Leading Mayo choir to mark 25th anniversary in style
THE year 1999 was, for so many in this country, a momentous one.
Bertie was Taoiseach and Mary McAleese was President.
Westlife had their first of 14 number 1s, and 80,000 people were dancing to Robbie Williams in Slane.
Manchester United fans were celebrating a remarkable treble, and in the Parish Centre on Chapel Street in Castlebar, a small group of dedicated singers came together to sing gospel music for a single event in what was then the GMIT.
A quarter of a century on, and the group, now known as Chapel Street Gospel Choir in recognition of their humble beginnings, will be celebrating its birthday in the TF Royal Theatre on Friday, May 10, alongside such musical luminaries as U.M.A.N, Mundy and Brian Kennedy.
The brainchild of Fr. Michael Murphy and directed over the years by Niamh O’Kelly, Donal Sarsfield and, for the past 17 years, current choir director Kathy Fahey, Chapel Street Gospel Choir has gone from strength to strength.
In 25 years, in addition to their local concerts, the choir has performed all over Ireland, including the National Concert Hall, won numerous choral awards, and also walked in the New York St. Patrick’s Day parade, as well as performing in New York and Philadeplphia.
“So much has changed with the choir over the years,” remarked Kathy Fahey. “As members come and go, the challenge remains to progress the choir towards a professional standard, while also maintaining its community roots.”
And the choir has always done so.
From singing in the Church of the Holy Rosary in Castlebar, and their lively annual Christmas concerts in Christ Church on the Mall, to performing at more emotionally charged events such as the Memorial Service for the Tuam Babies in Lough Lannagh, Chapel Street Gospel Choir has remained at the forefront of music in this county since its inception.
Friday, May 10, will give everyone an opportunity to celebrate 25 years in music with a plethora of special guests to enhance the evening.
Gardiner Street Gospel Choir, Mayo Concert Orchestra, The Sophisticats, along with Mundy, local favourite U.M.A.N and Brian Kennedy will collaborate with the gospel choir on the night, promising a wonderfully eclectic mix of amazing music.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night.