Sunday 7 December 2014

Advent in Prague

Thanks to Mary Haren (alto) for this roving reporter's report from Praha!
On Thursday 27th November members of the Cavan Singers and their supporters flew to Prague to take part in the Prague Advent Choral Meeting. Choirs from Brazil, Russia, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Hungary, France and Czech Republic sang at the meeting over two days. Each choir performed for thirty minutes on Friday and Saturday. The Cavan Singers sang "Cavan Girl", " Viva La Vida", "Cantar", "The Kerry Dances", "Danny Boy", "Thank You For The Music", "Advent Candle", "O Holy Night", "Don Oiche Ud In mBeithil" and "In the Bleak Midwinter".
Our musical director for the trip was Eileen Tackney and we were accompanied on the piano by Sue King. The success of our performances was due to the amazing talent of these two wonderful musicians. Our soloist for "O Holy Night", Pauline Brady, sang so beautifully that we received a standing ovation on both days. Our performance was very well received by all the other choirs and audience.
Our weekend included a walking tour of Prague, a night time cruise on the river, and a wonderful meal with other choirs where we had a sing song that went on late into the night. The Cavan Singers know how to enjoy themselves!
Prague is a beautiful city and our trip was made even more interesting by the Christmas markets which started on Saturday. The standard of singing and musicianship was very high and the Cavan Singers are proud to have been involved in such a wonderful occasion. I would like to give a special thanks to Liz Murray, Nora Kennedy and Rachael Cullivan-Elliot of the committee who put so much work into organising the event. The members of the Cavan Singers are wonderful people who love to sing, make friends, laugh, travel and enjoy life, and it is a pleasure to be part of it.