Church of St. Anne, Shandon
Admission: Free of charge
FEATURING THE CLERKS CHORAL OF ST. MARY’S COLLEGIATE CHURCH, YOUGHAL sings THE OFFICE OF COMPLINE in plainsong. 

The College of Clerks Choral in Youghal is an ancient institution, founded in 1464 by Thomas FitzGerald, Earl of Desmond. The College originally consisted of eight fellows and eight singing clerks – a choral foundation which was dissolved and reinstated a number of times over the centuries. The present choir represents the latest revival initiated by Ian Sexton in 2005. Although the Clerks Chiral, now directed by Colin Nicholls, remains informally associated with the magnificent Collegiate Church in Youghal, the group most active in venues throughout Munster singing for services, weddings and concerts. They have also performed in England and their rendition of Compline in St. Anne’s Church, Shandon, has become a regular feature of the Cork International Choral Festival. Compline is the last church service of the day; it is a contemplative office, with an emphasis on spiritual peace. In essence a plainsong service, a Faux Bourdon setting of Nunc Dimmittis (Carolus Andreas) and Rheinberger’s “Abendlied” provide moments of contrasting harmony.