06.01.2012
Trinity College Chapel Choir celebrates 250th anniversary
2012 is the 250th anniversary of the founding of Trinity College Dublin’s Chapel Choir. Established by Provost Andrews in early 1762 the Chapel Choir has been at the heart of the worship life of the university for the past two and a half centuries. A series of events, concerts and trips will take place throughout the year to mark this important milestone.
A particular highlight of the 250th year will be a special Festival Eucharist to be held in College Chapel on the morning of Sunday 15 April at 10.45am. It is hoped that as many past members as possible will be able to attend and sing that morning. The guest preacher will be the former TCD Dean of Residence, Bishop Michael Burrows, and a reception will be held afterwards in the Provost’s House.
The current Dean of Residence, the Revd Darren McCallig, said: “We are very proud of Chapel Choir and their long tradition of making magnificent music to enrich our liturgies and nourish our spirits. We would love if all former members could make contact as soon as possible so that they can be included in the celebrations and in particular in the service on 15 April. That day will be a wonderful opportunity to renew old acquaintances, give thanks for the past and look forward to the future.”
Dr Kerry Houston, Director of Chapel Music said: “Prior to the formation of the first formal chapel choir in 1762, it is likely that the only occasion when fully musical services were held in Chapel was once every year, on Trinity Sunday. Today, the Chapel Choir sings two choral services every week in term (Choral Evensong on Thursday evenings and Choral Eucharist on Sunday mornings) as well as singing at the great college occasions such as the Trinity Monday Service of Remembrance. This 250th anniversary is then a celebration of a thriving choral foundation which continues to be at the heart of TCD life.”
Former Chapel Choir members are asked to make contact by email to: chapelchoir@tcd.ie.