Classic Harmony wins song festival in Poland Aware supportgroup BrayChoral Society

CLASSIC Harmony, which includes former St Kilian’s music teacher Frank Kelly, came away from the Lions World Song Festival for the Blind with first place, after a stunning festival, which took place in Kraków from November 14 to 16. Participants from all over the world took part in the competition for blind and vision-impaired singers. The festival brought together 68 vocalists from 20 countries and four continents.

Each act or individual submitted an audition via DVD. An international jury chose the finalists who then performed their songs live in front of a wide festival audience. A professional, international jury chose the winners of the festival.

Members of the Kelly family include dad Frank, and four young adult children, Rebecca, Orlaith, Emily and John. They hail from Ashford and Frank was the music teacher in St Kilian’s in Bray for many years.

Four out of five members of the group are vision-impaired, including father, Frank, who is musical director of five choirs in Wicklow and a choir for blind and vision-impaired people in Dublin. The group sings in close harmony, a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment on Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Harp and Tin Whistle.

Aware hosts a weekly mental health support and self-care group for anyone experiencing depression, bipolar disorder and mood-related conditions.

This is a free group and referrals are not required. The group meets every Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. at the Villa Pacis Centre at the Queen of Peace Church on the Putland Road in Bray.

Bray Choral Society will sing carols by candlelight at Christ Church on Saturday, December 14, at 8 p.m.

This year they are joining with Alan Smale and the Delmaine Quarted for many favourite carols, as well as choruses from Handel’s Messiah.

Tickets are €15 and available from choir members or at the door.