Limerick Choral Union celebrates 60 years of choral singing

Limerick Choral Union members of LCU’s 60th Anniversary Committee pictured above with Mayor Ger Mitchell. Picture: Liam Burke

Limerick Choral Union was founded in 1964 to accompany Radio Eireann Orchestra on its visit to Limerick

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Councillor Gerald Mitchell formally launched Limerick Choral Union celebrations of 60 years of choral singing on November 1^st, 2023, in City Hall.

Limerick Choral Union was founded in 1964 to accompany Radio Eireann Orchestra on its visit to Limerick. The choir was formed with the intention of bringing together singers from church choirs of denominations in Limerick and surrounding areas. LCU now has over 140 members and is stronger than ever.

Most of LCU’s members have spent many enjoyable years with the choir doing what they love. One member, Stephen O’Shea, has been singing with the choral union since its inception in 1964. Well known for his wonderful tenor voice, Stephen has supported his fellow choristers in many performances over the years. Stephen in describing his participation with the choir said “It means everything to me. I have thought of retiring a few times, but I am not ready!”

Co-Chairs of the LCU Committee Lorraine MacMahon and Denise King are steering the choir in its 60^th year. Denise King shared “It’s such a privilege to be co-chairing LCU in such a special year for us. We are looking forward to all our events throughout the year to mark this amazing milestone”.

LCU will mark the beginning of the 60^th year with a concert in University Concert Hall on December 2, where LCU will perform Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia and Calm Sea & Prosperous Voyage. In the second half the choir will perform Orff’s dramatic ‘Carmina Burana’ which will be performed by over 230 singers and musicians.

LCU will perform throughout the year including Verdi’s Requiem at UCH April 20, 2024.

LCU is an oratorio, community choir based in the heart of Limerick City, Ireland.  The choir’s aim is to make choral singing enjoyable and rewarding for the singers and audience alike. The choir consists of more than one hundred and forty voices from Limerick and neighbouring counties. Under the baton of the Musical Director, Mr. Malcolm Green, LCU performs two major concerts per year and regularly performs at charity events and many other concerts and occasions.

Tickets are available from the box office at UCH or online at www.uch.ie 

Related stories