ST Mary’s Cathedral and St Mary’s choirmaster Peter Barley are launching a new choir for Limerick. Yes, this city, known for its rich choral and operatic heritage, has gained another collective voice that will sing in celestial harmonies. Bear in mind that Peter Barley was choirmaster for St Patrick’s Boys Choir at Dublin’s pro-Cathedral prior to his arrival here to lead the music programme at St Mary’s.
An organist and keyboard player and a singer of considerable merit, he had worked for a decade with what is the best and hardest-working boys’ choir in the land.
“On Sunday January 5 at 5pm, Sagittarius Hiberniensis will be making its debut in St Mary’s Cathedral,” Peter tells Arts Page. “Whilst the intention is that Sagittarius will give concerts around the city and county – and there are plans already in hand for this – the choir’s main spiritual and musical home will be St Mary’s Cathedral.”
The choir brings together some singers from the cathedral choir and members of the teaching staff of Limerick School of Music. These principals have come together with former students from the Limerick School of Music along with guest singers and friends.
What lead to its foundation?
“Several things,” replies the music maker. “A desire amongst a number of like-minded musicians to get together to sing and perform wonderful sacred music.
“A desire on the part of myself, being the group’s director, and some of the more experienced musicians who make up the group to unfold these musical treasures – not just for audiences but also for the younger student-aged musicians within. They might not have had all that many opportunities to encounter and sing this repertoire.
“Also to provide an opportunity for some of these students born and bred in Limerick to retain musical links with their native city, as the projects will run predominantly during college / school holidays.” Music by German composer Schutz features in the launch concert on January 5 at 5pm, together with motets by Renaissance composers written to be performed in Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
Admission is free; a retiring collection helps to fund.
