Kerry Choral Union to start the Christmas Season in St John’s, Tralee

CHRISTMAS just wouldn’t be Christmas for the people of Tralee were it not for the festive treat that is the Kerry Choral Union and not to be missed this year is ‘O Holy Night’ choral concert at St John’s The Baptist Church, Castle Street, Tralee on Sunday December 11th at 7:30pm. This concert is eagerly anticipated every year and attracts up to 600 people. The choir will be joined by soloists, Miriam Murphy, Edel Crowley and their Junior Choir will be conducted by Sharon Reidy.

Accompanist on the night will be Ian Sexton who is primarily an organist and liturgical musician. Soloist, Miriam Murphy, from Tralee is one of the foremost sopranos in the country. 18-year-old Soprano Edel Crowley from Tralee will also feature and she has just completed her Leaving Certificate and is at present concentrating on her vocal training under Sharon Reidy.

“For a lot of people, the singing of ‘Oh Holy Night’ by Miriam Murphy marks the start of the Christmas season. There has been a very good response from previous years and we will be expecting a huge crowd again,” said Joe Cotter, Chairman of Kerry Choral Union.

This is one of Kerry Choral Union’s biggest events of the season and for a considerable number of years people have enjoyed the Choir’s repertoire which includes such Christmas favourites as: ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘O Holy Night’ and also a beautiful rendition of ‘Otche Nash’ (The Lord’s Prayer) sung in Slovak. GUESTS can also expect some stirring pieces like, ‘The Hallelujah Chorus’ and ’The Lord of the Dance’. The Junior Choir will perform ‘Rise up Shepherd and Follow’ also ‘The Mystery of your Gift’ and to end the evening, the choir, with Miriam, will perform ‘O Holy Night’, followed by ‘Silent Night’ and a stirring Christmas medley.