“Where words fail, music speaks”

(Hans Christian Andersen)

 

Formed in late 1998 to celebrate the millennium in a special way, the Millennium Choir initially comprised 100 amateur singers, members of the church choirs of the diverse areas of Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill and Longford.  The Choir’s first performances were in early 2000, with a concert in each of the constituent towns, and it has continued to give nearly annual concerts ever since.

 

The Choir is now comprised of between 65 and 80 amateur singers from the region, and has performed well over 40 concerts locally, regionally and internationally (including the largest lunchtime concert attendance in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York).    Conductor Mrs. Monica O’Gorman, accompanist/orchestral director extraordinaire Fintan Farrelly, and artistic director Joe Moore have been with us since the start, supplemented and assisted by rehearsal tutors/music committee Elizabeth O’Halloran, Siobhán Talbot, Sr. Nora Keenan,  Sr. Martina Sheridan and Sarah Moran.

 

Over the years the Choir has performed with the Army Band, the Band of An Garda Siochána, in a cross-border event with several Northern choirs, and with a host of prominent guest soloist tenors and sopranos, including popular Sandra Oman, LaScala-based Emily Alexander, and the award-winning  and very popular Celine Byrne who joined us on several occasions.  ’Our orchestra’ over the years has been  comprised of top musicians from across the country, including  Sligo’s wonderful violinist and recording artist Niamh Crowley who is a regular.  The Choir has spawned some up and coming singers  –  Lorraine McLoughlin and Deirdre McCabe among them, enjoys the participation of established professional singers Frankie Simon and Fergus Harmon, and holds high hopes for young Gavin Sweeney from Drumshanbo who joined the choir in 2010.

The Millennium Choir sings four-part harmony (SATB) in a mix of popular/musicals, classical and sacred music, and has recently included  showcase performances from members, which were very successful.   Singers are not required to sight read music.  However, the ability to sing as part of a group and to commit to serious rehearsals is required for acceptance in the Millennium Choir, and we are always looking for male singers in particular.   Rehearsals begin in September for a spring performance, and rehearsals are usually once per week in the Community School in Carrick-on-Shannon.  We are very appreciative of our Longford men’s contingent who add so much to the wonderful sounds of the Millennium Choir and travel a good distance to do so.

The Millennium Choir holds an AGM and the current officers are Enda Stenson (Chair), Liz McCarthy (Treasurer), Bernie Phillips (Secretary) and Mary C. Dolan (PRO).  Men’s dress suits and ladies’ choir gowns are worn for concerts , and singers make a nominal contribution towards the cost of music and photocopying.