Galway Choral Association is 20 years young in 2018, and to mark the occasion they are hosting a gala concert this weekend.
The concert is being held at 8pm on Saturday (January 27 ) in St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. Tickets are €18 / €15 (including the post-concert reception ) and are available from Opus II in High St (091 500 300 ), from choir members or at the door.
The choir, directed by Norman Duffy, will present Fauré’s Requiem and Schubert’s Mass No 2 in G, with Galway native soloists Aisling Kenny, Matthew Harrison, Peter Mannion and Carol Duffy, accompanied by organist David Grealy. Also performing are a group from St Nicholas’ Schola Cantorum.
“We are delighted to be presenting this birthday concert” says Carol Duffy, Chairperson of Galway Choral Association. ”Our first Boys Choir was formed in 1998, and in subsequent years men, women and girls have been added to the groups supported by the Association. Over the years, many people have sung with us, and some have gone on to professional roles in various musical and artistic spheres.
“Today we are a 50-voice adult choir, providing a platform for people of all ages who are new to choral singing, as well as many experienced singers.
The evening includes a wine-and-cheese reception and a display of memorabilia, introduced by founder member Tom Grealy and his son David – a former Boys’ Choir member who is now a professional organist. All former members are invited to attend, and the choir looks forward to re-kindling old friendships and sharing stories of the many performances and events.
Musical director Norman Duffy observed that marking such an important anniversary with performances of these wonderful works showcases the Association’s values of Fun, Friendship and Fabulous Music, as well as the skill and dedication of choir members. Galway Choral Association (GCA ) was founded in 1998 as an umbrella organisation to provide choral singing for both adults and children. The original musical director was Mark Keane.
It became a limited company and registered charity in 2006. Norman Duffy was appointed as musical director in 2009. The association has always been community-based, offering music to everyone.
GCA has raised many thousands of euro by performing at least annual concerts in support of local charities including Cancer Care West, Irish Heart Foundation, Cope, Pieta House, Irish Kidney Foundation, National Council for the Blind of Ireland - Western division, Voices for Galway, Croí, Enable Ireland.
The association had the pleasure, as Galway’s community choir, of singing at the Volvo Boat Race Civic Reception organised by Galway City Council in 2009, and again in 2012.
GCA has hosted many visiting choirs from countries including USA, Norway, France, Netherlands, Germany, UK and Luxembourg.
The association continues to provide an opportunity for amateur singers to come together. The joy of music cannot be underestimated, and GCA strives to bring the music of the great masters to the community, while raising money for local charities.
