I think of myself being semi-retired, but that doesn’t seem to be the case when it comes to the latter part of the year. November 5th sees me conducting Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living in Rowe Street church in Wexford. Sunday December I am working on a performance of Karl Jenkins; The Armed Man in St. John’s Church in Waterford. Saturday December 9th it is back to Wexford for a Carol concert with Wexford Sinfonia and a collection of Wexford-based choirs all performing in aid of Wexford St. Vincent De Paul. The fourth outing is back to Waterford for the 34th Lions Club Carol Concert in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Barronstrand Street, Waterford at 4pm.
This is one event that has taken on a life of its own. For many it signals the start of Christmas in Waterford. For others it is their first experience playing in a large orchestra. Streamed online by Waterford in Your Pocket, it is also a link to home for many Waterford people not able to come home for Christmas. For all, it is a fun event where it is about participation and helping others less well off than ourselves. Thanks to the Lions Club and the St Vincent de Paul for all their work over the 34 years of this event.