The 47th annual Irish Church Music Association Summer School will begin next Wednesday 6 July and run until Saturday 9 July in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co Kildare. The theme for the 2016 Summer School is God Full of Mercy.
Bookings are still being taken for the Summer School which is open to choir directors, choir members, parish musicians, students and anyone with an interest in being part of a celebration of Church music.
This year’s programme includes a blend of contemporary and traditional choral pieces with emphasis on psalms, the sacraments, ritual and music for the liturgical year in schools. The workshops will provide opportunities to develop the skills of cantors, organists and instrumentalists in addition to parish choirs and folk groups.
Those interested in attending can come along for a day or for the full school. The cost for attending the full school is €270 and for a single day €80. There is a discount for anyone who wants to attend for an additional day. The cost for students is €180 for the full event.
One of the presenters at this year’s Summer School will be Tony Alonso, one of the most prominent voices in contemporary liturgical music. His music reflects an understanding of the multicultural needs of the contemporary church as well as a commitment to strong ritual music. In addition to several published collections of liturgical music, Tony’s music appears in compilations and hymnals throughout the world. Tony has shared his musical gifts as well as his love and knowledge of liturgy at conferences and events across North America and Europe. He is also the published author of several books and articles related to liturgy and liturgical music.
Tony holds a Bachelor of Music degree in choral conducting from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts degree in theology from Loyola Marymount University. An emerging theologian, Tony is currently pursuing a PhD in the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is focusing on liturgical and ritual studies.
The musical director team at this year’s Summer School includes Ian Callanan, Sharon Lyons, Father Paul Kenny, Ciaran Coll and Karen O’Donovan.
Young people attending the school this year will be able to participate in the New Generation Youth Choir.
Father Turlough Baxter is the Chair of the Irish Church Music Association and he spoke to CatholicNews.ie about the Summer School. Click here to listen to the interview.
For more information and booking please see http://www.irishchurchmusicassociation.com/
ENDS
