Singers gather for Mass for Peace at Christ Church

Singers from all over County Wicklow joined voices at Christ Church in Bray last Sunday, Armistice Day, for ‘Come and Sing the Armed Man’.

The church had been marking the centenary of the First World War Armistice throughout the week with an exhibition.

The display of memorabilia acknowledged those with connections to the greater Bray area who served in the Great War. It featured stories of those who returned home as well as those who died.

Choirs then made their way to Christ Church on the afternoon of Sunday, November 11, to rehearse for an evening performance.

The chorus master and conductor for the day was Frank Kelly, musical director of Bray and Wicklow Choral Societies, both well represented at the event. Earlier in the day, Christ Church’s morning service included act of remembrance with solemn muffled peal of bells, and talk on ‘How Bray Celebrated the Armistice’.

The unforgettable Mass for Peace included around 150 in the choir and orchestra, who rehearsed for just a couple of hours, as well as a full congregation of listeners. The piece was composed in 1999 by Welshman Karl Jenkins.

PHOTOS BY BARBARA FLYNN All the singers with musical director Frank Kelly and accompanists John Morris and Cormuin Ó Raghallaigh at ‘Come and Sing The Armed Man’ at Christ Church, Bray.

Carmel Marnane, Bernie O’Neill, Caroline Bradley and Lois Jarvis from Wicklow Choral Society.

Denis Madigan and Michael Smith.

Ann Kitterick and Ros McFeeley from Cantairí Avondale.

Ann Murdiff from Bray Choral Society.

Patricia McCrossan from Cantairí Avondale.

Cormuin Ó Raghallaigh.

Frank Kelly, musical director.

Tony Swaine.