Music
Harmonia's Debut Concert
By Rosemarie Mangan
5, Jun 2010 - 10:48

Debut Concert of Retired Teachers at Áras Inis Gluaire

Harmonia, the Cór Iar-Mhúinteoirí Mhaigh Eo (Mayo Retired Teachers' Choir), will be staging their debut performance in Áras Inis Gluaire at 8.30 p.m. on Friday, June 11.

The Harmonia choir, which was formed in 2007, held their first rehearsal in The Courthouse Hotel, Ballina. They have also met in other locations around the county, such as Swinford and Castlebar, so as to encourage more people to join and attend meetings.
Directed by Úna Quinn, they have a repertoire of songs - from the 16th century to the present day. Songs include: well known Irish songs (e.g. "Mo Ghile Mear‟ and "Sadhbh Ní Mhuinghile‟), religious songs (e.g. Mozart, Sibelius, Schubert), American folk songs (e.g. "Down to the River to Pray‟), popular musical tunes (e.g. "Whistle a Happy Tune‟, Rodgers & Hammerstein songs, songs from "Madame Butterfly‟), and 2008‟s Oscar-winning song, "Falling Slowly‟, by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova.

To overcome the issue of the occasional absence of different choir members at rehearsals, Úna, the Musical Director, worked with Vincent McMahon, a technology expert, to produce a CD of all of their parts. This means that each member of the choir can also practice at home or even in the car.

The choir have developed a tradition of socialising together after rehearsals, which Úna says has "become most enjoyable, and it‟s a new beginning!" Úna adds that they would welcome new members any time, and would love to see their numbers grow: "One doesn‟t have to be able to read music or sing like Pavarotti or Maria Callas. We sing for pleasure and we would be thrilled to share this pleasure with others."

Don't miss Harmonia's debut performance at Áras Inis Gluaire at 8.30 p.m. on Friday, June 11. Tickets €10. Call into Áras Inis Gluaire for tickets, or call 097 81079.

• Áras Inis Gluaire was officially opened by President Mary McAleese / an tUachtarán Máire Mhic Giolla Íos on 21st April 2007.
• The construction of Áras Inis Gluaire, which is built on the grounds of the town's old football park, came about as a result of several years' tireless work of local volunteers.
• Áras Inis Gluaire comprises of: a 170-seat auditorium (for theatre and cinema), dressing rooms, an exhibition space, recording studios, administration space, a reception and café area.
• Áras Inis Gluaire has hosted several performances and workshops, and is also the home of Pictiúrlann Iorrais, the local film club.
• The local radio station, Iorras FM, has aired live from Áras Inis Gluaire's recording studios.
• There have been numerous art and photographic exhibitions in the exhibition space at Áras Inis Gluaire, including a National Photographic Archive exhibition.
• Since its opening, Áras Inis Gluaire has hosted hundreds of concerts, performances and gigs, including those by: Sean Keane, Damien Dempsey, Mick Flannery, Dragonfly Theatre, the Erris Players, Eleanor McEvoy, The David Munnelly Band, comedian Jon Kenny, Phoenix Theatre, Matt Cunningham, the Halloran Brothers, Blackheart, Yew Tree Theatre Company, City Theatre Dublin, National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, the Garda Band, Eleanor Shanley, Liam Óg Ó Flynn, Paddy Glackin, Mairéad and Tríona Ní Dhomhaill, the Fanzini Brothers, Ceolas, Peadar King, and Dick Gaughan.