatrickscathedral.ie / markcbowyer@gmail.com.
