Claddagh Choral presented Live at Galway a concert which saw two local groups, Fir an Cladaigh and The Galway City Chamber Choir, wow attendees with beautifully performed songs at their concert in Galway Cathedral.
Playing to a full nave, two local choirs, Fir an Cladaigh and The Galway City Chamber Choir, played a blend of traditional Irish songs and choral music in their concert at Galway Cathedral on Gaol Rd, on Thursday, October 20.
Kicking off the evening, Fir an Cladaigh opened with Lux Arumque written by American Composer Eric Whitacre, a performance that sounded like it belonged in the soundtrack of an epic like Lord of the Rings and helped to introduce the audience to the range of excellent voices in the group.
Opening with such a strong Choral presence helped to set the tone for the event and the choirs performing, but delightfully interspersed with recognisable traditional Irish and Scottish songs, like Raglan Road, the soloist, a member of Fir an Cladaigh, and did the famous song justice.
Fresh off recording TG4's Christmas Eve show, Galway City Chamber Choir joined Fir an Cladaigh on stage to perform Suantraí ár Slánaitheora (The Saviour's Lullaby ) composed by Fiontán Ó Cearbhaill. The solo was performed by Jenny, whose crisp and clear voice cut through the cathedral in a way that invoked chills. Led by Fir an Cladaigh's composer Stephen Carroll the choir's rendition was beautifully poignant and the way music like this was supposed to be enjoyed.
The highlight of the night had to have been the circular formation of the Galway City Chamber Choir members around the audience. The song another Choral number introduced by Stephen Carroll as, "something a little different that I hope you enjoy," was truly breathtaking. As the audience sat facing the stage in front of the altar, each individual voice had a staggered start which gave the effect of wind chimes blowing in a delicate breeze. In that moment, it felt like rather than being a passive spectator, like the music had immersed around you and was almost interactive.
No words could do it justice, and as music surrounded guests in the cathedral in a bubble; it's hard to quantify the feeling into words. The only one word that springs to mind is sensational.
The University of Galway Choral Choir joined Fir an Cladaigh and Galway City Chamber Choir to perform Siúil a Rúin, a traditional lamenting tune about love. Soloed by Emma from the university's choir, the rendition was exquisite and definitely a big number to finish on, a decision that paid off handsomely.
Overall, the concert was a rare event where one would come out refreshed, feeling rested and batteries recharged. It was a delight to just sit and witness such talent in such a peaceful and acoustically blessed venue.
