Countdown to Mayo Male Voice Choir's annual concert

Mayo Male Voice Choir hosts its annual concert in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Friday night next, April 24, at 8 p.m.

Under the musical direction of Deirdre Lee and with accompanist Rebecca Cresham, the choir will perform a range of new repertoire from its spring programme as well as a number of old favourites.

The special guests are mezzo soprano Anne Marie Gibbons, now also a well-known and popular local broadcaster, and bass John Molloy.

Compered by Seán Mullahy, the choir's selection includes such classics as 'On the Street Where Your Live', 'He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother', 'The Pilgrim's Chorus', 'Hallelujah' and 'Sweet Georgie Browne'.

Anne Marie Gibbons, who has performed in concert and opera venues throughout the world, is the founder of the Mayo Vocal Academy, based in Castlebar, which provides tutelage to singers and performers of all ages.

For this event, she will perform 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' written by George and Ira Gershwin, and 'Only Love', a composition by Vladimir and Norman Gimbel, which is the theme from the TV series Mistral's Daughter.

She will form a duet with John Molloy for a rendition of 'The Contender', a much-loved song written by Jimmy MacCarthy about great Irish boxer Jack Doyle.

John Molloy is a Grammy-nominated artist and one of Ireland's leading opera singers who has performed throughout Europe, USA, China and Australia.

He was scheduled to play with the Mayo Male Voice Choir in 2020 until Covid-19 struck.

This annual event is always well attended so it is important to purchase tickets in advance.

PHOTO CAPTION: Members of Mayo Male Voice Choir with their musical director Deirdre Lee and accompanist Rebecca Cresham.

At back, from left, are Anto Heneghan, Peter Jennings, Sean Gavin, Michael Killeen, John O’Donoghue, Sean Foley, Connal O’Cuinn, Kieran Kirrane, Brendan Duffy, Jackie Clarke, Pat Wiseman, Michael Tiernan, Luke O’Malley and Finian Joyce.

Middle row: Joe Cuddy, Michael Mongan, Padraic Costello, Eugene McCormack, Steven Brady, Frank Larkin, Michael Murray, Gerry Needham, Paul Roberts, John O’Donnell, Martin Concannon, Tony McNulty and Jimmy Murphy.

Front row: Pat McHale, Peter Cartwright, Don Dillon, Michael Golden, Jim Tiernan, Rebecca Cresham, Deirdre Lee, Tony Conway, Lar Davis, Padraic McKeon, David Loring, Michael Fahy and Martin Carney. PHOTO: JOHN MEE