An exciting mix of choral and instrumental events

IT’S that time of year again for music lovers to make their way to Armagh for the annual Charles Wood Summer School, which will takes place from August 19–26.

As ever the programme promises an exciting mix of choral and instrumental events to suit all tastes.

David Hill, Conductor of the BBC Singers, will direct the Charles Wood Singers, the 40-strong festival choir, assisted by Daniel Hyde while the festival’s Boys’ Choir will be directed by Nigel McClintock, assisted by Ian Keatley.

During the week they can be heard at various concerts and services including Sung Mass, BBC Radio 3 Vespers and Choral Evensong.

Internationally famous specialist voice coach, Paul Farrington, will once again conduct workshops and give individual tuition. An absolute must for singers and choir trainers is his seminar entitled ‘How The Voice Works’ on Monday August 20.

The flourishing association with the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition also continues. Young organists have an opportunity to compete for awards totalling over £2000 on Monday August 21 and Tuesday August 22 with the bonus of prestigious recital appearances for the winner of the Senior category.

Kimberly Marshall, Goldman Professor of Organ at Arizona State University will chair the jury, along with David Hill and the New Zealand organist Mark Duley. Professor Marshall can be heard at the Opening Concert along with the Victoria Consort, one of the Province’s up and coming young choirs.

Other evening concerts not to be missed are Music Cocktail with Armagh Pipers’ Club and Armagh Old Boys’ Silver Band in the Market Place Theatre on Tuesday 21st, Requiem Aeternam, a candlelight concert by the Charles Wood Singers in the Roman Catholic Cathedral on Wednesday August 22, and their showcase Gala Concert in the Church of Ireland Cathedral on Friday August 24 featuring both choirs and the Senior Winner of the NI International Organ Competition.

Also recommended are our popular series of Lunchtime Concerts with a range of vocal and instrumental music. This year we are delighted to present the Charles Wood Upper Voices Choir, Sinead O’Kelly (soprano), and Cahal and Conor Masterson (piano and violin) on Wednesday 22nd, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th in First Armagh Presbyterian Church.

Full details of the programme are available at www.charleswoodsummerschool.org

For brochures and bookings contact Armagh Tourist Information Centre, 40 English Street, Armagh, BT61 7BA. Telephone: 028 3752 1800, facsimile: 028 3752 8329, email: [email protected] or visit the website at www.armagh.co.uk.

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