Dungannon Choral Society is busy preparing a feast of Christmas music for those who enjoy good choral singing – and is presenting its Christmas Celebration Concert in Dungannon Presbyterian Church on Sunday 4th December at 8pm.
A former member of the choir, Gemma Prince – now a professional musician and talented soprano, will be the main guest soloist. Gemma, who lives in Dungannon, recently graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with a Masters’ Degree in Vocal and Opera Studies, and is currently a Young Artist with Northern Ireland Opera, and is studying voice with Mary Plazas. Her recent performances include the role of Antonia with Preston Opera, and Soloist with the Merge Dance Project at the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Many local people will have been fortunate to hear her Opera Recital given earlier this year at the Craic Theatre in Coalisland as part of Dungannon Arts Festival, and again last month in St Anne’s Parish Church when she was the guest soloist with Bella Voce. Recently, Gemma sung in Masterclass with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Malcolm Martineau. Robin Bowman, and Janis Kelly. Gemma has a lovely voice, and obviously enjoys singing, and at the Christmas Celebration will be singing such well known pieces as ‘The Little Road to Bethlehem’, ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘How Beautiful are the Feet’, and more. For music lovers, this promises to be a real Christmas treat!
As always Meta Bell, MBE, the choir’s Conductor has prepared a very attractive and varied programme of music for the concert. The programme starts with John Rutter’s ‘Star Carol’ and ‘Cradle Song’. There are no negro spirituals this year, but ‘Go, Tell it on the Mountain’ will set the feet tapping! Vivaldi’s short but dynamic ‘Gloria’ will provide a real burst of praise! There’s a lot of quiet, contemplative music too, like the modern ‘One Candle Lights the Way’ and ‘Colours of Christmas’. And the choir is looking forward to singing ‘O Holy Night’ with Gemma Prince as soloist. The programme provides music for all tastes and moods, so come along and enjoy our Christmas entertainment. The congregation needs to be in good voice too, because there are well known carols for everyone to sing! Our accompanist, Susan Stewart will be at the organ and piano to add the finishing touches as always!
Two cornet players from award winning Murley Silver Band, Mark Kelly and Daniel Rollston, will be with the Society again, to help provide additional colour and sparkle to some of our carols. Meta always likes to provide a platform for younger local talent, and she has invited Owen Lucas and Luke Harpur to contribute to the programme. Both are members of the Southern Ulster Youth Orchestra and studying for A levels in Cookstown High School. Owen, from Coagh, Cookstown, is an accomplished player of both the Oboe and Piano, and is a member of Dungannon Choral Society. He has performed as a soloist in the Burnavon Theatre. Mark is from Tullhogue in Cookstown, and is a talented flautist and pianist.
Dungannon Choral Society, now in its 76th year, exists to promote choral music as part of the life of the local community, and membership is open to anybody who has a reasonable singing voice and who enjoys working alongside others to make good music. We are always looking for new members, and if you would like to be considered for membership, please contact the Conductor, Meta Bell, or the Honorary Secretary, Pamela Simpson for further information. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings. Tickets for the concert can be purchased from members of the Society, or at the door on 4th December, at 8.pm.
-Tyrone Times