Eunan McDonald has just been announced as Musical Director of The Young Voices Choir, one of the three newly formed choirs taking part in ‘Singfest 2016’ – a Birthday Gala Concert planned for Saturday 11 June 2016 in Athlone Institute of Technology.
‘Singfest’ is a new initiative by Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath, developed in partnership with the Association of Irish Choirs and the Arts Council. As part of the project, three new children and young people's choirs will be created, and applications are still being accepted from existing and aspiring singers aged 8 – 19. For more information and to apply visit the Singfest Facebook event page or download an application form here.
Musical Director Eunan McDonald started singing with The Palestrina Choir in Dublin and has worked with many groups, including conductors, companies and choirs including The Key Notes, Resurgam, Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, The Sunbeams Barbershop Quartet, The National Chamber Choir of Ireland and the Clarendon Choir.
He performed the role of High Priest in Michael Flatley’s ‘Feet of Flames’ in Hyde Park, London and has toured throughout North America as Choral Director of the internationally acclaimed show Celtic Woman.
Eunan is currently musical director of The Frascati Singers and Blackrock College Adult Choir in Dublin. He is Section Leader to the bass lines of Irish Youth Choir, Ulster Youth Choir and Senior Section Leader of the National Youth Training Choirs of Great Britain. He continues to work as a freelance singer, composer, conductor and teacher of maths, singing and choirs at Blackrock College and St. Columba’s College.
About Singfest 2016
Over six months, children and young people will train with leading vocal and choral professionals in a relaxed, yet challenging atmosphere. During day-long rehearsals vocal warm-ups and musicianship training will be combined with great ensemble singing. Rehearsals will take place in Athlone Institute of Technology and participants are asked to check in advance that attendance is possible at all rehearsals as well as at the final performance. This information and details of potential date clashes will be used in the selection process
The three choirs will be:
THE JUNIOR CHOIR (age 8 – 10) is for girls and boys who enjoy singing and are ready for an introduction to vocal technique, musical skills and singing in harmony.
THE YOUNG VOICES CHOIR (age 11 – 14) is for girls and boys interested in expanding vocal technique, learning new musical skills and singing in parts.
THE SENIOR CHOIR (age 14 – 19) is a four-part choir offering girls and boys (whose voice has changed) the opportunity to join an ensemble that will challenge and extend musical experience and achievement.
REHEARSALS (Saturdays) 27 Feb • 12 Mar • 23 Apr • 21 May • 4 Jun
PERFORMANCE: Saturday 11th June 2016
Enthusiastic, hard-working young people of all singing standards and experience are welcome. Early application is advised as places are expected to fill up fast. Upon confirmation of place a membership fee of €30 is payable.
Funded under the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership.
For further information about Music Generation Offaly / Westmeath initiatives and programmes, contact:
Margaret Broome, Development Officer
Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
t: 057 9357400
e: mbroome@offalycoco.ie
w: www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Music-Generation
For further information on the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership programme and initiatives please contact Eve O’Kelly, Programme Manager, eve@musicgeneration.ie
‘Singfest’ is a new initiative by Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath, developed in partnership with the Association of Irish Choirs and the Arts Council. As part of the project, three new children and young people's choirs will be created, and applications are still being accepted from existing and aspiring singers aged 8 – 19. For more information and to apply visit the Singfest Facebook event page or download an application form here.
Musical Director Eunan McDonald started singing with The Palestrina Choir in Dublin and has worked with many groups, including conductors, companies and choirs including The Key Notes, Resurgam, Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, The Sunbeams Barbershop Quartet, The National Chamber Choir of Ireland and the Clarendon Choir.
He performed the role of High Priest in Michael Flatley’s ‘Feet of Flames’ in Hyde Park, London and has toured throughout North America as Choral Director of the internationally acclaimed show Celtic Woman.
Eunan is currently musical director of The Frascati Singers and Blackrock College Adult Choir in Dublin. He is Section Leader to the bass lines of Irish Youth Choir, Ulster Youth Choir and Senior Section Leader of the National Youth Training Choirs of Great Britain. He continues to work as a freelance singer, composer, conductor and teacher of maths, singing and choirs at Blackrock College and St. Columba’s College.
About Singfest 2016
Over six months, children and young people will train with leading vocal and choral professionals in a relaxed, yet challenging atmosphere. During day-long rehearsals vocal warm-ups and musicianship training will be combined with great ensemble singing. Rehearsals will take place in Athlone Institute of Technology and participants are asked to check in advance that attendance is possible at all rehearsals as well as at the final performance. This information and details of potential date clashes will be used in the selection process
The three choirs will be:
THE JUNIOR CHOIR (age 8 – 10) is for girls and boys who enjoy singing and are ready for an introduction to vocal technique, musical skills and singing in harmony.
THE YOUNG VOICES CHOIR (age 11 – 14) is for girls and boys interested in expanding vocal technique, learning new musical skills and singing in parts.
THE SENIOR CHOIR (age 14 – 19) is a four-part choir offering girls and boys (whose voice has changed) the opportunity to join an ensemble that will challenge and extend musical experience and achievement.
REHEARSALS (Saturdays) 27 Feb • 12 Mar • 23 Apr • 21 May • 4 Jun
PERFORMANCE: Saturday 11th June 2016
Enthusiastic, hard-working young people of all singing standards and experience are welcome. Early application is advised as places are expected to fill up fast. Upon confirmation of place a membership fee of €30 is payable.
Funded under the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership.
For further information about Music Generation Offaly / Westmeath initiatives and programmes, contact:
Margaret Broome, Development Officer
Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
t: 057 9357400
e: mbroome@offalycoco.ie
w: www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Music-Generation
For further information on the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership programme and initiatives please contact Eve O’Kelly, Programme Manager, eve@musicgeneration.ie