The Airs, SSE Airtricity’s workplace choir, were on song recently when they performed at Ireland's prestigious Feis Ceoil music festival in Dublin's RDS Concert Hall.
This is the first time that SSE Airtricity’s workplace choir has performed at the prestigious Feis Ceoil competition and marks yet another landmark in the group's ongoing development. The choir, composed of the mixed voices of basses, tenors, altos and sopranos, delighted the audience and adjudicators with their ensemble performances of two contrasting pieces - Freddie Mercury's 'Somebody to Love' followed by the Traditional Scottish air 'Loch Lomond'. Their on-song performances earned The Airs a coveted Highly Commended Award from the Feis Ceoil adjudicators.
The Feis occupies a unique position in Irish life. Founded in 1896 the Feis Ceoil plays a major role in the development of musical talent in Ireland. To be successful at the Feis is very important in the musical career of many entrants, while for many others it is a means of obtaining enhanced enjoyment from their music while also providing a yardstick by which to measure their personal and ensemble standards.
The Feis award is music to the ears of the SSE Airtricity group as they build up to their next major project. They will be celebrating the completion of their inaugural year by participating in the AIMS New Ross Choral Festival in Co. Wexford on Sunday 18 May.
The Airs will be hoping to end their first year on a high note, and they plan to be sharp once again as, like the Feis, the New Ross festival is known for its high standards. Over 1,000 participants are expected to perform at the festival, with 20 competitions taking place over two days.
Professional choir conductor Ruaidhrí O’Dalaigh who has been working with The Airs since their foundation says their Feis accolade is an award to proud of. “The performance The Airs gave on the stage of the RDS far exceeded any expectation we could have had a few weeks ago. They really did an amazing job and they have massive potential as the adjudicator remarked upon. The more the team sing together, the better the blend of the choir becomes. The future is bright for The Airs.”
Choir organiser, Avril Hannin said: “The Airs have gone from strength to strength and it’s been brilliant to watch the group grow. We’re very proud of the award at the Feis and hopefully we can give as good a performance at the New Ross Choral Festival in May. New members are always welcome of course. The choir is made up of SSE staff of all different shapes and sizes and all levels of experience. It’s a lot of fun and as the sign says, 'you’ve note to lose' by giving it a go!”
The Airs currently have close to 40 members, but the group have set themselves a target of 50 regulars by the end of the year.