Maltese and Irish Gospel Choirs perform in Ireland
Joy Gospel Singers are back from yet another successful trip abroad. A five day stay in Ireland, jampacked with activities and unforgettable experiences both on a personal and social level. This is the fourth time that Joy Gospel Singers (JGS) have teamed up with Lucan Gospel Choir (LGC), both in Ireland and in Malta.
After one and a half years of innumerable emails, phone calls and drawing up of plans, Michelle Marie Abela and Ian Brabazon, directors of the respective choirs managed to bring around 100 chorists together to sing in a joint concert in the prestigious Maynooth College Chapel in Ireland on Saturday 31st August 2019. The Maltese Ambassador for Malta in Ireland, Mr Sacco and his wife were also present for this special occasion. It was truly a humbling experience to sing a varied repertoire of songs in such a majestic venue for more than 450 people. Audience reception was truly uplifting reaching an emotional climax during the closing rendition of ‘Hallelujah’. Another important highlight of the evening was singing ‘Do Not Go Gentle’, purposefully written by Martin O’Leary, to be sung by both choirs together, first time in Malta in March 2017 at the collegiate church of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa and the second time this year in Ireland. The song specifically commemorates lives saved at sea and incidentally the concert was hosted by members of The Lifesaving Foundation in Ireland. There was also a special mention of the event on the 5th September edition of the Dublin Gazette.
The joint concert was also put up to commemorate the 21st anniversary since the foundation of LGC. We were treated to a wonderful dinner complete with Irish folk dancing from a local group and singing from members of both choirs.
JGS also presented two paintings to LGC musical director Ian Brabazon, featuring aspects of Maltese heritage, produced specifically for the occasion by Silvana Camilleri, one of the members of JGS, who is also an artist. On Sunday 1st September the congregation flocked enthusiastically to hear us sing during the 12:00pm mass at St Patrick Parish Church, Esker, Lucan and the service ended with the singing of ‘Happy Day’ where members of LGC present pitched in too. This resulted in another unforgettable occasion for members which really brought out the unity between the two choirs. Experiences like these surely contribute to paving the way for future joint ventures which goes to prove how music, in this case Gospel music, brings people together!