Millicent Singers Snatch Top Honour at First Entry to Feis Ceoil

Spring season brought out the best in Millicent Singers on our recent first outing to compete in Feis Ceoil.
It was a sunny but chilly Sunday when the choir took a trip to the RDS in Dublin to compete in the Mixed Voices competition of prestigious Feis Ceoil 2019.
Competition was fierce, with previous winners and competitors of a very high calibre also singing in the same category. There was a great buzz of excitement as members warmed up, rehearsed and prepared themselves for competition. Everyone was delighted to be performing in the beautiful RDS Concert Hall, as well as appreciating the opportunity to sing at such an event.

The choir opened with an affecting rendition of ‘Gaudete’, as arranged by Michael McGlynn. It was an atmospheric and beautiful performance, enhanced by soloists Deirdre and Kieran. 

‘Ritmo’ by Dan Davidson brought Millicent Singers’ outing to a close in spectacular style. Audience and adjudicator were mesmerised by the singing, clapping, stamping of this lively Spanish piece and were transported to Spain for a few minutes of total joy.
In his critique the adjudicator referred to the performance as a “real tour de force” and complimented the choir on performing “with great confidence and communication”.
The wait seemed endless as the adjudicator assessed his notes and made his judgment. To our sheer delight, Millicent Singers were announced as winners of the mixed voice competition, Feis Ceoil 2019.

What a result! What a day to remember! What a thrill! Each and every member travelled back to Kildare with a lightness of heart.

Our musical director Alan Kelly, congratulating the choir had this to say:

“yet again, Millicent Singers have proved themselves to be an incredible bunch of people. Most can't read music. Most learn their music from line parts and commit it to memory. They let me guide them and steer them in whatever direction I want - and I could not be more grateful to them. This is their success. They have worked so very hard for it. Well done Millicent Singers”

Alan also shared his thoughts on why he feels competing is important: “Winning choir competitions is NOT the best way of measuring success and many would say that you shouldn't put art into competition. But these competitions, these events give us something to work towards. To make ourselves better. To be better”.

The choir wasted no time and were straight back to rehearsals the next day to prepare for our trip to the Navan Choral Festival on 12th May.

Millicent Singers’ exciting season culminates in our Summer Concert which will take place in Clane Church on Sunday 26th May. This year we will be joined by special guests from the United States: The Lenoir-Rhyne University A Capella Choir. Coming all the way from Hickory, North Carolina, the group is known for their amazing diversity and pristine tuning. The concert promises to be a rare musical treat and we hope that the people of Kildare will join us in giving our guests a very warm welcome. 

Speaking about the 2019 season, Alan Kelly says “It’s an exciting year ahead for Millicent Singers, in addition to our competitions and concerts we also plan to lay down tracks for our first ever CD. With Feis Ceoil and Navan festivals before the summer we also can look forward to the City of Derry International Choir Festival in October.” 

Millicent Singers would like to thank all who supported our Annual Table Quiz in Millicent Golf Club. We had a huge crowd who generously supported not only our quiz but our raffle also. 

Dates for your diary:

Another date to keep in mind is Thurs 6th June 7:45pm AGM, Millicent Golf Club