Choral Groups
Cois Cladaigh Chamber choir
Cois Cladaigh is a mixed voice choir based in Galway and was founded in 1982. The name - Cois Cladaigh - is Irish and can be translated as "beside the Claddagh" which is a well-known area in Galway City. The choir specialises in European music from the late 15th and early 16th centuries and also performs a formidable repertoire of contemporary choral music, particularly from Ireland, but also from Scandinavia, Eastern European countries, and North America. They perform under the baton of founder, Brendan O'Connor, and other guest conductors.
- www www.coiscladaigh.net
- E brendan.oconnor@coiscladaigh.net
- T (091) 445844
Galway Baroque Singers
Galway Baroque Singers was formed by Audrey Corbett in 1983 to provide opportunities for singers and audiences in Galway to experience the great joy of choral music. The choir’s huge repertoire ranges from the 16th century to the present day and includes Oratorios, Masses, Requiems, Glorias, Magnificats and lighter choral repertoire including the great musicals. The choir sings annually with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under internationally renowned conductors, and has won numerous awards in major international competitions. The choir has been involved in film and recording work, and collaborations with top national choral groups.
St Nicholas Schola Cantorum
The history of music in Galway’s medieval Collegiate Church of St Nicholas stretches back to the college of singing priests and boy choristers founded in 1486. This foundation gave the church the title still in use today. St Nicholas Schola Cantorum was established in 2012 and revives the ancient collegial establishment in a new way and for the benefit of the wider Galway community. Its three principal aims are the enrichment of worship, the education of singers and the promotion of the arts. The director is Mark Duley, organist of St Nicholas' and well-known choral specialist.
The five choral ensembles which comprise the Schola Cantorum include: the Parish Choir, which sings most Sundays at the morning Eucharist; the Choristers, comprising boys and girls aged 7-14 and drawn from schools all over the city and county; the Choral Scholars, NUI Galway students awarded scholarships by the university to participate in the Schola Cantorum programme; the St Nicholas Singers, a large all-comers choir which presents occasional concerts including music appropriate to the liturgical season; and finally Collegium, a chamber choir comprising Galway’s finest choral singers which specializes in the great polyphony of the Renaissance period as well as contemporary repertoire.
