College of music Christmas concert draws big crowd

CARLOW College of Music spread joy to the world on Sunday afternoon 7 December with their annual Christmas concert. The concert in St Mary’s Church took the theme of A Time for Hope, A Time for Peace, reflecting the title of one of the songs performed by the students.

The SingAloud & Sing! choir, with soloists Ella and Emily Stephens and Sara Nolan, sang A Song of Hope, A Song of Peace in honour of all those affected by war in the world, explained founder and director of the college Majella Swan. She thanked the directors Imelda Andrews and Molly Doyle for their work in preparing this "fitting and poignant” song.

More than 60 of the 250 music students performed at the packed concert, which was attended by family, friends and the wider public. Majella said they plan to make a charitable donation from the proceeds of ticket sales.

She pointed out highlights, such as a piano Christmas medley by three sisters ‒ Katie, Sophia and Grace Kelly ‒ and a piano duet by Viktor and Eva Bogdan. There were also performances by harpists, the brass ensemble, violinists, Carlow Youth Orchestra and the guitar club.

The college invited past pupil soprano Eva Kavanagh to sing O Holy Night with James Nelson, a former celtic tenor and past teacher at the school.

“I want to congratulate the students on fantastic performances and for putting in all the work,” said Majella. She also wanted to thank all the teachers for their help in putting on the concert, in particular Brian Kehoe, Bill Mc Grath and Delphine Picovici as former Carlow College of Music students, now teachers, as they celebrate 35 years of great music making. Philipa Jennings, who keeps things ticking over in the college’s office, also received thanks.

Carlow Youth Orchestra will further the Christmas spirit at a free carol service in the cathedral on 21 December at 5pm. Attendees can donate to St Vincent de Paul at the door.