SAVE THE DATES The Mayo Male Voice Choir have announced their winter performance dates, with Musical Director Ms Deirdre Lee and accompanist Rebecca Cresham.
Familiar voices of a Mayo Christmas return to spread the cheer
After an extended break, the Mayo Male Voice Choir is well and truly back, and in fine voice. The choir members have been busy preparing for their winter performances, and rehearsals are going well. This winter will see the 50-strong choir perform in three venues in Mayo.
On Sunday, December 11, the choir will perform together with the Abbey Choir, in the beautiful Ballintubber Abbey, at 7.30pm. Donations at the door will go towards the restoration of the abbey. Then, on Sunday, December 18, the choir will perform a free concert at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough, at 3pm in the new foyer area.
The final performance of the year is saved for Ireland West Airport Knock. This is one of the choir’s favourite events, when they welcome, in song, passengers from several flights, from 10am to 12 noon, on December 23. The event has been featured in the past on national TV and on regional radio, and generates huge interest on social media.
Commenting, chairman Jim Tiernan said: “This has been an astonishing year for the choir – a real comeback. We have welcomed several new choir members and the number of choir members now matches pre-Covid numbers.
“It is very encouraging for us to be invited and to be able to take part in some major events in the coming weeks and into the new year. While we did two small performances earlier this year, it really is the first time we will be back performing.
“We are blessed to have Ms Deirdre Lee as our Musical Director, as well as Rebecca Cresham, our accompanist, and also Joseph Garvey, who is so generous with his musical skills. And a strong committee, who work tirelessly behind the scenes make my job easy.
“But really and truly, there would be no choir without the choir members, and they turn up week after week to rehearse at the new Music West centre, as well as practicing at home continuously. I want to pay tribute to each and every one of them for all their hard work and support. I’m now inviting all members of the public to consider attending at least one of the three events this Christmas. You won’t be disappointed!”
For more on the Mayo Male Voice Choir, see their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mayomalevoice.