The 22nd annual Samaritan Christmas Concert takes place on Thursday December 12 in the Franciscan Friary, Athlone at 8pm. It has become one of the traditions of Christmas in Athlone and remains a very popular event.
Once again the music for the concert will be provided by the Army band based in Athlone, The Band of the 2nd Brigade which will be conducted by Captain Declan Whitston.
Captain Whitston has conducted military bands in Canada, Italy, France, Germany, and at State, military, and civil occasions. He is also a freelance saxophonist and has performed with numerous groups and ensembles over the years including The Drifters, Rob Strong, The Commitments, Hazel O’Connor, Rebecca Storm, Eamon Keane, and Noel O’Grady.
The concert will also feature David Martin of the Three Tenors Ireland, Athlone A’Cappella, and the Athlone Pipe Band.
The concert will be compered by Athlone native Cathal Murray of RTÉ.
Tickets are priced at €10 and are available from Castle Gift Shop, The Square, Athlone; Midland Sound Equipment, Castlemaine Street (beside Centra ); Cunningham’s Pharmacy, Dublin Road (opposite AIT ); and Cunningham’s Pharmacy, Monksland. (beside SuperValu ).
