THE harmonies belted out by the Saint Mary’s Choral Foundation have been floating on the air in Limerick for the past 800 years.
As the Magna Carta was being signed, Ghengis Khan was running amok, and Marco Polo was making his grand adventures, these Treaty singers were making melodious sound.
And now, choir director Peter Barley has put the call out for any and all interested in Limerick to take part in history in action and try out for the age-old group.
“There doesn’t need to be an essential level of musicianship,” the choir director told the Limerick Post.
If someone can hold a tune and has a love of music, they’re invited to join in on the song.
The choir is also open to younger members, with teenagers, third-level music students, as well as professionals included in Peter’s open invitation.
“We work around busy schedules with our practice days. The choir is open to all faiths and none”, said Dean of Limerick, Niall J Sloane.
A Vicars Choral, historically a group of lay-men paid to lead the musical service, was recently reintroduced.
“Last year, we decided to reinvigorate the college and appointed four positions, with three currently filled,” Peter explained.
“Sitting next to an experienced singer is very helpful and one of the strongest reasons for reinvigorating the Vicars Choral.”
Added Dean Sloane of the man leading the show: “We’re fortunate to have someone of Peter’s caliber, with experience at King’s College, Cambridge; St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin; and Toronto, Canada. People often pay for music lessons elsewhere, but here you can be part of singing and, in many cases, get paid.”
“Our message is to encourage people interested in exploring this to get in contact. It’s not about signing up immediately; come along, try it out. If it’s not for you, that’s absolutely fine.
“If it is, there’s a unique opportunity to be part of something with deep history, a team, and huge opportunities for expanding into other elements of life.”
Open auditions will take place this September, with more information available on https://www.saintmaryscathedral.ie/worship/join-the-saint-marys-cathedral-choir/.
