As part of the fourth Mayo International Choral Festival, two Mayo choirs, under the baton of local man Dr Brian Lennon, Cor Mhaigh Eo and Coda will perform in St Patrick’s Church Newport this Friday, May 22. Tickets at €12 each will be available on the door or in Chambers Newsagents, Newport, and Downtown Records, Westport and Castlebar. The concert will commence at 8.30pm sharp so those attending are requested to please be seated by 8.15pm. There is no doubt but this will be a wonderful and most enjoyable evening of choral music.
Cor Mhaigh Eo, who recently won second place at the National Open Competition at the Cork Choral Festival, was established in 1994, drawing on members from all over the county. The choir performs a wide repertoire of music, and has a keen interest in 16th century sacred and secular works. This is complemented by an enthusiasm for contemporary works, in particular Eastern European composers. The choir performed its first commissioned piece in 2012, “Four Madrigals” composed by Irish composer Garrett Sholdice. Having competed at various choral festivals over many years, Cor Maigh Eo has won on four occasions at the Cork International Choral Festival.
Coda is a group of seven singers and musicians based in County Mayo, who have developed their own richly-harmonised approach to vocal performance, uniquely complemented by their multi-part vocal experience gained from classical choral singing. As found on their debut album Mouthmusic, Coda offers seven-part harmonies in an eclectic mix of musical styles, including Celtic and North American music, traditional and contemporary folk songs, original compositions and popular songs from sources as diverse as Clannad, Tom Waits, Van Morrison and The Beatles. The group’s repertoire comprises both a capella arrangements and songs with instrumental accompaniment, as well as traditional Irish music.
