The UCD Philharmonic Choir
The Philharmonic Choir was inaugurated in 2007 and is the latest addition to UCD’s performing groups. It is inclusive of staff and students alike, who share a common interest in performing a diverse range of choral music from all genres. The choir seeks to achieve the highest standards of choral technique and ensemble by exploring the choral repertoire in an intensive and enjoyable environment. Members of the choir receive training in sight-singing, notation, and vocal technique, and additionally get the opportunity to improve their general musicianship skills through weekly rehearsals.
The choir can also be taken as a module for credit. It is also a unique opportunity to meet students and staff from across the UCD campus in a performance-oriented and friendly environment. Entry is strictly by audition only (audition forms are available in the School of Music, Newman Building, room J301).
What's coming this year?
(2009/10)
Now in it’s third year, The Philharmonic Choir look forward to bringing together the UCD community with a selection of music, both sacred and secular, spanning the last 500 years.
Our first semester concert presents the choir with a number of challenges from across a wide spectrum of styles, and includes music from Byrd, Lassus, Monteverdi, Stanford, Rachmaninoff, Lauridson, Nystedt, Harris, Orban and Mäntyjärvi. Concert date: 26 November, 2009
The second semester will feature Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K339, and Dvorak’s Mass in D. Concert date: 22 April, 2010
UCD Philharmonic Choir Past Performances
2008/09
In the first semester of 2008, the UCD Philharmonic Choir performed Music to Die For in St Bart’s church, Clyde road. The choir performed Duruflé’s Requiem and contemporary funeral music by John Tavener, Arvo Pärt and Eric Whitacre. The second semester saw the choir hold their concert in St Theresa’s church, Clarendon St, where they performed Haydn’s Little Organ Mass and other sacred motets Mendelssohn, Handel, Brahms and Bach.
2007/08
The Philharmonic Choir performed its first concert in November 2007 on UCD’s Belfield campus. The programme, entitled Four Weddings and a Funeral included music by Bach, Duruflé, Walton, Whitacre and Fauré’s Requiem. In the second semester the choir held its concert in St. Andrew’s Church, Westland Row, to an enthralled audience in excess of 300. Entitled Leise Töne der Brust (Soft Tones of the Heart), the programme featured an a capella concert of eight-part music by Brahms, Bruckner and Mendelssohn.
What student's say about
UCD Philharmonic Choir
I wouldn't have felt settled in Ireland without singing and it was nice to get to know some more UCD students."
Erasmus student, 2009
“Being in the choir was most definitely a highlight of my time here and I am so glad to have met so many wonderful people!”
Erasmus student, 2008
“I had so much fun with y'all last semester and the confidence boost our concert gave me”
Erasmus student, 2007
“It was by far the highlight of my week”
Arts student, 2007
“I really enjoyed myself in the choir and
I would love the opportunity to join you again”
Arts Student, 2007
The audition takes place in the first week of each semester. It consists of two parts. No solo piece is required.
Part 1 of the audition is designed to hear the vocal range of the singer, through a series of scales and arpeggios. This demonstrates tuning, colour and support of the voice throughout the singers range.
Part 2 is some sight-singing. It consists of mostly step-wise motion with some intervals that tests the singers pitching and ability to read music.
The audition lasts about 6-8 minutes.
It is important to submit an audition form at the beginning of the first week of the semester or before. The details provided on the audition form are used to contact you. A schedule is then posted online and in the School of Music, and updated regularly throughout the week in order to accommodate every applicant.
If you have any queries regarding the UCD Philharmonic Choir, please email Thomas Kehoe.