A choral calling: Limerick's oldest choir in the hunt for new voices

IT IS hard not to feel inspired and uplifted when you hear the beautiful sound of choral music in the stunning surroundings of St Mary’s Cathedral in the city centre.

The magnificent Medieval building, which dates back more than 850 years, is often packed out with people looking forward to hearing the sweet sounds of the choir.

Now, choirmaster and organist Peter Barley is on the hunt for the next generation of choral talent for the ensemble.

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With 17 members, the choir can lay claim to being the oldest in Limerick, with its history dating back to the 1400s.

“We are obviously open to challenge on that,” Peter laughs.

“We have been in existence for hundreds of years. We are keen to get more people to know about the choir. It’s well known in particular communities, but we want people to know more about the opportunities here,” he added.

While anyone can apply to join the choir, secondary school students in particular are sought.

“You need to look to the future. If you’re thinking of who is going to be singing in their 30s and 40s in Limerick, you’ve got to think they began here when they were 10 or 15. You’ll see people cropping up in other musical settings in Limerick, and they began here, before my time, as youngsters,” Peter added.

“The choir consists of a wide range of ages and backgrounds, from teenagers, but also there would be third-level students at Mary Immaculate College and University of Limerick, plus there are adults from all walks of life. It’s a nice diverse group of people,” said the choirmaster.

Peter has been with St Mary’s Cathedral for 15 years, and is also a member of staff at the Limerick School of Music, where he teaches piano, organ and theory.

Above: Eóin Moore and Pierce Portley with Peter Barley, organist and choirmaster

He was previously a choirmaster at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and has performed across the world.

Also an organ scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, Peter was a post-graduate student of the Royal Academy of Music in London.

He says the skills and habits which can be picked up in a choir are transferable to other parts of life, citing good timekeeping, organisation, teamwork and making new friends.

That was certainly the case for teenage bass vocalists Pierce Portley, 15, and Eoin Moore, 18.

Until they joined St Mary’s Cathedral Choir, they did not realise they were neighbours at South Circular Road, and went to the same city school - Ardscoil Ris.

Pierce admits he wasn’t into singing at a young age - his mum had to persuade him to join Cecilia Madden’s choir in Limerick School of Music.

“Eventually I gave in. I went to one session and I found it really fun, as I got to talk to a load of new people, and read music,” says the youngster, who is a talented musician, playing the trombone, recorder and piano.

It was from there that the school was approached by St Mary’s Cathedral, and he responded to the call.

Asked what the most enjoyable part of being in the choir is, he said: “I think it’s the community aspect. The congregation when they are listening to us singing, whether it be for the Sunday services or the concerts.”

It’s something Eoin picks up on, saying he loves seeing the cathedral packed out.

“It’s great, because I also enjoy it. I love singing and they love hearing all of us, especially around Christmas, where there are loads of beautiful songs you can sing,” he said.

Eoin, who has also appeared in productions of High School Musical and Mamma Mia, has been able to expand his vocal range while being part of the choir.

“In musical terms, when I was starting, I thought - maybe it’s harsh to say - but maybe it was going to be boring music, a bit stale. But there are some lovely pieces. Like when we do Mozart and Bach. I’ve listened to a load of great pieces, and I’ve got to sing a lot of great pieces,” he adds.

An interest in church classical music is important, choirmaster Peter said.

“What we’d be looking for is a naturally-produced voice, and the ability to sing in tune. A gentle, but well produced voice,” he added.

All members are given a small payment, and the chance to learn from Peter, with rehearsals taking place between 5.30pm and 7.15pm each Friday night.

“The commitment is important. Members won’t get much out of it if they don’t commit to it. It is like any other group activity.

You’re not going to get very good at rugby if you only turn up to one training session a year,” Peter said.

Cathedral dean Niall Sloane stressed the choir is open to people of all faiths and none.

Singing is good for one’s mental health, he added.

“We saw this at its worst during Covid-19 when we couldn’t sing and our worship was the poorer for it. Singing is just good. How many of us sing in the shower or the car? And we are here doing it as a group! You enter this beautiful space to hear beautiful music and it can only uplift you and gladden the heart. People often go out with a smile after hearing a wonderful piece resonating through the cathedral.”

To join the choir, call 061-310293, or email peterandrewbarley@gmail.com.