Another major award presented to choral society for Sunset

Another major award presented to choral society for Sunset

25 May 2016

ST Patrick’s Choral Society has scooped another award.

This time it is in recognition of its most ambitious project to date — Sunset Boulevard — which filled the Grand Opera House in Belfast for five performances in October.

Fiona Keegan as ‘Norma Desmond’ won a NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) Best Overall Performer award.

The show was also nominated for Best Overall Production and Best Staging and Technical.

In addition, Sunset Boulevard raised money for charities connected with co-star Mark McMullan’s brother, Declan McMullan, who has locked-in syndrome.

The Downpatrick-based St Patrick’s Choral Society has been affiliated with the UK based NODA organisation over the past year. An adjudicator is sent out to each production and if an aspect of the production has stood they will make a nomination for an award.

Five St Patrick’s members travelled to the annual awards ceremony which took place in Hereford, England. Fiona wasn’t able to join the party due to work commitments, but chairman Brian McElroy accepted the award on Fiona’s behalf.

Congratulating all those who played their part in Sunset Boulevard, Brian said: “Everyone at St Patrick’s Choral Society is delighted with Fiona’s award. 

“Fiona wowed the Grand Opera House audiences in Belfast and was a major part of the production’s success.”

Fiona, who was later presented with the award by Brian, said: “I am thrilled and humbled to have had the privilege to play the iconic role of Norma Desmond and to be recognised by NODA is just wonderful. Dream roles do come true!”

St Patrick’s Choral Society will be celebrating its nominations and recent success at its end of season ‘West End to Broadway’ concert, which will take place in St. Patrick’s Golf Club, Downpatrick on Saturday, May 28. Tickets are £7 and available at the door. The concert begins 8pm.