We were delighted to return once again to this cherished annual service, featuring organists Siobhán Kilkelly and Simon Stroughair, and the Pepper Canister Brass Quintet.

This Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season, complete with mince pies and mulled wine afterwards, generously supplied by the Merrion Hotel.

Held in aid of the Black Santa Appeal supporting local charities working with those in need, particularly the homeless.

We were very pleased to join the UCD Philharmonic Choir as special guests for an evening of a cappella choral music celebrating the natural world.

UCD’s programme featured works by Saint-Saëns, Palestrina, Gjeilo, Choi, Bettinis and others.

Cuore’s short guest performance included the Irish premiere of Eric Whitacre’s evocative setting of Robert Frost’s beloved poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

This beautiful night of music-making took place in the lovely setting of Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin 2.

We took some time out today from rehearsing for our upcoming Christmas concert to welcome back composer, harpist and Cuore alumna, Anne-Marie O’Farrell.

Anne-Marie came straight from today’s premiere of her Murmuration, to explore some sketches for a new choral work we’ve commissioned from her with the support of the Arts Council. She put us through our paces with some exciting cluster chord progressions, rhythmic syllables, and percussive vocalisations.

Anne-Marie’s new piece is the third and final one of our 10th anniversary commissions. We intend to hold a public workshop on this piece in February next year in advance of the world premiere at our Dublin concert in April 2026; watch this space!

What a pleasure to have lyric tenor Christopher Bowen of Chamber Choir Ireland join us for a Choral Clinic at our rehearsal this evening! Chris has a wealth of experience as a professional soloist and ensemble singer with groups such as The BBC Singers and Theatre of Voices.

It was wonderful to work in detail on some of the Romantic and contemporary competition repertoire for our trip to the International Baltic Sea Choir Competition in two weeks time. Thank you to Chris for his insightful comments, encouraging feedback and good humour. Thank you also to Chamber Choir Ireland for organising these clinics and to The Arts Council for funding them.

We highly recommend that other Sing Ireland members apply for future choral clinic opportunities.