AN CÓR – Sideline’s new Irish language choir competition series for RTÉ One

What happens when you cast the six best or most suitable choirs in the country and then have these largely English-speaking singers learn, rehearse and perform the most popular Gaelic songs ever sung by Irish school children even to this day? The result is the bi-lingual TV series An Cór (The Choir) – an Irish language singing competition with a difference broadcast over 4 shows during Seachtain na Gaeilge March 2010 on RTÉ One.

AN CÓR (pronounced ‘encore’) is a bi-lingual TV series and choirs do not have to contain all Irish speakers.

Presented by Fiachna O’Braonáin (Hothouse Flowers), AN CÓR features six choirs immersing themselves in the culture, language and history of traditional Irish songs like Báidín Fheilimí, Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile, Poc ar Buile, Bean Pháidín and Beidh Aonach Amárach. In each of the first three shows two choirs compete against each other whilst learning and understanding the words, rehearsing the pronunciation whilst Fiachna travels the country understanding the back story of the songs themselves and mentors the choirs as they attempt to impress the judging panel (to be announced) with their final polished version. The three successful choirs from the heats then compete in the final show with one choir crowned the winner on the final RTÉ One programme in March 2010. 

To take part in this brand new TV series, production company Sideline, and RTÉ are seeking choirs from all styles and nationalities over the ages of 18. What is important is that the choir was formed prior to the competition, committed to a high standard of performance, led by a charismatic choirmaster or conductor and possibly has an interesting history itself. 

To download an application form please log onto www.rte.ie/tv/wanted and remember the closing date is Friday 11th September.

Choirs that meet the criteria and contain an Irish-speaking member (or members) are particularity encouraged to enter, and all choirs have to be available initially for auditions and filming on selected dates between September and December 2009.

Note the application process is merely an expression of interest and not an indication to the choir that they will be asked to take part in any stage of the TV programme.

If you need further information please email ancor@sideline.ie or call Arlene McGann at SIDELINE at 01 631 5310

The application form is available here or from the RTÉ website (www.rte.ie) and the sideline website (www.sideline.ie). 

Closing Date is Friday September 11^th

AN CÓR is a Sideline Production for RTÉ