Cantairí Avondale is an accomplished, auditioned SATB adult choir. We usually perform two concerts per year, and participate in choral festivals in Ireland and abroad. We regularly sing at such events as Culture Night and Bloomsday. Since 1970 the choir has developed its reputation for performing an eclectic mix of music including a cappella, oratorio and early music, as well as new choral works commissioned from Irish composers.

Since its foundation in 1970 by Dr Seán Creamer, Cantairí Avondale has performed a wide variety of choral music, including sacred and secular part-songs, modern and jazz classics, plain chant and oratorio.  Cantairí Avondale participate regularly in choral festivals throughout the country.

Our current Director of Music is Naoise Whearity. Previous Directors include John, Doyle, Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh, Dr. Mary O’Flynn and Dr. Seán Creamer.

Cantairí Avondale has a large following for its concerts,  particularly the Christmas concert which features traditional, less well known Christmas music from around the world. Major works performed by the choir include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater , Verdi’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart's Requiem, Fauré’s Requiem,  Schubert's Mass in G, Haydn’s Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo (Little Organ Mass), Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass and Toward the Unknown Region by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The choir has also a proud tradition of commissioning choral works by Irish composers such as John Buckley (Jabberwocky), Marion Ingoldsby (An Scread), Rhona Clarke (Song for St. Cecilia’s Day), Michael Gallen (Pursuing Moths) and Tom Lane (A Christmas Childhood).

Rehearsals

The choir normally rehearses in The Teachers’ Club, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 on Mondays from 7.30 to 10.00pm. New members are very welcome and auditions are held in late August and early January each year, but can be arranged outside of these times if people are interested in joining us.

Email cantairiavondale@gmail.com for further details.

PREVIOUS Awards

In 2016 the choir competed in The City of Derry International Choral Festival for the first time and was delighted to win the Popular, Jazz and Gospel Music competition.

The choir has also won competitions at Cork, Navan and Mayo International Choral Festivals as well as at Feis Ceoil and AIMS Choral Festival.