Peel Cathedral choir visited Kilkenny in Ireland on a cultural visit and sang in three of its Cathedrals
The July visit to Ireland was a great success. Cathedral Musical Director Dr Peter Litman, Very Revd Nigel Godfrey (Dean of Cathedral IOM) Organ Scholar Jack Oades, 17 Choristers and 10 lay clerks spent three nights visiting the Diocese of Cashel and Ossory in Ireland, on a cultural visit and sang in three of its six Cathedrals.
The cultural trip came about following a conversation between Dr Litman and Bishop Michael of Kilkenny last year whilst Bishop Michael was visiting the Cathedral.
Director of Music, Dr Litman reported “the tour was an amazing experience for the choristers, not only visiting other cathedrals to sing, but it provided opportunity for the choir to spend time with each other when not singing. Culturally, the trip had a very important educational dimension, thus creating opportunity for the choristers to learn about Ireland and its rich heritage. The trip I hope will be the first of many to other countries”.
The choir sang Evensong at Kilkenny Cathedral, the service was attended by the Dean of Kilkenny and the Bishop and attracted a large congregation. They sang Choral Eucharist at Waterford Cathedral, The Dean of Cathedral IOM preached at this service, thanking the Bishop of Kilkenny for the warm reception they’d received. Afterwards all were treated to a scrumptious lunch which included chocolate eclairs to the delight of the choristers!
The final Evensong service was at the tiny Cathedral of St Laserian at Old Leighlin a picturesque setting next to a holy well. It was followed by a BBQ and an impromptu football match between choristers and staff/lay clerks in the Bishop of Kilkenny’s garden! A wonderful end to the tour.
Head Chorister, Peter Boussougou said, “it is great being a Cathedral Chorister, I am still a child but am treated as an adult. Besides the music, the services and tours, I am trusted and that makes me feel good, it’s not all about singing!”
The cultural trip would not be possible without the St German’s Cathedral Music and Arts Foundation, the Choir Parents’ Association, The Bishop of Sodor and Man, The Bishop of Kilkenny, The Admiral Feteris Foundation, Manx Children in Need, Shoprite and many anonymous donations.
So, could your son or daughter be a Cathedral Chorister? Voice trials are open in September. Contact the Cathedral Director of Music, Dr Peter Litman at music@cathedral.im for further information.
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