Saturday 29th April, 9.30am
Portadown Male Voice Choir is the longest established such organisation in the whole island of Ireland and for 97 years it has not only provided joy and pleasure to countless thousands of people, but it has maintained the highest standards of music making through even the darkest times. The Choir is well known throughout Ireland as a result of its successful participation in choral festivals over the years including here in Cork, and has made its mark further afield with overseas visits to USA, Canada and Germany. They were invited by Phil Coulter to sing on the original recording of the rugby anthem Ireland's Call. The Choir has performed with distinction at Hillsborough Castle and at Aras An Uachtarain for President Mary McAleese. Music making has enabled the Choir, through the generosity of its audiences, to contribute many thousands of pounds to deserving charitable causes. The Choir's Conductor and Musical Director Mr. Gordon Speers was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2013 for Services to Music.