Choir continues musical journey

Choir continues musical journey

14 March 2012

A LOCAL folk choir have launched a new CD featuring songs and instrumental music from around the globe.

Journeys by the Voices of Lecale choir was launched at a reception in Down Arts Centre by Down Council Chairman, Councillor Dermot Curran last week.

Recorded in the inspirational setting of Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre in Crossgar, the album takes the listener on a journey from Belfast with special guest Tommy Sands joining the choir to sing his well-loved song Down by the Laganside.

The journey continues on to Scotland and the Hebrides with the Mingulay Boat-song, making stops in France and Croatia before heading to South Africa, the USA and as far away as New Zealand with the well-loved Maori song Po kare kare ana.

Grainne Gibson, chairwoman of Voices of Lecale said there are so many gorgeous songs in a variety of languages which was a bit of a challenge during choir practice.

“I don’t think any of us expected to be singing in Croatian and Xhosa. As well as the traditional songs are two new pieces — a new setting of the old Celtic Blessing Deep peace of the flowing wave and Bronagh’s Bell, both composed by our musical director, Laura Plummer.

“We had some great County Down folk musicians joining us including Willie Garrett, Una Fitzsimons, Bronagh Donnelly, and Declan Plummer. Uillean pipes, Scottish small pipes, whistles, fiddle, concertina, mandola, mandolin, djembe and bodhrán, really enhance the singing.”

Laura Plummer said she was so proud of the choir. “It was a thrill to have Tommy Sands sing his ‘Laganside’ song with us,” she said.

“There’s a long list of individuals and organisations to thank for their support, starting with our families and friends. In particular Fr. John Friel CP and the community at Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre in Crossgar, for providing such a beautiful recording venue; to Dr Tim Campbell and his staff in The Saint Patrick Centre for the opportunity to sing to visitors from all over the world; to Jim Masson for our lovely cover photograph. And of course, a big thank-you to Darrell Walker of Komodo Recordings, a patient man,” added Laura.

“Voices of Lecale would not be here at all if it were not for Down Arts Service. The Voices grew out of one of their classes and over the past eight years they have provided support in many different ways. We are very fortunate in Down district to have this service.”

The CDs are priced at £10 and are now on sale at The Saint Patrick Centre, with other retail outlets planned. Voices of Lecale will be singing at The Saint Patrick Centre on St. Patrick’s Day after the parade from 4pm to 5pm. Their new CD will be available at all future performances. Profits from the new CD will go to The Alzheimer’s Society.

For further information visit www.freewebs.com/voicesoflecale or telephone Laura Plummer on 028 4461 9630.