Busy season ahead for Choral Society
St. Mary's Choral Society launched their forthcoming production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado and their programme of events for the coming season in some style down at the society's home, the White Memorial Theatre, on Monday night. A large attendance of society members, patrons and invited guests heard newly-elected chairperson George Barry give an outline on what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
George welcomed everybody present and extended a special welcome to the society’s President and founder member Denis Farrell. He also paid tribute to the outgoing committee, in particular last season’s chairman James Butler and his wife Patsy, who had served on the committee for many years.
Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose, the Mayor of Clonmel formally launched the season and spoke on the great history of the society, which this year is celebrating its 70th anniversary. She also spoke of the great affection it holds in the hearts of the people of Clonmel.
Chairperson George Barry then introduced the production team for The Mikado – director Michael O’Donoghue, Musical Director Danny Carroll and Chorus Mistress Laura Cotter.
Michael O’Donoghue, having recently returned from a four year sabbatical as adjudicator for the AIMS Awards, said he was delighted to be back directing for the society once again. He stated that this production would be very much a traditional one with the emphasis on good singing.
Michael said it was wonderful to be working with such a lovely team as Danny and Laura. He said that in recent years there had been many variations of The Mikado including The Hot Mikado, The Swing Mikado, The Cool Mikado, The Jazz Mikado etc. but that this production would be very much in the traditional mode. He spoke on the background to the operetta, how the idea for The Mikado first sprang into W.S. Gilbert’s mind when an old Japanese sword, which had been hanging on the wall of his study for years, suddenly fell from its place. Gilbert took this as an omen and determined to leave his own country alone for a while and turn his biting satire instead towards the East.
Danny Carroll spoke on the wonderful success of HMS Pinafore last year and said he was thrilled to be associated with the society once again. Both Michael and Danny recalled fond memories of the last production of The Mikado, back in November 1983, as did many members of the cast of that production who were present.
Laura Cotter said she was honoured to be working with both Michael and Danny once again and said how proud she was to be working with the society, of which her late grandfather Mattie Hennessy was a founder member. She said that St. Mary’s was always known as a great chorus society and she was looking forward to working with everybody.
Chairperson George Barry thanked all who had supported the society's recent Walking Treasure Hunt. He also spoke on forthcoming events such as the annual Stars in their Eyes in September, the Table Quiz in October, the Fundraising Concert in Dungarvan, also in October, and the children’s production under the direction of Gillian Hewitt-Fitzgerald, which will take to the stage of the White Memorial in late October.
George then launched the society’s newest fundraising incentive. Members of the public are invited to become Patrons of the Society. For the sum of €100, patrons will receive two tickets for The Mikado and two tickets for the society's April production, which is soon to be announced.
They will also enjoy the privilege of priority pre-booking, i.e. they will have the opportunity to collect their tickets before booking opens to the general public and will also be listed as patrons of St. Mary's Choral Society in the souvenir programme of both shows. A leaflet on this scheme is available by contacting any committee member, or may also be picked up at the White Memorial Theatre from Monday-Wednesday during office hours.
The chairman then concluded by thanking the society members and the C.E Scheme participants who had worked so hard on the launch evening.
Rehearsals for The Mikado commence tonight, Wednesday, September 1st in the White Memorial Theatre at 8pm and members old and new are welcome to come along and join what promises to be a fun-filled and exciting production.
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Weather for Clonmel
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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