High Hopes Choir to inspire at concert
THE power of music to inspire and to heal will be evident to all who go along to St Michael’s Church, Gorey this Friday, May 19, at 7.30 p.m. as the High Hopes Choir from Waterford comes to town for a special performance.
Their musical director is Gorey native Phil Brennan who took on the role a year and a half ago. Phil is also known for his work with the Island of Ireland Peace Choir, but this time he is bringing another choir to perform in Gorey.
The High Hopes Choir came about in 2014, after the world renowned conductor David Brophy set out to change the lives of people affected by homelessness through singing.
This vision led to the birth of the High Hopes Choirs. The story featured in an RTÉ documentary which received great acclaim, and today there are High Hopes Choirs in Dublin, Cork and Waterford.
The Waterford choir has between 20 and 25 members and several musicians. It has travelled widely, performing at home and abroad.
‘All of the members have experienced homelessness at some stage in their lives,’ explained Phil. ‘Some still sleep rough because they are so used to it.’
He explained that part of the choir’s work is to help rehabilitate them into society. ‘Seven of them now have jobs,’ he said. ‘ They’re finding accommodation, addiction treatment, and getting their life back together.’
Several of the members will share their stories during the concert.
‘You get a very raw, honest, open experience,’ said Phil. ‘ They draw you in with their honesty. They come from a place where they have been broken, battered, and bruised.
‘What comes out is their honesty and their energy. When people go to a concert, they get more out of it than they expect.’
‘Many of them are picking up the pieces,’ he added. ‘ They are just so honest. They have taught me more in the last year and a half, than I learnt in four years of doing a PhD.’
‘Most of all, their resilient spirit comes out in the concert,’ he concluded.
Also performing on the evening is the Bunscoil Loreto Choir and Orchestra as the concert is a fundraiser for the new playground and pitch fund at Bunscoil Loreto.
Phil said that the inclusion of both groups on the programme will make for a nice mix and a special evening.
‘We are honoured and privileged that Phil and the members of this choir have agreed to come to Gorey to perform for us,’ said Bunscoil Loreto principal Aileen Kennedy. ‘It will truly be an amazing concert.’
The High Hopes Choir will also visit the Bunscoil Loreto on Friday afternoon to do a workshop with the pupils before the concert.
Tickets for the High Hopes concert are available from the Bunscoil Loreto office at €10 per adult and €5 per child. All support would be greatly appreciated for this worthy cause.