'Voices' to give St Patrick's Day concert in All Souls Church
Local 'magnificent 7' chamber choir in concert in March
Belfast based chamber choir 'Voices' are to perform in the magnificent setting of All Souls Church, Elmwood Avenue for St Patrick's Day. The choir, which is only seven in number, will bring the sounds of celtic music, from haunting airs to foot-tapping jigs, to this beautiful church on March 16th at 7.30pm.
The choir was founded in 2002 by the pianist and conductor Loreto McAuley. Loreto's musical background includes the classical world, where she has played french horn with all the major local orchestras including the Ulster Orchestra and the Belfast Baroque Consort. She has wide experience of the world of church music as well, having been Director of Music at St Peter's Cathedral Belfast and she continues to work as a freelance organist. Loreto is also a jazz pianist and plays the harp.
'Voices' was founded as a professional chamber choir and includes the finest local singers, many of whom are accomplished soloists in their own right. They have performed all over Northern Ireland and beyond and their extensive repertoire ranges from Baroque church music to contemporary music. They bring a 'last choir standing' approach with their own vocal arrangements of contemporary chart music that is refreshing and appealing.
Recent performances include the magnificent Requiem by Faure and the Gloria by Vivaldi. In 2007 they recorded a CD of classical and contemporary sacred music for the Drumalis Restoration Fund, accompanied by the McAuley Piano Trio. This year 'Voices' are staging two St Patrick's Day Concerts, in Drumalis Larne, and All Souls Church, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast. Their St Patrick's Day programme will include old favourites such as 'My Lagan Love' as well as the Corrs, Clannad and the Chieftains.
The concert will also feature Rebekah Durston [violin], Darren Baird [keyboards] and Nuala Murray [bodhran & djembes].