Choir of Trinity College, Dublin
| Choir of Trinity College, Dublin | |
|---|---|
| Choir | |
| Founded | 1762 |
| Genre | Classical |
| Members |
|
| Music director | Kerry Houston |
| Organist | Mark McCrystal |
| Website | http://www.tcdchapelchoir.ie |
The Trinity College Chapel Choir (Irish: Cór Séipéal Choláiste na Tríonóide), is the only chapel choir within the University of Dublin, and performs services primarily in the Church of Ireland tradition for Trinity College. The choir was founded in 1762, however, it has undergone considerable change in the following centuries.
Choir
The choir consists of mixed voices in SATB structure, consisting of students at Trinity College or the Royal Irish Academy of Music (for students taking the BMusEd course). For most of its history, its members consisted of choristers and lay clerks from St Patrick's Cathedral. It was only in the 1960s when the decision was made to make the choir independent of St Patrick's.[1]
Choral Scholars
There are 8 full or 16 half-scholarship positions available for members of the choir. As the choir performs two services a week, the half-scholarships are given to those who can only do one of them, whereas full scholars are required to attend all events. A full scholarship consists of €1,300, paid at the end of each term.[2] Scholarships are awarded at the start of each academic year, following an audition at the beginning of Michaelmas Term. Scholarships only last for one year, so scholars must re-audition to retain their scholarship.
Direction
Directors of Music
Before the choir attained autonomy, the organist at St Patrick's Cathedral led the choir, as its makeup was of St Patrick's choristers and lay clerks.[1] Since autonomy, the Director of Chapel Music has been separate to the organist and separate to the University. It is currently held by Kerry Houston. [1]
Conductors
The Trinity Chapel Choir is somewhat unique among Collegiate Choirs in that its conductor is a student, normally a member of the Chapel Choir, separate to the organist. Furthermore, the Director of Music does not conduct the services, concerts, or rehearsals. This practice seems to have started in 1989, and before then the director of music led the choir.[1] Since this change was introduced, the conductors of the choir have been:[1]
- 1989-90: Anna Hely-Hutchinson
- 1990-91: Michael Dungan
- 1991-92: Peter Shannon
- 1992-95: Heather Hewson
- 1995-96: Shane O'Shea
- 1996-97: Ciaran Casey
- 1997-98: Manus O'Donnell
- 1998-99: Paul Flynn
- 1999-2002: Simon Harden
- 2002-03: Katherine Browne
- 2003-05: Helen Byrne
- 2005-06: Sheila Frost
- 2006-08: Stephen Hennessey
- 2008-09: George Jackson
- 2009-11: Roisin Roley-Brooke
- 2011-13: Margaret Bridge
- 2013-15: Eleanor Jones-Mcauley
- 2015-16: Andrew Burrows
- 2016-17: Kim Morrissey
- 2017-18: Andrew Burrows
- 2018-20: Naoise Whearity
- 2020-22: Patrick Kennedy
- 2022-24: Donncha McDonagh
Repertoire
Services follow the tradition of the Church of Ireland, generally consisting of a Sunday Eucharist and Thursday evensong.[1] The choir's repertoire consists primarily of Renaissance music, alongside pieces written by Irish composers and previous conductors and directors of music.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Chapel Choir Home Page". TCD Chapel Choir.
- ↑ "Scholarships & Funding". tcd.ie. Trinity College Dublin.
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