City of Derry International Choir Festival: Success for Laetare Vocal Ensemble

Laetare Vocal Ensemble recently participated in the prestigious City of Derry International Choir Festival. The choir, which is based in Dublin City Centre, is conducted by Dr Róisín Blunnie of the School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music. Laetare was awarded second place overall, with Elleri Female Choir from Estonia winning the top prize.

Laetare also received the Contemporary Music Centre Trophy for the performance of a work by an Irish composer, for The Old Woman by Róisín's DCU colleague Dr Rhona Clarke. In addition, the special award to a conductor for the interpretation and performance of a programme in the international category was awarded to Róisín Blunnie. Laetare's programme included pieces by Claudio Monteverdi, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Rhona Clarke, Claude Debussy and Selga Mence.

In the celebratory Gala concert which concludes the Festival, Laetare performed 'It's Strange About Stars' by Dr Seán Doherty (DCU) and the well-known spiritual 'My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord' by Moses Hogan.

Watch Laetare's performance of 'My Soul's been Anchored' here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAmxf2imOCk