C.V. Stanford Centenary Concert
On Saturday 11th May 2024 The Guinness Choir and Orchestra will perform Charles Villiers Stanford’s ‘Mass in G’ at St. Andrew’s Church, Westland Row, Dublin 2, commencing at 8p.m. (doors at 7.30pm). This concert celebrates one of the great Dublin-born composers – Charles Villiers Stanford and includes the Irish Premiere of ‘Cello Songs’ by US composer Jake Runestad and ‘The Weaver’ commissioned by The Guinness Choir from acclaimed Irish composer Judith Ring.
Hitting the right note with Spry Finance
The Guinness Choir is delighted that Spry Finance is its new lead sponsor. As part of a three-year sponsorship agreement, funding from Spry, Ireland’s sole provider of lifetime loans, will go towards the cost of running the choir, including rehearsals and performances. Spry Finance CEO John Moriarty said: “The Guinness Choir has been delivering wonderful performances for more than 70 years – but it is much more than just a choir. It is a thriving community of people who are passionate about music and the joy that singing brings to their lives and to those who watch them perform. John Healy, Chair of The Guinness Choir, said: “We are delighted to welcome Spry Finance as our new sponsor. Over the years, the choir has given many hundreds of amateur singers the opportunity to perform great works with professional orchestras and soloists in major venues in Ireland and abroad. With Spry’s support, we look forward to enhancing our musical programme and reaching even more people who can benefit from the joy that choral music brings.”
The Guinness Choir
The Guinness Choir was founded in 1951, over 70 years ago, for the employees of the Guinness brewery. It is one of the oldest mixed voice choirs in Dublin and was one of the earliest workplace choirs in Ireland. The choir has since left the ambit of the brewery and is an independent, self-funded, choir attracting amateur singers from all over Dublin and beyond to sing the great oratorios and major classical works as well as the many beautiful choral works from the renaissance, baroque, modern and contemporary eras. Over the years, the choir has given many hundreds of amateur singers the opportunity and privilege to perform these works with professional orchestras and soloists in major venues in Ireland and abroad. Please join our mailing list to be kept informed of future concerts, and information will be on our Upcoming Concerts page.
Music Director – Ciarán Kelly
Ciarán Kelly took up his appointment as our new Music Director in September 2022. Ciarán hails from Derry and has sung competitively and as a performer in Ireland, the UK and America. He is the recently appointed Head of Music in King’s Hospital School, Palmerstown and is a former Assistant Director of Music at St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin. Ciarán has an MMus in Choral Conducting, is an experienced choral tutor and has led workshops with choral societies, schools and universities in the UK, Europe and Asia. He was also founder and Artistic Director of Ardú, a professional prizewinning vocal ensemble. He was appointed Choral Director of Cór Linn in August 2023.
Our Rehearsal Venue
The Guinness Choir is also delighted that Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines is now our wonderful rehearsal venue. The church includes a generous, comfortable rehearsal space and full washroom facilities. There is free on-street car parking (after 7pm) and the Beechwood Luas stop is 7 minutes walking distance. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:45p.m. to 10:00p.m. from September to May.
Joining the choir
The Guinness Choir welcomes enquiries from potential new members. Ability to read music or formal musical education are not essential but desirable. Whichever voice part suits you, you will be among supportive friends. If you would like to be included on a panel for future audition, please see: joining The Guinness Choir.