Longford County Choir to perform in the Cathedral

There will be local talent performing at Longford County Choir’s Summer Choral Concert which will be held next Sunday, June 1 at 7.30pm in St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford. The Soprano Soloist will be Maria Matthews. Maria is a native of North Longford and is a past student of Moyne Community School. She is a Wexford Opera Festival Factory Artist for the 2024-25 season where she will perform the roles of Nedda in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and both Adina and Gianetta in Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore. Maria featured recently on RTE Television in a master class with internationally renowned Irish soprano Tara Erraught. Another local singer will be Dermot Deely singing two Baritone solos from Fauré’s Requiem. Dermot is a native of Longford Town and also sings with St Mel’s Cathedral Choir.

Longford County Choir will be joined by the Cathedral Choir . The choirs have been directed by musical director Fintan Farrelly. Fintan was musical director of St Mel’s Musical Society’s acclaimed sell out production of ‘Me and my Girl’. He will accompany the choirs on the cathedral organ. The Principal Conductor will be Anne Kielty, nee Farrell. Anne is a renowned musician, a native of Longford Town , now living in Boyle.

The concert includes the music of French composer, Gabriel Fauré, as well as new pieces for soprano and choir by award-winning Irish composer Fiona Linnane set to the poetry of Eileen Casey.

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The Choir is grateful for the support of Longford County Council and Creative Ireland and the assistance of the Council’s Arts Office. They also thank the Cathedral Pastoral Council and Administrator Fr McKiernan for permission to hold the concert in the Cathedral.

We are also grateful to Longford Men’s Shed who are assisting the set-up. Tickets cost €15 and are available from Dennistons, Farrell Stationery, The Presbytery and any choir member. They will be available at the door.