Anuna visits Capella

Written by | News

Members of The Wallace High School Capella enjoyed a visit recently from Michael McGlynn and members of Anuna.

For the men, the day began with a warm up and practice at 8:40, before returning at 1 o’clock for an afternoon of inspiration and insight. Capella and the Honours students perform many works by Irish composer, Michael McGlynn. Many students have never met a living composer before, so it was with great anticipation that Capella welcomed Michael McGlynn, and five other members of Anuna to the department. Three of Capella past choristers sing with this world renowned group, and it was tremendous to have part of the workshop led by former student, Zach Trouton.

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The workshop was in two parts, the first focussing largely on the importance of breathing and its knock on effect on posture. The choir also had to come in together only by watching Mr Falconer’s breathing. Then they had to do it blind.

Anuna were also impressed by the quality of Capella, by their excellent tuning, all able to begin in the right key without being given a note. This is very unusual and reflective of the high choral standards in Wallace.

The second part of the workshop concntrated on two pieces by McGlynn, one for the men (an arrangment of Riu riu) and one for the ladies (Cunnla) Josh Brown, the soloist said that it showed the whole effect of the piece in another light.

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It was great to have members of Anuna standing in beside the students singing as they would on stage. Nathan Donnell seized the opportunity to perform with the Capella men at the end, singing our old favourite ‘Dulaman’ for the composer.

The students then turned up at Clonard monastery for the 8pm concert, They were made very welcome by Michael and enjoyed the chance to see the lessons from earlier put into place on stage. especially impressive was the Tuvan throat singing by Hugo.

It was an excellent day, everybody took something lasting from the experience, and Anuna have said that they’d like to come back and do more with Capella.

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The Music Department will be busy over the coming weeks in the run up to Christmas. Please note the following dates and events:

Friday 21st November: St Patrick”s Church, Lisburn. Dedication of the new organ, gala concert with St Peter’s Schola Cantorum, The Priests, and more 7pm.

Saturday 29th November: St Patrick’s Church, Lisburn Capella and Advent Carol Concert at 7.30pm.

Wednesday 17th December: Lisburn Cathedral, Service of 9 lessons and carols at 7.30pm.

Last modified: November 7, 2014