Winterval 2023 Choral Trail Announced

Irish Doctor’s Choir present Samson, Home Alone with live score by the National Symphony Orchestra, The Armed Man at St John’s Church & Lions Club Christmas Concert at the Cathedral

A sensational selection of choral events is now announced by the Winterval Festival in Waterford which will take place at venues across the city from November 17th to December 23rd 2023.

The first choral event on the Winterval Choral Trail is what is sure to be an uplifting performance from the Irish Doctor’s Choir at Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford on November 26th at 3.30pm as they present a 2 hour performance of ‘Samson’ by George Frederick Handel. 

This performance of Handel’s most dramatic oratorio will feature soloists Eamonn Mulhall (Samson), Doreen Curran (Micah), Aisling Kenny (Dalila), Pauls Putninš (Manoa) with specialist French Baroque  Ensemble  Pulcinella. The Musical Director is Brian MacKay. The event will support the Waterford-based Solas Cancer Support Centre

Up next on December third is The Armed Man - Mass for Peace by Notable Works at St John’s Church on December 3rd with Waterford Concert Orchestra, Leader Eimear Heeney and Conductor Kevin O’Carroll..  The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace composed by Karl Jenkins is a powerful and compelling account of the descent into, and terrible consequences of, war. It is a major choral work which uses both sacred and secular texts. The duration is just over one hour.

Many sections of the work are worthy of close examination - not least the Angus Dei and the Sanctus - but the haunting Benedictus that captivates listeners to the greatest extent. Jenkins writing for soulful cello is described as simply sublime.

A firm family favourite will be shown on the big screen at SETU Arena however, the musical score on this wonderful movie will be performed live by the National Symphony Orchestra, film buffs will love Home Alone on December 10th at 7.30pm. 

The screening of the Christmas classic Home Alone with live orchestral accompaniment will be conducted by Caleb Young and featuring the vocal talent of Cór na nÓg, the national children’s choir, with choral director Mary Amond O’Brien. A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score. 

One of the great traditions of Christmas in Waterford is the annual Waterford Lions Club Christmas Appeal with an aim to help 1,200 families have a better Christmas by providing food hampers throughout the city and its environs. Along with a host of events, one of the highlights is the Christmas Concert at the Cathedral of the Most Holy at Barronstrand Street with orchestra leader Eimear Heeney and conductor Kevin O’Carroll. This free concert will take place on December 16th at 4pm. 

In addition the Winterval Festival are calling on all choirs for the Winterval main stage. Co-Director of Winterval Trevor Darmody says, “There is nothing that inspires the Christmas atmosphere quite like the soaring voices of a choir flowing through the streets. So we are asking all choirs who would like to perform, they can do so via email to info@winterval.ie. The festival runs from November 17th to December 23rd and we have afternoon and evening slots available throughout the festival with indoor options available during inclement weather.”

The Winterval Festival will light up the City with a host of events from November 17th to December 23rd. Already, top secret visits have been taking place right under the noses of the people of Waterford as Santa has made preliminary visits to Ireland’s Christmas Festival to ensure his elves are carrying out all of his tip top plans for his candy filled Gingerbread House in the city centre for Winterval. The Winterval elves have been super busy and they will be ready to welcome boys and girls to visit Santa from November 17th. 

At Ireland’s Christmas Festival there will be plenty to see and do as the festival organisers are planning another Winterval extravaganza with all of the festival’s firm favourites including the Waterford Illuminates light show, Ice Skating, the Winterval Christmas Market, live music gigs and lots more set to dazzle and delight.

Further details of the 2023 Winterval Festival programme will be revealed over the coming weeks, for now, details on the Santa experience can beewed and reservations made on the website.