Mullingar Choral Society perform ‘O Night Divine’

Mullingar Choral Society perform their Christmas Concert, ‘O Night Divine’, on Sunday December 3 in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar at 7.30pm.

Many people in Mullingar, and indeed from further afield, consider the Choral Society Concert the beginning of the Christmas season.

With its mix of traditional Christmas pieces and a smattering of new material, it is hoped that this year’s concert will add to the Christmas cheer for all who attend.

Under the musical direction of John White, returning to Mullingar, the choir have been rehearsing diligently of late and are looking forward to performing on Sunday next, December 3.

John is well known to Mullingar audiences, having held the position of musical director of the Choral Society in the past, and his work in what was then known as the County Hall (now Mullingar Arts Centre) is remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of working with him and witnessing the shows he directed.

For this year’s concert the society welcome someone else known to Mullingar audiences, Joanna Fagan as soloist. Her talent will add something special to this year’s concert.

The society continue the practice of including local school children in their concert, and this year they welcome back the children of St Kenny National School, and look forward to hearing them perform.

With pieces like Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, Gaudete, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, John Rutter’s ‘Angel’s Carol, Ring Christmas Bells and of course Silent Night, the singers bring that wonderful sense of the traditional to their Christmas concert. Joanna and the choir will also perform ‘O Holy Night’ and the choir’s rendition of the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus should give all in attendance a particular lift.

In addition, the musical director has included ‘Tomorrow shall be my dancing day’ by John Gardner, ‘Follow that Star’ by Peter Gritton and his own arrangement of ‘Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas’.

The music will be provided by the Arioso string quartet again this year and Adam Collins from Mullingar is the organist.

Local percussionists Danny Murray and Aidan Magee will also perform.

“We would love to see you all there on the night – tickets for the concert are available from any choir member, online from Eventbrite or at the door on the night,” said a spokesperson for Mullingar Choral Society.