Join us to Sing a Mozart Masterpiece!

Are you passionate about singing and looking for a rewarding challenge?   As a vibrant, mixed-voice community choir, we have openings for men and women eager to explore the rich tapestry of classical choral music.

Led by musical director, Norman Duffy, supported by accompanist, Dympna O'Byrne, we are preparing for an exciting performance of Mozart's Mass in C minor, K. 427 in early 2025. This monumental work offers an extraordinary opportunity for singers at all levels to develop their skills and perform in a large-scale choral production.  A masterpiece of the choral repertoire, set for four soloists, choir, and orchestra, it’s an adaptable and timeless piece beloved by singers and audiences alike.

We welcome inquiries from former members, those returning to choir singing, and newcomers alike.  Singing in a group is not only fulfilling but also greatly beneficial for mental and physical well-being. While prior choral experience and ability to read music are helpful, they are not prerequisites. We offer learning tools to support all our members. Many new members haven’t sung in a choir for years, and we embrace all adult singers with open arms.”

A a well-established choir in the heart of Galway City, with deep ties to the community, we pride ourselves on our expertise in organizing concerts and our participation in community events, as well as our dedication to musical excellence.

The season begins on September 8, 2024. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at St. Patrick’s Band Hall, between September and June. Our Members page has information about how the choir operates.  Prospective members are invited to attend up to three rehearsals to see if we are the right fit.

To book a time to meet Norman Duffy for a voice test, please email admin@galwaychoral.ie.

Galway choral association committee members with Norman Duffy, and their first meeting of the year.   L-R:  Brian O’Brien, Paul O’Dowd, Norman Duffy, Tony Roe, Geraldine Baxter, Fiona Caufield

Press release: Pax MUNDI, music on the theme of Peace

Galway Choral Association proudly presents Pax MUNDI, an enchanting evening of music dedicated to the theme of peace, in support of COPE Galway. This captivating event will take place on May 11th, 2024.

Under the expert direction of Dr Darina McCarthy, the choir will present a selection of serenely beautiful choral pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, complemented by instrumental selections and accompaniment by award-winning Claddagh-native uilleann piper Michael Vignoles and acclaimed organist Raymond O'Donnell.

“This selection of choral works was chosen with an awareness of current conflicts and the unnecessary deaths of war, and presents a message of hope for peace in our troubled world.” says Darina McCarthy.  And the wonderful acoustic of Galway cathedral will enable our instrumentalists to showcase their instruments individually and together.

“We’re delighted to support COPE Galway with this concert” says Tony Roe, Chairperson of Galway Choral Association.   “Their vision of a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life resonates with our aims achieving a standard of excellence in choral singing while creating a spirit of enjoyment and camaraderie.”

The concert is at 8pm on Saturday 11 May in Galway Cathedral in Gaol Rd.  Tickets are €15 / €12, available online through the choir website, from Opus II in High St (091 500 300), from choir members, or at the door.   For more information see www.galwaychoral.ie.

Join us as we harmonize for a cause, spreading the timeless message of peace through the universal language of music.

Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle

We performed the Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle on 13 January 2024, in Galway Cathedral. 

Read more about the concert.

See the programme (coming soon)

Photos from the evening 

Do you have photos that you would be happy for us to share?  Please email admin@galwaychoral.ie

Photos from a rehearsal in Galway Cathedral

 

Presenting Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle in Galway Cathedral

Galway Choral Association is delighted to announce a wonderful concert to brighten the dark days of January: Gioachino Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle , for soloists and choir, with the unusual accompaniment of two pianos plus reed organ. 

Musical director Dr Darina McCarthy says: "Rossini was Italy's most influential opera composer during the first half of the nineteenth century. The [ital] Petite Messe [close ital] dates from a second flowering of creativity late in his life, and combines all the excitement of operatic tradition with the solemnity of Mass texts. The result is an uplifting and exhilarating feast of music, which is neither 'petite' nor 'solennelle'!"

"We are thrilled to have glorious soloists Rachel Croash, Anne Marie Gibbons, Eoin Hynes, and Jeffrey Ledwidge joining the choir for this performance", says Tony Roe, Chairperson of Galway Choral Association. "Well-known local musicians Ronan de Burca, Dympna O'Byrne, and Raymond O'Donnell are our instrumentalists."

The concert takes place at 8.00pm on Saturday 13 January in Galway Cathedral. Tickets €25/€20, available from members, online through www.galwaychoral.ie, from Opus II in High Street, Galway, or on the door on the night.