A midsummer choral concert on the banks of the Nore in Kilkenny

An exciting event coming for midsummer in Kilkenny is when the In Caelo Choir presents an evening of their beautiful choral music to audiences in Barnstorm’s Studio @ the Home Rule Club on the River Nore at John’s Quay.

In Caelo (heavenly) is a chamber choir from Inistioge, County Kilkenny, and was formed in 2006 by Peter Nolan from members of the local parish choir who wanted to expand their repertoire.  There has always been a strong tradition of singing and music in Inistioge dating back to pre-famine times when the village boasted a Brass and Reed band.

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The choir currently numbers up to fifteen people, who are mostly from the Inistioge area but with a few from further afield. “Our repertoire is both spiritual and secular and ranges from Palestrina, Tallis, Mozart and Handel to John Rutter and Arvo Pärt, including traditional spirituals and popular songs” says co-director Elspeth Hayes.

“We sing for the enjoyment of singing but also enjoy stretching ourselves with new repertoire” adds her fellow director, Peter Nolan. 

The group has been successful over the years at a number of music festivals and competitions and have appeared on RTE Radio. They regularly sing in concerts in Kilkenny, Wexford, Tipperary and further afield. 

Like all choirs, the Covid 19 pandemic meant that for nearly two years the choir was unable to sing together in person and then only very slowly and carefully could they get back together.  Elspeth and Peter are delighted to have brought a full programme of music from Fauré to The Flying Pickets to the first full concert the choir has presented since 2018 – “We are looking forward to seeing many old and new friends for this”.

Choir members are: Peter Nolan and Elspeth Hayes (Directors), Sandra Proctor, Elaine Costello, Helen Heffernan, Francesca Watkin, Polly Donnellan, Úna Kavanagh, Peter Prendergast, Philip Hardy, and Paul Martin.

On Wings of Song Concert is a free event but donations are encouraged with proceeds in aid of Amber Women’s Refuge, Kilkenny

Amber is a long-established organisation working to empower women and children of all cultures and backgrounds to live abuse-free lives. As a specialist domestic abuse service our professional team works alongside others to safeguard women and children against domestic abuse, including coercive control. We provide safe, supportive, client centred services, from early intervention to recovery, both in the community and at the refuge. https://amberwomensrefuge.ie/about/   

The concert takes place on June 24 at 7pm at The Studio @ Kilkenny Home Rule Club 3 at John’s Quay, Kilkenny.