A perfect night of music and chat at the Barbican Theatre to remember late, great Larry Delaney
IT was a night that had something for everyone and everything for one man. Larry Delaney.
Family, friends, colleagues and a combination of all three in St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir were there to make it a most memorable and moving occasion. Larry sadly passed away in 2016 and his wife Gloria, daughter Loretta and son Tyrone wanted to give something back to Drogheda to acknowledge the incredible love and support they have received.
Under the baton of Musical Director Edward Holly the choir celebrated Larry’s life as they performed a concert titled ‘For You’ in The Barbican Centre, Drogheda.
Just before the music got under way, Larry’s son Tyrone spoke about his dad’s love for his family and the influence he had on his life. He also referred to how Larry loved being a member of St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir which he joined in 1985; singing firstly with the choir’s founder Mr. Eugene Mooney then with the choir’s second Musical Director, Edward Holly, giving a total of thirty years loyal service to the choir.
Larry enjoyed many successes including singing with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on three occasions, performing at the Aviva Stadium for the final home international match of sporting legend, Brian O’Driscoll and he helped make famous the St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir Christmas concerts which started in 2001 in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland. In fact the choir’s festive concerts were a particular favourite of Larry’s and he sang on the choir’s ‘ So this is Christmas’ CD.
The show opened with ‘ The Awakening’, the title track of the choir’s 2004 CD. Larry also sang on this album and a total of four songs from this recording were featured. As well as giving polished performances of ‘Rhythm of Life’ and ‘Battle-Hymn of the Republic’ the choir sang ‘ Ride the Chariot’ which Edward first introduced to the Irish choral scene as far back as 1997. The call and response style of ‘ Chariot’ was delivered in an astonishing interaction between brilliant tenor soloist Seán Tester, choir and conductor to huge applause.
Throughout the show, compere Gerry Kelly of LMFM affectionally mentioned some highlights of Larry’s life and the songs chosen complimented his words and with plenty of anecdotes from some of the choir as well there was much laughter along the way.
There were many solo performances with Damian Brady giving a beautiful rendition of Billy Joel’s ‘ And So it Goes’. Other tributes by Larry’s friends included ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ sung by Johnny Smyth and choir. As the full house of 500 people sang every word you could feel the love in the room. Accompanied by the terrific live band and choir, Larry’s brother Peter gave an emotional performance of ‘ Remember Me’ while his other brother in the choir Paul sang ‘ Rhythm of The Rain’ with great style.
Larry Stadt played guitar and sang Edward’s specially arranged ‘ Tell Me There’s A Heaven’ which was a poignant dedication to all deceased members of the choir.
Claire Regan who appeared with the choir on last September’s ‘Songbook’ success was in super form, especially in the epic country song ‘ The Gambler’. The tight vocals of the choir complimented the wonderful soloist in a song that was among many of the specially arranged pieces by Edward for this particular concert.
Several members of the choir played musical instruments including Paddy Kelly on accordion for ‘ The Way Old Friends Do’ which was beautifully created for the vocal quartet of Liam Kelly, Eamonn Kearney, Cecil Whitty, and John Kirke along with the huge traditional male voice choral sound enhancing the second part of the song. This was dedicated to the late Mrs. Delaney as it was her favourite song and the delivery certainly touched the heartstrings.
Throughout the concert the members of St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir were in their usual sensational on-stage form as they sang with the confidence that identifies them with pedigree, experience and of course feeling and emotion.
Larry’s family also wanted to share some fun as well to reflect his sense of humour so step up Aidan Roche who took us for a surreal trip on the ‘National Express’. Edward joined Van Morrison’s Brian Connor and band at the piano for an electric ‘Nutrocker Suite’ followed by the maestro in even more playful mood as he made his debut playing the melodica! Not to be outdone, second Tenor Niall Munster accompanied him playing the Bass Melodica with first Tenor Alan Cox on clarinet for a dedicated ‘Muppet Show Theme’! It was just that sort of night!
While the audience listened intently there were times they couldn’t help themselves but join in with some of the singing which Edward encouraged them to do; conducting both the choir and audience is no mean feat but it was simply spectacular. Every song was received with sustained applause and the audience were on their feet at the end of the first half already eagerly awaiting what the second half would bring.
At the grand finale Edward went into the audience and invited Larry’s brothers and sisters to join the choir on stage to perform ‘Hey Jude’, a lovely song about comfort and togetherness. This made a special night even more memorable for the family. One of Larry’s favourite choir concerts was the legendary 2011 ‘Songs of the Beatles’ when Edward joined together St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. With Gloria, Loretta and Tyrone present as well as Larry’s brothers and sisters singing with the choir, we had Larry’s life all together on stage in one magical moment while poignantly his photo looked over towards it all.
Members of the audience afterwards including Cllr Pio Smith and Louth Palliative Care representative Maura Fagan spoke in awe of the high quality of the concert and just how amazing and unique it was and how it was such a privilege to be a part of it.
There were representatives from each of the four cancer charities, Drogheda Hospice Homecare, Gary Kelly Centre, Louth Palliative Care and Necret in attendance on the night which raised €6,000 in total. St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir has now raised €60,000 for various charities in the last three years alone.
Chairman Paul Delaney and Musical Director Edward Holly would like to praise again the members of the choir for learning the new special arrangements for the show including many that were favourites of Larry and how ‘ the singers’ choir’ since 1956 somehow made it appear almost effortless as usual. Also a big thank you to those who came along and made it such an incredible evening with their singing, dancing and applauding. Declan Power and the Barbican Centre staff really were fantastic as usual and the choir certainly hope to be back very soon.