LETTERKENNY’S Irish-language choir, Cór Ailigh, is proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary with a series of special events that highlight the choir’s commitment to Irish language and culture.
In March, the choir performed its first concert in the Regional Cultural Centre and a lunchtime concert at ATU Letterkenny as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The Letterkenny and Milford Municipal Council hosted a mayoral reception in recognition of the choir’s outstanding promotion of the Irish language and culture through choral singing. The choir also produced a new Irish hymn book.
In April, members sang at 10am Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, which was broadcast live on Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Looking ahead, Cór Ailigh will perform at a Variety Show in An Grianan Theatre on Thursday, May 28 at 8pm, in aid of Relay for Life.
On Friday, May 29, 26 choir members will travel to Scotland, based in Glasgow, with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. On Saturday, May 30, they will sing at the 1pm Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow. That evening at 7.45pm, they will share the stage with the renowned Scots Gaelic choir Còisir Alba at the Garnethill Multicultural Centre, hosted by Conradh na Gaeilge.
Each choir will perform from its own repertoire, but they will also join together for two songs common to both Irish and Scots Gaelic traditions: Mo Ghile Mear Mo Ghille Mare and Teangaidh na nGael Cànan nan Gàidheal.
Cór Ailigh spokesperson, Micheál Ó Giobúin said this marks the beginning of what is hoped will be a long-term collaboration between the two choirs.
“Tá an-áthas an domhain orainn a bheith ag comhoibriú le Còisir Alba. Is mór an onóir dúinn a bheith ag canadh le chéile agus ag ceiliúradh ár dteangacha Gaelacha.
“This collaboration will hopefully strengthen cultural ties, encourage the sharing of music and language, increase visibility for both Irish and Scots Gaelic, and open doors to future joint performances and exchanges.
Còisir Alba was formed in 2019 specifically to represent Scotland at the Eurovision Choir of the Year competition in Gothenburg, Sweden – making it Scotland’s first-ever entry in the contest.
The choir was assembled from singers across Scotland and is conducted by acclaimed Gaelic singer, musician, and presenter Joy Dunlop.
It performs a mix of traditional and contemporary songs in Scottish Gaelic, promotes Gaelic language and culture, and takes part in concerts, festivals, and community events.
The choir has gone on to perform at high-profile occasions, including events at the Scottish Parliament, and continues to be a vibrant voice for Gaelic music under Joy Dunlop’s direction.
Cór Ailigh will also be joined in Glasgow by local Glasgow fiddle player with Donegal roots, Nuala Maria McKnight.
Micheál Ó Giobúin paid tribute to Musical Director Tour coordinator Anne Nicholls and all the choir members for their dedication and hard work at rehearsals. He also thanked councillors Donal Kelly and Jimmy Kavanagh for their ongoing financial support.
On their return, Cór Ailigh will perform at Féile Colmcille at 12.30pm on Saturday, June 6 in St Columba’s Church, Churchill.
Invitation to the Glasgow Irish community
The choir extends a warm invitation to all Donegal people and members of the Irish community living in Glasgow to attend the 1pm Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral and the 7.45pm concert at the Garnethill Multicultural Centre, 21 Rose Street, on Saturday, May 30.
“We would love to see familiar faces from home there to support us,” said Micheál.
For further information, contact [email protected].