One of the longest running choirs in the country are set to take to the stage once again this weekend.
The Portlaoise Singers return to mark their 50th anniversary and have a very special performance planned.
This year’s concert takes place on Sunday, December 7, at 8 pm in St Peter’s Church on Market Square.
Due to popular demand, they will have world famous harpist Triona Marshall back again – with her performance last year living long in the memory.
Again this year, the choir will be joined by by soloists Caoimhe Fitzpatrick and Sophie Macnamara accompanied by Donal Hennessy on the organ in St Peter’s.
As well as the usual Christmas music, all in four and five parts, they will be taking a look back over the last 50 years of song.
The choir have won first prizes at Cork International, France and Wales; and have appeared on RTE TV and radio on multiple occasions.
One of the group’s highlight achievements includes a performance at the Royal Albert hall in London.
The choir was formed in 1975, when Chris Clarken, of the Portlaoise and District Arts Society, approached fellow teacher Brendan MacNamara about getting singers together for a Passion Play.
While the play didn’t happen, the assembled singers stayed together and thus were born the Portlaoise Singers.
They went from strength to strength, winning many awards and performing all over with members from right across County Laois.
Their first concert was in 1976 in the old Killeshin Hotel.
Tickets €10 are available at Browns Gala at Church View, Bosco’s Gala on Grattan St and on the door on the night.
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