Codetta to perform at major charity concert in Derry's St. Columb’s Cathedral

Derry man Ian Peilow, who has twice battled and overcome cancer, is hosting a grand fundraising variety concert this Friday night at St. Columb’s Cathedral  to support the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital.

The event, commencing at 7.30pm, aims to build on the success of a similar 2023 fundraiser that saw over 500 attendees and raised more than £10,000 for the facility. The North West Cancer Centre  provides essential care for patients across Derry, Strabane, Omagh, Fermanagh, and Donegal.

For Ian Peilow, the concert is a deeply personal way to give back to those who cared for him. Diagnosed with testicular cancer over twenty years ago and a malignant brain tumour six years ago, Ian is now in remission.

Despite currently living with an acquired brain injury resulting from his most recent illness, he remains dedicated to supporting local cancer services.

The evening will be compered by Canon Robert Boyd MBE (Minister of Glendermott Church of Ireland) and features a star-studded lineup.

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The event brings together a mix of fantastic talents performing, including soloists, duets, choirs, Irish and Scottish dancers, and internationally acclaimed prize-winning chamber choir Codetta.

Since their formation in 2000, Codetta have earned a reputation for choral excellence and have given many concerts both nationally and internationally, including performances in the United States, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Mexico.

Past highlights include two Prom performances in the Royal Albert Hall in London, Last Night of the Proms in Belfast and special guest choir for the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which was broadcast to an audience of more than eight million viewers.

In May 2016, Codetta performed with Barry Douglas and Camerata in the Kennedy Centre, Washington and in 2017 Codetta won the Fleischmann International Trophy at the Cork International Choral Festival.

The choir performs regularly with the Ulster Orchestra, including annual performances of Handel’s Messiah and most recently, a recording of the soundtrack to the film, Lost Lives. 

In April 2023, Codetta presented concerts in Tequila and Guadalajara as part of a short tour of the Jalisco area of Mexico.

Other acts on the night include: St. Columb’s School of Music, Emma Bonner Academy of Irish Dancers, Sollus Highland Dancers, Hive Cancer Support Choir, North West Cancer Choir and soloists Elizabeth Soyinka, Susan Wilson and Kieran Connor.

Tickets are £15 each and can be purchased at the door or online via Eventbrite.

Tickets are also available at the following local outlets: Altnagelvin Garden Centre; Cancer Focus (27a Shipquay Street); Currys Spar (Culmore); All Saints Clooney Parish Office; Glendermott Parish Office (Church Brae); Church of Ireland Diocesan Office (24 London Street); and Another Chance Charity Shop (Tullyally).