Vive le France
While taking part in a choral festival in Carlingford in the autumn of 2015 we were approached by the leader of a French choir, Le Choeur d'Hommes d'Aumetz, who invited us to perform at a festival in Aumetz, France, the following Spring. After some deliberation and the sharing of e-mails it was decided that we would travel. And what an experience it was!
On the morning of Friday, April 24. 2016 we took a flight from Dublin to Brussels, where we hired two minibuses for our stay. We encountered some difficulty here and lost three hours while the problem was sorted out. This left us under some pressure as our first performance was an afternoon concert in Aumetz. Helter-skelter to our hotel in Luxembourg, on the border with France. At the hotel we dressed and set off for Aumetz, arriving some forty minutes late. The audience was most gracious and, aware of the difficulties that had befallen us, gave us a standing ovation as we entered the hall. It was much appreciated.
We spent three days there in all, performing in Montiers, Aumetz and Piennes, all the while being wined and dined - especially wined - extravagantly.In Aumetz we were feted by the Lord Mayor. We were invited, also, to sing the Sunday Mass in the local church.
Of special significance and lasting memory was our visit to Verdun, scene of a bloody battle between French and German forces during World War 1.
The battle lasted from February to December 1916, a total of 303 days. It claimed 976,000 lives, the most costly battle in human history.
The memorial was built to honour the dead of the Battle of Verdun.
We were especially privileged to be invited to sing in the memorial chapel in this building. A sobering experience which left an indelible mark on all of us. We were pleased to sing that haunting melody, "Coming Home."
Click once to enlarge
Our visit ended with a walking tour of the city of Luxembourg.
Centenary of the Easter Rising 1916
We were pleased to be part of the memorial concert in Dunleer, celebrating the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Among the songs we performed were Boolavogue, with Dónal on the mandolin and Jim on the harmonica, and Mo Ghile Mear. We also had the opportunity to sing with Eugene Ginty, the renowned tenor. An exhilarating experience!
Visit to RTE Studios 2016
It was exciting to be invited to take part in the weekly RTE programme, Countrywide. on Saturday, July 30, hosted by Damien O'Reilly. We were warmly received and performed two songs, Kumbayah [Gerry G. claims that he has been inundated with autograph requests since!]and Shenandoah. Damien then carried out interviews with Denis, Gerry and Dónal, three capable speakers. We were somewhat bemused to be told to bring our stage outfits - this for a radio programme! It transpired, however, that further recording took place on the outside steps, for broadcasting on Facebook. A wonderful day, a lasting memory!
Brownlow House, Lurgan, Christmas 2015
Once the headquarters of the Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge, and still belonging to that organisation. We were greatly surprised and pleased to receive an invitation to sing at a Businessmen's Christmas dinner. On the night we were warmly greeted and treated to tea and sandwiches on arrival. We performed for sixty minutes, with a break midway for refreshments. The M.C. then requested that we lead the guests in Christmas Carol singing. Becoming aware that one of the guests had an exceptional voice we asked for a solo. He gave a wonderful rendering, in a rich tenor voice, of 'O come, all ye faithful.' A lady in the audience led us in the singing of 'Away in a manger.' The guests were generous in their praise.
Chorschach
