To celebrate their 20th Birthday, Chapel Street Gospel Choir wanted to do something different.
A concert by Chapel Street Gospel Choir held recently at the lovely Ballinafad House in Belcarra just outside Castlebar, promised so much, and delivered even more - as the singers wowed the audience who arrived to celebrate this very special occasion.
After the audience was welcomed to Ballinafad and regaled with details about the venue by host Trevor, the music started to do the talking as the Chapel Street Gospel Choir took to the stage to rapturous applause. While the choir brought their usual mix of vibrant and passionate music, they also took it to another level of performance on this occasion from the get-go.
Special guests included David Agnew, whose unrivalled version of Gabriel’s 'Oboe' and a story he told of his performing the piece at the funeral of legendary actor Ray McAnally, left few dry eyes in the house. Agnew's daughter and well-known singer, Chloe, then joined him for a rare duet on stage, which, along with her other songs, literally took people’s breath away.
Noted American gospel composer and director, Tom Kendzia, invited the choir back on stage and turned the grand hall in the stately home into an American country church, bringing the ‘congregation’ to their feet as they sang along and clapped their hands to some beautiful spiritual music.
The second half of the concert saw wonderful projections of videos to accompany the instantly recognisable and impeccably performed songs, with spectacular lighting within the room. The evening concluded with the audience again taking to their feet, as the choir performed a medley of crowd-pleasing songs, from ‘Celebration’ to ‘I got the Music in Me’. No one wanted the night to end, but end it had to.
Paying tribute after the event, Musical Director, Kathy Fahey stated: "This special concert provided an eclectic mix of outstanding music and performances combined with the highest production standards in a uniquely stunning venue. From the moment I arrived at the newly-renovated Ballinafad House, just outside Belcarra, I was met with a beautiful location and wonderful atmosphere.
"Front-of-house was managed by dapper Trevor who spoke to the various audience members at the wine reception before directing them towards the resplendent venue for the concert, all together making for a thrilling night for all."
