Ardú returns to MusicTown 2021 for world premiere with the choristers of St Mary’s Pro cathedral

Recorded live at St Ann’s church, REFLEXIONEM is a unique concert collaboration between two of Ireland's most prominent vocal ensembles — Ardú (directed by Ciarán Kelly) and the choristers of St Mary's Pro cathedral (directed by Blánaid Murphy). Broadcaster and songwriter Carl Corcoran will present the concert, offering reflective readings throughout.

Together they will perform a programme reflective of today's new world. Featuring music by Irish composers Colin Mawby and Damien Kehoe as well as a rare performance of Gabriel Jackson's Oculi Omnium. The concert culminates in the world premiere of The Phoenix by Carl Corcoran and Art McGann, arranged by Ciarán Kelly.

'Art and I are humbled and honoured that our song is in such company - a collection of truly great composers and the combined forces of Ardú and the Choirs of St Mary’s Pro cathedral. The song encapsulates the images of a tragic day, September 11 2001, while celebrating the resilient nature of mankind, and in particular America at this time. The lyric echoes the words of Emma Lazarus on the plaque of the Statue of Liberty. The music reflects the spirit of strength and defiance of the aftermath rather than the shock of the day – hence the title 'The Phoenix' .Ciarán Kelly's beautiful arrangement captures the essence of our endeavours'
- Carl Corcoran

Ardú
Ardú is an award-winning ensemble and a pioneer of contemporary vocal music in Ireland. This vocal band has a busy touring schedule and has so far represented Ireland in international festivals in London, Edinburgh, Finland, Croatia, Austria and Italy. Ardú regularly performs at high profile festivals in Ireland such as the City of Derry International Choir Festival (2020), MusicTown Festival (2020), K Fest (2019) and the Cork International Choral Festival (2018), where they performed alongside Swedish trio Solala. The group has featured on TV and radio including the Ray D’Arcy Show, BBC Proms in your Garden and Sing: Ultimate A Cappella on Sky One. They supported American a cappella group Straight No Chaser at the National Concert Hall, Dublin in September 2019.

Members of the Choirs of St Mary’s Pro cathedral
Ardú will be joined by members from both of the choirs of St Mary’s Pro Cathedral — The Palestrina choir and the Pro cathedral Girls’ choir. The Palestrina choir (boys and men) have performed worldwide in its 130 year history, performing for the His Holiness Benedict XVI and several Presidents of Ireland amongst others. They have sung in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as the Sistine Chapel, Rome, Thomaskirche, Leipzig and Westminster Cathedral as well as recorded numerous albums to wide acclaim. The Girls’ choir was founded in 2009 and is an important development in the musical life of the Pro cathedral. This was in response to a groundswell of interest from the wider musical community associated with the Palestrina Choir, in particular the desire to afford similar musical education and experiences to girls. The Girls’ choir has developed into a fine cathedral choir, one which has its own identity and which is able to enrich and enhance the liturgical and musical life at the Pro cathedral. In addition to its significant contribution to this liturgical life, the choir has enjoyed several trips and tours to the United Kingdom (Ely, Cambridge & Southwark Cathedrals), Neerpelt in Belgium, Paris, Prague, Vienna & Limburg in Germany.

Carl Corcoran
Carl Corcoran is a 45-year veteran of the music industry. In the mid 70’s, under the moniker of Jamie Stone, Carl recorded three albums. His debut album ‘New Day’ was awarded 6 RMI Awards in 1974 (precursor of the Choice Awards) including Artist of the Year. A Number 1 hit followed in 1976 with ‘I Believe in Love’. In the late 70’s he moved to New York, where he pursued a career in various elements of the entertainment business including recording an award-winning CD ‘Dancing The Dublin Reel’ – voted Album of the Year 1995 by The Irish Echo. Returning to Ireland in 1999, he joined RTÉ Radio, broadcasting on Radio1
and Lyric fm until 2017 when he retired from the organisation. For 10 years Carl curated and presented ‘The Blue of The Night” – the acclaimed eclectic late-night programme on RTÉ Lyric fm. Carl’s music has been performed by the likes of Danny Doyle, Ronan Tynan, Sean Keane, Edel Murphy (former Celtic Woman) and the NY Tenors.

REFLEXIONEM
Livestream Concert
as part of MusicTown Festival 2021
Sunday 18 April, 8pm

Ardú, directed by Ciarán Kelly
Members of the Choirs of St Mary’s Pro cathedral, directed by Blánaid Murphy
Presented by Carl Corcoran

Featuring
Anna Marcossi, cello
David Grealy, organ

Tickets €10.50 available from
www.ardumusic.com/musictown

Programme:

Oculi Omnium - Gabriel Jackson
Mother of God Here I Stand - John Tavener
In Paradisum - Damien Kehoe

O Mysterium Ineffabile - Jean-François Lalouette
By the Waters of Babylon - Colin Mawby
O Fili et Filiae - Jean Tisserand
Haec Dies - Colin Mawby

Da Pacem Domine - Arvo Part
Reflexionem - Patrick Hawes
The Phoenix - Carl Corcoran/Art McGann arr. Ciarán Kelly