| Title: | Choral Celebration of Christmas at Newman University Church, St Stephen’s Green |
|---|---|
| Date: | Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 December 2008 |
| Time: | 8 pm |
| Organiser: | UCD Choral Scholars |
| Location: | Newman University Church, 87 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 |
| Website: | |
| Audience: | All Welcome |
Choral Celebration of Christmas at Newman University Church, St Stephen’s Green
UCD Choral Scholars, University College Dublin’s award-winning vocal ensemble, with a repertoire ranging from the contemporary to the medieval, will perform their Choral Celebration of Christmas in Newman University Church, St. Stephen’s Green on 16th & 17th December 2008.
Founded in 1998 by Desmond Earley, the group has become a cultural ambassador for UCD and a strategic cultural activity of the university. The UCD Choral Scholars have represented UCD at events in Rome to mark the changing of the European Presidency from Italy to Ireland in 2003/2004, where they gave a number of performances, including an appearance in the concert to mark the 25th anniversary of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
The group was awarded the Lyric FM prize for Best Chamber Choir for their CD Ad Astra - Collections (2001) and were described as ‘a really splendid choir’ by adjudicator Andrew Padmore at the 2003 Sligo International Choral Festival where they took first place in the National Competition for Irish Choirs and the Sacred Music Competition.
UCD Choral Scholars have broadcast live on Lyric FM and RTE radio, and has given a number of première performances. They have previously worked with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the National Concert Hall in a performance of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius to mark the UCD 150 celebrations, and with former members the group will perform Brahms’ Deutsches Requiem with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in March 2009. Future appearances include Handel’s oratorio Messiah with The European Union Chamber Orchestra in 2010.
Tickets for “A Choral Celebration of Christmas” on Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th December 2008 may be purchased on-line at http://www.ucd.ie/alumni/. Tickets cost €25.00.
Newman University Church
Located at 87 St Stephen’s Green, Newman University Church first opened its doors to parishioners on Ascension Day, 1 May, 1856. To support the construction of the church, Newman enlisted the help of his friend John Hungerford Pollen (1820-1902) as architect, painter and decorator of the new building. The Byzantine style was, however, dictated by Newman, who had been influenced by the ancient basilicas of Italy. The church was constructed in the gardens behind and beside the house at number 87 (originally built in 1730), which served as the church's presbytery until 1988. The Church houses some recopies by New York-based artist, Levent Turner of The Lives of the Apostles by Raphael which were officially unveiled by the former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern in 2005. . The originals hang in the Abbey Church of Tre Fintane, outside Rome.
