Thursday, September 23, 2010

Schola Cantorum is now forty years young

St Finian College’s Schola Cantorum is celebrating forty years in existence next month with a special anniversary concert in the august surrounds of Maynooth College’s chapel on October 4.

Established in 1970 by the Irish Catholic Hierarchy as a scholarship music school for secondary students from across the country with an interest in liturgical music, October’s concert will give past and present pupils and their families an oppurtunity to celebrate the positive impact this most unique of educational establishments has had on Irish music.

The success of the scholarship program at the school can be measured in the number of college professors, professional musicians and teachers that it has produced since it opened its doors four decades ago.

However, while past pupils may have gone onto distinguish themselves as adults, winning a scholarship to the school is an achievement in itself for the school’s young musicians.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, current Director, Gerard Lillis, who as a former pupil of the school has “come full circle”, said that anyone who is lucky enough to get a scholarship has earned it.

“They would all be gifted musicians with an interest in liturgical music. There is also a lot of competition for places with up to as many as 50 students taking part in auditions. In addition to their school work, they would have daily lessons in piano, organ and one other instrument or voice. There is also a lot more music theory than is necessary for the Junior or Leaving Certificates.”

Mr Lillis also noted that while the school’s main objective is to ensure that Ireland’s rich traditon in liturical music continues for generations to come, many students have distinguished themselves in the world of secular music also.

“Some of our past pupils are university lecturers, such as Professor Harry, who is the Chair of Music of UCD, and we have past pupils who have directed musicals on Broadway and around the world. We also have past pupils in orchestras across the world. The event gives everyone associated with the school not only as opportunity to celebrate past achievements, but also to launch it into the future.”

Representatives from each of the school’s four decades will be performing during the concert, which will be recorded for broadcast by RTE early next year.

President Mary McAleese, who is a patron of the school, will also be in attendance.

SIC: WE/IE