“CHORAL music is going through a certain renaissance now. It has become a very popular past-time to be involved in,” declares one who knows. Liz Powell is chief executive officer of the Limerick based Association of Irish Choirs (AOIC), an organisation that carries the strapline “enchancing life through choral music”.
Based at UL and a music partner of UCH, the AOIC is 30 years old this year and relentlessly intent on developing choral singing in Ireland. To this end, Culture Night last week proved a platform at Milk Market for a walk-in workshop, drawing in the public into skills and benefits of music sung beautifully by groups.
October 3 to 10 is dedicated nationally to mental health and Liz makes clear it is no coincidence that 2010’s National Choral Singing Week shares the same slot.
“We engage with Mental Health Ireland through choirs nationally who are members of AOIC. We are getting great support and interest from people and will stage a seminar or debate in UL – last year we had six or eight relevant events on going in Limerick alone. This year we hope to have more, such as Laughter Workshops organised by the MA in Music Therapy course”.
She explains that choral or group singing can help “to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, has been shown to increase the production of endorphins and adrenaline, heighten feelings of well-being and gives the participant a physical workout. It’s an enjoyable way to meet new people and make music together”.
Phew. Is a song ever just a song? Perhaps the element of euphoria explains why at least 25,000 people in Ireland engage in choral activity every single week.
The Irish Youth Choir and the brand new UL Choral Society are other responsibilities of the AOIC, the IYC being comprised of accomplished musicians aged 18 to 27 who undertake an annual summer programme in UL to stimulate performance and musical ability.
National Choral Singing Week local events include:
* Tuesday October 5: Laughter Workshops at UL, 11am, 1pm, 3pm.
Beatboxing at UL, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm.
* Thursday October 7: IWAMD at UL, Seminar explores how therapeutic singing is. 2.30pm.
St John’s Cathedral, massed choir concert at 7.30pm.
