Members of the Malverne High School Select Choir brought their voices across the Atlantic during a week-long tour of Ireland this summer.
Traveling between Cork, Cobh, Killarney and Dublin, the students enjoyed the deep cultural experiences the Emerald Isle has to offer. The students enjoyed a vast array of sights both beautiful and historic, including the Blarney Castle and the city of Dublin. While touring the stone ruins of Muckross Abbey — which are more than 600 years old — they shared their joy with an informal a cappella performance. Another performance in the lobby of their Dublin hotel gathered an impressive audience, which included the coach of the Republic of Ireland women’s national soccer team Vera Pauw.
The highlight of their trip was a gala performance at the Christ Church Cathedral — which is nearly one thousand years old — on July 4. They, alongside choirs from New Jersey and California, used their voices to fill the cathedral’s ancient halls. Each choir performed a solo section before coming together for a program led by Dr. Rollo A. Dilworth, a renowned choral composer, arranger, conductor and music educator.
Many of the students had never traveled abroad before. The opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Ireland, while sharing their love of music with audiences from across the world, was an awe-inspiring experience they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.