Limerick Choral Union (LCU) an amateur oratorio choir aiming to make choral singing accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for the singers and audience alike.
The choir has performed extensively throughout Europe spreading the joy of singing far and wide and showcasing the talent, the dedication and the love that exists in Limerick for singing and choral music.
LCU’s next concert takes place in University Concert Hall on Sunday April 16 from 7.30pm.
LCU will present a concert of two halves; the first portraying the Romantic Era,
commencing with Verdi’s ‘Stabat Mater’. Often described as a mixture of the purity and simplicity of the 16th century verse of Palestrina, with the drama and pathos of Il Trovatore;
Mascagni’s ‘Intermezzo’ [Cavalleria Rusticana]is a delicate, nostalgic, yearning and beautifully structured piece.
Massenet’s ‘Meditation from Thaïs is a passionate piece with an ethereal feel drawing to its close
Puccini’s ‘Humming Chorus’ [from Madame Butterfly] is exquisite and beautiful and one of the most compelling moments in the opera where optimism is shattered by reality.
Puccini’s ‘Un bel di Vedremo’ is the most famous aria in Madame Butterfly, known for its lyrical beauty and appealing to audiences with its emotive melody while also encapsulating the tragedy at the heart of the opera.
The evening concludes with Brahms’ ‘Ein Deutsches Requiem’ the beloved masterpiece intended as comfort and consolation for those who mourn. “For audiences it is comfortably spiritual and catchy but it is rewarding and exhilarating for performers!”
Limerick Choral Union will be accompanied by the 44 strong LCU orchestra and soloists Rachel Croash, Soprano & Owen Gilhooly Miles, Baritone. Musical Director for the evening is Malcolm Green.
LCU is a progressive choir, always learning new repertoire, singing in many languages, challenging both members and audiences to more complex and demanding choral works.
Everyone is welcome to sing with LCU providing they can sing in tune. LCU aims to raise awareness of the benefits of singing for mental health, and through the Musical Director, Mr. Malcolm Green, LCU has assisted and been involved in the Mental Health Awareness Week. The message is “singing is good for you”.
Tickets €30 From UCH Box Office at (061) 331549 or http://www.uch.ie or contact LCU at (089) 2267899
