National Choral Singing Week to mark World Mental Health Week 2011

The 4th annual National Choral Singing Week took place from 8th to 16th October 2011 to mark World Mental Health Day (10 October) and to promote the message that Choral Singing is Good for your Mental Health.

Throughout the 2011 National Choral Singing Week choral activities were organised at choir rehearsals and in schools, shopping centres, care units, concert halls and workplaces to promote and recognise the positive benefits of choral singing.  Events ranged from performances, singing in shopping centres, in hospitals and day care units, workshops, sing from scratch events, live jukebox etc..

One highlight was the choral 'flash mob' in Dundrum Shopping Centre, with 400 choristers, 4 conductors and many delighted shoppers. See a clip here The John Murray Show also featured a number of choirs on its show dedicated to National Choral Singing Week (and the Masterchef final). You can listen back here

The National Choral Singing Week was established in 2008 to promote the positive mental health benefits of choral singing. Choral or group singing can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, has been shown to increase the production of endorphins and adrenaline, heightening feelings of well-being, gives the participant a physical workout and is an enjoyable way to meet new people and make music together.

It is estimated that in excess of 25,000 people take part in choral activity every week in this country – they are a testament to the power of choral music.

The National Choral Singing Weeks in 2009 and 2010 were a real success, with over 105 events being organised all over the country, including an event in the Dail with TDs and senators.

A calendar of events is listed below.

Events Diary for National Choral Singing Week 2011- updated 10/10

Events still to be confirmed; get your events into us!

Carlow

Saturday 15th October
Éire Óg Clubhouse, Carlow
Singing Our Cares Away, With Mary Amond O’Brien this session is open to absolutely everyone, regardless of singing ability and age. Come join us as we sing together a range of easy-to-learn, uplifting and inspiring songs.  No prior singing experience needed!

Contact Irene Ryan from Carlow/Kilkenny Mental Health Services on 085 2308048

Cork

Tuesday 11th October, 7p.m.
Lord Mayor’s Chambers, City Hall, Cork City.
PfizerPfonics are performing for the Lord Mayor in his chambers and will sing one piece to mark World Mental Health Week.

Wednesday 12th October
St Michael's Psychiatric Unit of the Mercy University Hospital
Cork International Choral Festival is pleased to present a special performance by Voices of Cork.  The choir will present a special concert in this well known ward, also giving patients the opportunity to meet and greet the various choristers. Please note that this is a private event.

Wednesday 12th October
Cork University Hospital, Cork
Cantairí Mhiscraí, Ballincollig will sing in the CUH Mental Health Unit on Wednesday evening for the patients. Please note that this is a private event.

Thursday 13th October,
East Cork Choral Society will mark the week at their rehearsal.

Friday 14th October
‘Craic for Choirs’, Roebuck Room, Commons Inn, Blackpool, Cork.
A night of entertainment organised for local choirs by Cór Gheal Choir.
Contact Betty FitzGerald, 021 4884135, for details.

Friday 14th October
The Carragaline Singers are attending ‘Craic for Choirs’ and will be performing 2 pieces to mark World Mental Week/National Choral Singing Week

Friday 14th October
Cantabile Vocal Ensemble will take part in 'Craic for Choirs' as part of World Mental Health Week and National Choral Singing Week

Friday 14th October, 7.30p.m.
St Patrick's Church, Bandon
The Glaslinn Ladies Choir will be singing at the opening of The Flower Festival.

Sunday 16th October, 3pm
Cork Airport
Cork Airport Singers are performing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cork Airport and will sing one piece to mark NCSW & WMHW Private event

Dublin

Saturday 8th October, 11a.m.-3p.m.
Carmelite Community Centre, Aungier Street, Dublin 2.
Soundstories present a free singing workshop to celebrate positive mental health.  Soundstories have also recorded 3 songs as a free download to get people singing.  Call 087 2322309 or email soundstoriesireland@gmail.com for more details

Saturday 8th October, 2.45p.m.
Áras Treasa, Coppinger Row (near Powerscourt Townhouse Centre)
Cantóirí are throwing open the doors to their rehearsal, everyone is welcome to join in for some fun.

Saturday 8th October
Blackrock Hospice
Leinster Singers and Garda Siochana Male Voice Choir will mark NCSW while performing at World Hospice Day. Private Event

Saturday 8th October, 8p.m.
St Agnes Parish Centre, Crumlin, Dublin 12
Crumlin & District Mental Health Association invites you to a Musical Evening Celebrating National Choral Singing Week, featuring - St Agnes Choral Society, Andrew Fox – Tenor, Pauline Cooper, Deirdre McCabe – Soprano and others.
Admission is free - All are welcome
For further information please phone: 086 2873526
                                        
Sunday 9th October, 10.30a.m.
St Kevin’s Church, Harrington Street, South Circular Road
Latin Mass, Delibes: Messe Breve sung by Piccolo Lasso

Sunday 9th October, 3.30p.m.
Holy Cross Church, Main St, Dundrum, Dublin 
Rockmount Choir will perform a free light hearted concert.  Also for good measure The Firhouse singers and soprano Jacinta Scully will sing and we are guaranteeing that you will go home humming. This is therapy for both body and mind. Enjoy!

Monday 10th October, 10p.m.
Irish Film Institute, Eustace Street, Dublin 2
Diva Voces will perform some pieces to mark NCSW / WMHW

Tuesday 11th October, 1p.m.
Dáil Éireann, Kildare Street
Liz Powell & her tuning fork encourage TDs and senators to sing out and enjoy the positive benefits of choral singing.
Private event

Wednesday 12th October, 8p.m.
The Helix, Dublin.
Sing out Loud; Sing out Strong - The Portmarnock Singers, The CanBeltos Ladies Choir, The Song and Dance Youth Choir, North Dublin Gospel Choir and the children of Song and Dance Stage School.
Tickets: €15/€13 available from thehelix.ie
Proceeds to Fingal Mental Health Association

Friday 14th October, 9-10a.m.
RTÉ Radio 1, The John Murray Show
A special focus on Choral Singing for National Choral Singing Week

Friday 14th October, 8p.m.
National Concert Hall, Dublin.
RTÉ Philharmonic Choir and RTÉ Cor Na nÓg along with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gerhard Markson

Sunday 16th October, 10.30a.m.
St. Kevin’s Church, Harrington Street, South Circular Road
Latin Mass, Lassus Scholars: Missa Bell' Amfitrit' altera

Sunday 16th October
Random Act of Music - RTÉ is calling on choirs nationally to join forces at a secret location in Dublin to raise the roofs and rattle the rafters, singing a well known piece of choral music lasting about six minutes

Donegal

Thursday 13th October
Ballyshannon
The Cór Craoghaigh Singers will dedicate time from their rehearsal to talk about positive mental health and sing a variety of songs including ‘Bridge over Troubled Waters’

Galway

Saturday 8th October, 4.30pm
IABS Barbershop Convention, Bailey Allen Hall, NUIG
A massed choir of all Barbershop Convention delegates singing to mark National Choral Singing Week and World Mental Health Week.

Saturday 15th October, 1.30pm
Kinvara, Co. Galway
The Quay singers will perform a 'Random Act of Choral Music' at a local shop in Kinvara to mark National Choral Singing Week.

Friday 21st October, 8p.m.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway.
Free Concert with Tribal Chamber Choir, Cois Cladaigh, Galway Gospel Choir and The Baytones.  Admission is free.

Kildare

Saturday 8th October, 7p.m.
Naas General Hospital, Naas.
Eadestown Choir will be performing as part of World Mental Health Awareness at the main concourse at Naas General Hospital.  This event forms part of the volunteer programme, under the auspices of the Arts Committee at the hospital

Louth

Friday 7th October,
St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk
The School Choir will sing in the Chapel Hall of the School this morning to mark National Choral Singing Week and World Mental Health Week.

Saturday 15th October, 3p.m.
Highlanes Gallery, Laurence Street, Drogheda.
Sonata Singers will be singing for World Mental Health Week.

Limerick

Wednesday 12th October, 1.10-1.50p.m.
Tower Theatre, Irish World Academy, University of Limerick.
‘What’s so therapeutic about singing?’ A lunchtime seminar on Singing for Health and Well Being presented by UL’s Music and Health Research Group. This practical seminar will discuss some of the ways this topic has been researched and will present some findings as well as some workshop elements enjoyable for all.

Presented by Professor Jane Edwards, Tríona McCaffrey, Liz Powell (CEO Association of Irish Choirs), music therapy students, and guests.

Friday 14th October, 7.30p.m.
St John’s Cathedral, Limerick.
Limerick Choral Union, Limerick Gospel Choir, Ancor, UL Choral Society, Seoda, Presentation School Choir and Limerick County Youth Choir will all be performing to mark World Mental Health Week.  Admission is free and all are welcome.

Tipperary

Saturday 15th October, 3p.m.
Showgrounds Shopping Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Gospel Sounds Choir will sing at the shopping centre as part of a family day to mark National Choral Singing Week.

Waterford

Friday 14th October, 1p.m.
City Square Shopping Centre, Waterford City.
Waterford Male Voice Choir will mark National Choral Singing Week by performing a one hour lunch time concert.

Monday 10th October, 6.30p.m.
Holy Ghost House, Waterford.
Voci Female Voice Choir will be singing to mark World Mental Health Week

Wexford

Saturday 8th October, 10.30a.m.
County Wexford Library, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
Croí Ceol is opening the Health and Wellbeing Information Day which is being run in conjunction with Gorey Chamber of Commerce to mark the first day of National Mental Week.

Wednesday 12 October, 8.30p.m.
Rathangan Hall, Duncormick, Wexford
Rathangan Adult Choir have organised an Irish night of entertainment with popular band Cúpla, set dancers and the choir will be performing throughout the night.  Admission is €10

Thursday 13th October, 9a.m.-1p.m.
The Sunshine Child Group, Gorey Family Resource Centre, Gorey.
Live Choral Music to help groups experience the benefits of choral singing.

Friday 14th October, 9a.m.-1p.m.
Time Out for Parents, Gorey Family Resource Centre, Gorey.
Live Choral Music to help groups experience the benefits of choral singing.

Sunday 16th October, 8p.m.
Holy Trinity Church, Bunclody, Co. Wexford
Concert with 4 local choirs to celebrate positive mental health.

Wicklow

Sunday 9th October, 9p.m.
Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town
Wicklow Male Voice Choir have organised a choral concert for World Mental Health Week and National Choral Singing Week.  Tickets cost €10

Contact C Burke on 0404 67337

Saturday 15th October, 6.30p.m.
Queen of Peace Church, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Bray Choral Society will be singing at mass this evening to mark World Mental Health Week

 

Download Irish Times article: Tuning into good health in the bath
A growing body of evidence is emerging to suggest that belting out a
tune is good for our physical health, writes ELEANOR
FITZSIMONS

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2011/0201/1224288677361.html

For more information, contact AOIC at 061 234823, email aoic@ul.ie or contact your local Mental Health Development Officer.