Today began with an ample Irish breakfast at our gorgeous hotel, then never let up until about 9 this evening.
The choir had a rehearsal at a nearby Catholic church; we appreciate their kindness in allowing that. It's now the time to put finishing touches on the pieces that will be performed during the festival. They had a very good rehearsal, then headed out to various places to eat yet again. A theme has developed...
We rode the bus to Honan Chapel, which is on the University College Campus in Cork.
This was a "Fringe Concert" that is part of the festival. The Aurora Chamber Choir from Alajuela, Costa Rica is one of ten International Non-Competitive Choirs in the festival, and was paired with BYU Singers, one of ten International Competitive Choirs. Auroral Chamber Choir began the concert, and were very enjoyable. They obviously enjoyed singing together, and were pleased to be here.
Then it was BYU Singers' performance. Repertoire sung:
Hildegard Von Bingen: Karitas habundat
Elgar, arr. Cameron: Lux aeterna
The Rocky Road to Dublin: arr. Nesheim
Jerusalem: arr. McGlynn
This Little Light of Mine: arr. Gibbs
The audience seemed to be residents who appreciate choral music and this festival, and others who just happened to wander in. All were enthralled, and were very enthusiastic. The two Irish pieces, "The Rocky Road to Dublin" and "Jerusalem" just about brought down the church ceiling. This is a wonderful beginning to the festival. Now, onward!
After greeting a few audience members, we loaded the bus to drive to the Blarney Castle & Gardens. We had a quick change from concert clothes to the dress for the devotional tonight, then dispersed to investigate the grounds.
Some intrepid choir members climbed the spiral staircase to the top of the castle so that they could kiss the Blarney Stone, which is supposed to give one the gift of the gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery.) I haven't noticed any improved eloquence, but the tour isn't over yet...
Part Three of this big day was meeting the LDS branch members for a pizza dinner at their meetinghouse prior to a devotional that the choir presented. These are absolutely lovely people, and it was a joy to spend time with them. One older gentlemen heard the choir when it performed at this festival in 2009, and remembered the experience very fondly.
Performed at the devotional:
This Little Light: arr. Stacy Gibbs
Sweet Is the Work: arr. Michael Hicks
(Andrew Fellows organ solo)
Peace: Paul Mealor
More Holiness Give Me: arr. Ronald Staheli
In between numbers, four members of the choir gave short talks, answering questions the youth of the branch submitted in advance, and helping them to know us by asking questions of the choir that were answered by show of hands. Any alumni reading this will know what I'm writing about.
It was a great day, and we only were dripped on (from the sky) for a few minutes in the morning. Blue sky was wonderful to see. We are now back at the hotel, hopefully getting enough sleep for another full day.