A night to remember as Wolseley Singers celebrate 20 years in Co Carlow
Regina Hanley and The Wolseley Singers performing at their 20th anniversary concert in Visual, Carlow Photos; Michael O'Rourke Photography
IT was a night to remember when the Mount Wolseley singers took to the stage at Visual for a 20th anniversary concert recently.
“It was fantastic,” said leader, opera singer and music teacher Gina Hanley. “There was so much energy in the crowd. The audience sang as much as the choir did.”
It was a full house and tickets had sold out a couple of days before the show. “Most of Tullow must have been there,” said Gina laughing.
The choir did not succumb to stage fright and “went for it”, singing without sheet music. Their performance consisted of ‘oldies but goodies’, such as , hits from The Beatles and ABBA, among other favourites. Gina’s old singing partner Debra Stuart sang an opera solo and the pair sang an operatic duet.
Gina’s students Aoife Doyle and Karen Daniel sang two solos from the musical and former choir members joined them on stage. At the end of the night, the choir received a standing ovation.
A band arranged by Ollie Hennessy and pianist Martin Lacey “made such a difference”, said Gina.
Proceeds from the event will be directed into a large donation to Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team. The choir will sing in nursing homes in May and have a dinner planned in their namesake hotel to celebrate all they have achieved this year.
As for another concert at Visual, Gina said the choir is eager and “to watch this space”.
She extended her “heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped to make it happen” and to Visual staff who “stood on their heads for us”.
“I couldn't have asked for better,” said Gina happily.
