15.08.2014
Conductor and Organ Scholar appointed at Trinity College Dublin Chapel
It has been announced that Eleanor Jones–McAuley has been appointed as Conductor of Trinity College Dublin Chapel Choir for the 2014/2015 academic year. Paul McDonagh–Forde has been appointed Organ Scholar to the College.
Eleanor Jones–McAuley is from Sandyford in Dublin and is a graduate of TCD in Music and Modern Irish TCD. She has been a member of the Chapel Choir and one of its choral scholars for several years. In addition to being an accomplished singer and conductor, Eleanor is also a talented pianist and cellist. She studies with Arun Rao and Mary Lennon at the DIT Conservatory of Music. This is her second year as Conductor of Chapel Choir.
Paul McDonagh–Forde is from Sligo where he attended Sligo Grammar School before coming to Trinity to study Law. He served as organist and director of music at Calry Parish Church in Sligo from 2011 to 2013. As well as being a gifted organist, Paul is also a talented singer and has been a member of Chapel Choir for the past year. He studies organ with Professor Gerard Gillen.
Dr Kerry Houston, Director of Chapel Music at TCD said, “We are very fortunate to have gifted students like Eleanor and Paul to take on these rewarding and demanding posts. Joining Chapel Choir is a very good way for new students to meet students from other disciplines. It is both an educational and aesthetic experience and a chance to be part of one of the oldest parts of College life – the first Chapel Choir was founded more than 250 years ago. The singers in the choir take part in major College events such as the Christmas Carol Service and Trinity Monday celebrations. Some previous choral experience is an advantage and some ability to read music is essential but any member of College is welcome to apply to sing in the Choir. Our big recruitment drive is, of course, during Freshers’ Week, but applications are welcome at any time of the year.”
The Dean of Residence at TCD, the Revd Darren McCallig commented, “I congratulate Eleanor and Paul on their appointments. Their roles, as Conductor and Organ Scholar respectively, are central to our worship and witness here in TCD. I know that, working closely with Dr Kerry Houston, they will sustain and develop Trinity Chapel’s distinguished musical heritage and renowned choral tradition. I should also say that the College Chapel and its music is not just for staff and students at Trinity. Everyone is welcome at Thursday evensong (5.15pm) and Sunday morning Sung Eucharist (10.45am).”
In addition to the regular choral services during each week of lecture term and various special college and university services, the Trinity College Dublin Chapel Choir gives concerts and is broadcast regularly on RTE radio and television. Trips are organized twice yearly and recent travels have included visits to New York, Hong Kong, Vienna, Venice and (earlier this year) Frankfurt. For further information on the choir or to enquire about joining, please contact Eleanor Jones–McAuley at jonesmce@tcd.ie
Photo caption: Eleanor Jones–McAuley and Paul McDonagh–Forde are pictured with Dr Kerry Houston (right).