Remembering Fintan O’Carroll, dedicated church music composer on the centenary of his birth.

On Sunday 20th November, a Mass to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fintan O’Carroll. The cathedral choirs will sing O’Carroll’s Mass of the Annunciation with a brass ensemble, all directed from the organ by David Forde at Mass at 12 noon.

Among the many legendary musicians that Waterford has produced, one of the most extraordinary was Fintan O’ Carroll who was the essence of musical life in Waterford until his untimely death in 1981 at the age of just 59. So many musical organizations both in Waterford and nationally owe a debt of gratitude to Fintan O Carroll.
It is Fintan O’Carroll’s work as a composer of liturgical music that we particularly remember him on Sunday. Composers of church music tend not to enjoy the acclaim of those writing for the concert platform. O’Carroll was one of the most important figures in Irish liturgical music in the turbulent post Vatican 2 era.
His music is heard in churches world-wide. His settings are part of our shared repertoire and much loved, especially the Alleluia from his Mass of the Annunciation. This piece known as the Celtic Alleluia featured at the inauguration ceremony for President Biden. All are welcome to come