Pope Benedict as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Vatican City State.
160 people from Our Lady’s Choral society and the RTE concert orchestra will perform Handel’s
Messiah in the Paul VI audience hall in the Vatican on Thursday evening. This will be the first ever
production of the Messiah in the Vatican.
The invitation to the choir was extended through the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin who
described it as a great honour for the Diocese.
was looking forward to Thursday’s performance, which has involved many extra nights’ hard work
and practice over the past number of weeks and months. He said he was delighted that the hard work,
dedication and enthusiasm of all involved in the Society would have such prestigious recognition.
In excess of 400 people are traveling to Rome from Ireland to attend the performance in the Vatican.
Many Irish people living in Italy living in Italy will also attend.
Outside the Walls in Rome; in this Holy Year dedicated to the Apostle Paul. This performance is open to the
general public and tickets are not required.
The Messiah was first performed in Fishamble Street in the Old Music Hall in April 1742. Our Lady’s Choral
Society have been marking that anniversary by singing choruses from the Messiah on the street
to audiences of thousands
over the years.
Our Lady’s Choral Society (OLCS) was founded in Dublin in 1945, after the Dublin Archdiocese brought together the best singers from all the church choirs of the Diocese for a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Today, Our Lady’s Choral Society holds a unique place in the diverse, cosmopolitan city that Dublin has become. Under the guardianship of the Archdiocese, OLCS welcomes members from all religions and all walks of life. For many people living in Dublin, the Christmas season simply does not begin until they’ve heard at least one performance of Handel’s Messiah by Our Lady’s Choral Society.
The choristers chosen for membership are united by a passion for singing great choral music at a professional level. To keep standards up every member is auditioned every 3 years.
The present director of the choir Paul Ward has been a singing member since 1985. The current music director Proinnsías Ó Duinn has been responsible for the choir’s musical development since 1979. Under his direction, OLCS has undertaken many ambitious works, from Charpentier to Stravinsky. It has also premièred works by luminary Irish composers, such as John Kinsella and Seoirse Bodley. Des and Marie Lawless are honorary members (non singing) of the choir, Des being a member since its foundation.
This year will be a particularly busy one for Our Lady’s Choral Society; on April 14th next year – they will mark the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death by performing several Handel compositions in the National Concert Hall once again, with the RTE concert Orchestra.
