Castlebar-based choir, Carra Singers, directed by Aušra Kvietkut, will present their summer concert in Christchurch, Castlebar, on Wednesday, June 12 at 8pm. Entry is free, with donations to Chernobyl Children International appreciated.
Carra Singers, formerly known as the drop-in choir, were founded by mezzo-soprano Margaret Probyn-Fish. Since 2018 Carra Singers’ musical director has been classically-trained Lithuanian soprano Aušra Kvietkut, who is also a piano teacher at the Mayo School of Music.
An accomplished pianist, she has accompanied many choirs, including the Westport Children's Choir, the Mayo School of Music Youth Choir and the Cill Aodáin Choral Society. She is also a member of the vocal ensemble VoxFusion. Aušra commented "Carra Singers recently participated in the Mayo International Choral Festival for the first time, we now look forward to presenting our annual concert in Christchurch in aid of this very worthy cause.
"We are pleased to support the work of Chernobyl Children International in assisting communities affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster."
Carra Singers will be accompanied by classically-trained pianist Rebecca Cresham, who is also resident accompanist for the Mayo Male Voice choir. Carra Singers’ repertoire for this concert includes a variety of classical, popular and folk songs.
A variety of guests will perform at the concert. These include the Westport Singers, under the direction of Joseph Garvey, and harpist Emma Lawlor from Crossmolina. Also performing on the night is Achill-based saxophonist Padraig McCaul, a member of Mayo Concert Orchestra, who is a renowned landscape artist.
Adding to the vocal performances on the evening will be baritone Ronan Egan, who has filled a number of lead male roles in musical theatre productions in the west of Ireland. Newly formed junior choral ensemble, Bitela, will also feature on the evening, making their debut performance. This group is directed by Aušra Kvietkut and is made up of children of Lithuanian nationality who live in Mayo. They will be singing in the Lithuanian language.
