Gaelic choir’s 70th celebration
Stirling Gaelic Choir’s annual concert will see the singers celebrate the group’s 70th birthday.
Founded in 1948, this year’s celebration concert has the theme of “Past, Present and Future”.
Alongside present conductor, Jane McQueen, the choir will be welcoming back four former choir leaders - Chic Bonar, Sandy Sinclair, Maggie Hannah and Seumas Campbell - who will each conduct a song in their own inimitable styles.
The audience will also be entertained by the choir’s own folk group Gleusda and, as the voices of the future, a junior Gaelic choir from Wallace High School.
Conductor Jane McQueen says that she is looking forward to the concert. “It will be exciting to have previous conductors from the past 35 years participating in the concert. All the conductors have contributed a great deal musically and culturally through the years. They have maintained strong links with the choir and are fondly regarded by members.”
The choir was originally set up by members from the Highlands and Islands who had settled in the central belt and continues to attract members from across Stirlingshire and as far afield as Perth and Dunfermline. Only a few of the current members are fluent Gaelic speakers but all support the choir’s mission to bring Gaelic culture and music into the heart of the community.
Choir president Catriona Laird said: “The choir has been an important part of Stirling’s cultural life for many years with strong connections across central Scotland. It has contributed to many community, national and international events over the years, creating strong and enduring friendships between members and other groups in the community and bringing a great deal of fun and enjoyment to members and audiences in the process.”
The 70th anniversary concert takes place on Friday, April 20 at 7.30pm in the Victoria Hall in Dunblane. Tickets cost £8/£6 concession. Under 16s go free.