Christmas choral cracker in Tullamore

Those attending the Church of the Assumption in Tullamore last Sunday night began to feel that the season of goodwill was finally upon them, after this year"s successful Christmas Choral Concert in aid of Rights for the Elderly Voluntary Housing Association. With almost 200 singers and musicians, ranging in age from six to 90 taking to the stage, the large crowd was treated to a wonderful feast and celebration of Christmas. The Rights for the Elderly was absolutely thrilled by the success of the concert as it exceeded all expectations once again. The Church of the Assumption provided an appropriately beautiful setting, while Derek Recks worked his magic to ensure that all the choirs sounded at their very best and that every corner of the Church was filled with glorious music. Early-comers were treated to some beautiful music by Michael Moore on the church organ. Molly Buckley acted as MC for the night and after a short welcome for everyone, she introduced the first of the night"s delights. Michael Moore"s Tullamore Parish Choir used the natural acoustics of the church to its fullest effect by singing in the traditional way from the balcony. When they completed superb versions of "Deck The Halls" and "O Holy Night", the crowd knew they were in for a special night. They were followed by Scoil Mhuire, the first of Majella Killeen"s two participating choirs, who delighted the crowd with their versions of "Ding Dong", "Peace is only A Starry Night" and "Turn Down The Lights". In one of their first public performaces, Studio 5, led by Andrius Koslovskis, also chose to sing from the balcony and performed wonderful versions of "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude" and "Panis Angelicus". St Manchan"s Choir from Boher, with Majella Killeen, captivated the audience as they paraded towards the altar in their beautiful gowns before enthralling them with "Child of Joy and Peace", a spellbinding "The Light of God" and "The Christmas Song" with Darren Brown"s marvellous voice also guesting for them and adding to their charm. Regina McCarthy trained all-Ireland winning choirs and her Stage School Choir, with the wonderful Karen Martin, proved that they are also in that league, as they closed the first half beautifully, with enchanting versions of "Calypso Carol", "Chestnuts Roasting" and "O Holy Night". Next up was Cantóiri Tulach Mhóir performing two of Michael Moore"s own compositions, "Time for Joy" and the Gospel flavoured "The Lord Is Coming Down". PJ Smith"s Shalom has been a crowd favourite in Tullamore for many years and you could see the bodies in the audience swaying to their marvellous Christmas rhythms as they performed spectacular versions of "The Kinarie Glory", "The Angel Gabriel" and "Rivers of Babylon". Larissa Tormey"s magical voice captivated the crowd last year and she didn"t disappoint as she sang a wonderful "Candlelight Carol". She repeated her breathtaking performance of "In The Bleak Mid-Winter" with the pure voice of an angel. St Colmcille"s Choir Durrow were the last choir to perform. Led by Andrius Koslovkis, they gave a stunning and spellbinding performance of "The Nativity Carol" and "Adeste Fidelis" that simply enthralled the crowd. All the choirs ended proceedings by singing "White Christmas" in unison. Majella Killeen and Rosemary Brown presented Rights for the Elderly with a cheque for €2,500 from proceeds they raised by running the Dublin City Marathon in October. Rights for the Elderly thanked everyone who attended and all of the choirs, Derek Recks for his work on sound, Monsignor Seán Heaney, Daly"s Shop, Tyrells Shop, Heartbeat City and all those who sold tickets, as well as the local newspapers and radio for their wonderful promotion. All proceeds from the concert go towards the building of the 16-unit housing scheme and community centre for older people at Lannelo, Clontarf Road, Tullamore. The 54 applications for the houses are currently being assessed with a view to having the first tenants settled in the New Year.