2 November 2023
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
The Christmas season officially kicked off in the Council Chamber of Cork City Hall, as Lord Mayor Councillor Kieran McCarthy launched the 61st Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert, which will take place on Saturday, 2nd December in Cork City Hall.
At the launch of the 61st Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert, at Cork City Hall, were members of the organising team including Director of Services Paul Moynihan, Valerie Keating; The current Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy (Ind), and Nuala Stewart. (Pic: Brian Lougheed)
Attendees at the launch were treated to a performance by the Douglas ICA Choir, and Music Mash Up Mayfield, as well as a performance by the Lord Mayor himself, which went down a treat! As always, the Christmas Concert is a charity event, and the Lord Mayor has selected St Vincent de Paul, Féileacáin, and Music Generation as the charity beneficiaries of this year. All were in attendance last night and spoke of their appreciation of being recognized for the vital work that they carry out.
As a lifelong fan of music and musical theatre, the Lord Mayor has certainly put his own stamp on the Concert this year, which will be led by Programme Director Yvonne Coughlan, and will showcase a journey from opera through operetta to musical theatre, and will feature the four talented soloists Majella Cullagh, Karen Underwood, Simon Morgen and Christiana Underwood. Also performing will be the Cork Concert Orchestra led by conductor Brian Prendergast, Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, Douglas ICA Choir lead by Regina Gilley, Carrigaline Singers lead by Alan Carney, and the newly formed Ukrainian Kalyna Choir lead by Svetlana Deikun, as well as the Lord Mayor himself!
The Lord Mayor spoke of his excitement at launching the concert.
“Performance art has always been important in my life, so to be part of this concert alongside incredible Irish talent, and raising funds for organisations who support the people of Cork and beyond is an excellent honour during my term. I look forward to meeting our Gala Christmas Concert audience.”
The people of Cork are urged not to miss the spectacular Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert 2023, which will be an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and festive celebration featuring the city’s most talented musicians and performers. If the launch event is anything to go by, the concert is a must-see!
Tickets are sure to sell fast for this event, and can be purchased online through The Everyman website https://everymancork.com/events/lord-mayors-gala-christmas-concert/or in Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.