Introduction:
The Palestrina Choir is celebrating 120 years of consistent excellence in expressing the most sublime creativity of the human spirit through music. In present day, the Palestrina Choir, upholds the time-honoured tradition of cathedral music which connects those at all stages of the pilgrim journey through life. with the One who inspires all creativity.
The Palestrina Choir of St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin has grown into a much loved and respected institution which continues to develop its unparalleled reputation for the singing of sacred music. Like the Abbey Theatre or the Artane Band, the Palestrina Choir is extraordinarily fortunate to hold a unique position within the diverse tapestry of Dublin’s Cultural and Social History. Since its foundation, the choir has had an inextricable link with the history of the nation, providing a sombre musical backdrop to iconic events, such as the state funerals of Michael Collins and that of former Irish President Eamon De Valera, to name but a few.
In 2023 the choir is delighted to be celebrating 120 years of excellence in music and has designed an exciting programme of events which will be held in the Pro Cathedral and various other locations throughout the country during the year. The 120 celebrations will commence at the annual sell-out “Christmas with the Palestrina Choir” concert at the National Concert Hall on 10 December 2022.
The Palestrina Choir of St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin has grown into a much loved and respected institution which continues to develop its unparalleled reputation for the singing of sacred music. Like the Abbey Theatre or the Artane Band, the Palestrina Choir is extraordinarily fortunate to hold a unique position within the diverse tapestry of Dublin’s Cultural and Social History. Since its foundation, the choir has had an inextricable link with the history of the nation, providing a sombre musical backdrop to iconic events, such as the state funerals of Michael Collins and that of former Irish President Eamon De Valera, to name but a few.
In 2023 the choir is delighted to be celebrating 120 years of excellence in music and has designed an exciting programme of events which will be held in the Pro Cathedral and various other locations throughout the country during the year. The 120 celebrations will commence at the annual sell-out “Christmas with the Palestrina Choir” concert at the National Concert Hall on 10 December 2022.
Dates of Events & PErformances:
visit to armagh cathedral
5th february 2023
Historic visit to St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland. The Choir gave a recital and sang at the evening Mass. This photo can now be added to the photos taken outside the main doors on the steps of Armagh Cathedral in 1903/4 and in 2003.
feast of the annunciation
sung vespers
saturday 25th march at 3pm
In celebrating its 120 years, the Palestrina Choir will high-light key Marian Feasts throughout the year.
tour to st finbarre's cathedral, cork - st colman's cathedral, cobh and mount melleray abbey, waterford
28th to 30th april
To read about the this tour please see our blog
tour to rome and palestrina
singing at papal mass on the feast of pentecost
short promo video of tour outline:
This was an incredible tour in so many ways. To read about it, please go to our blog entry.
Re-joyce
james joyce & sacred music
A unique celebration of sacred music from Ulysses and other works by James Joyce, with Darina Gallagher, Director of the James Joyce Centre, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and the Palestrina Choir.
This Bloomsday at 7:30pm, experience a glorious evening of sacred music from Ulysses and other works by James Joyce. Coinciding with the celebration of the Palestrina Choir's 120th year anniversary, this special concert will explore the musical life of Joyce’s Dublin as well as Joycean links with both the Palestrina Choir and the Pro-Cathedral itself. Sit back and listen to readings from Joyce’s work and some of the most beautiful sacred music ever written, including extracts from Palestrina Missa Papae Marcelli , Mozart Twelfth Mass, and Handel Hallelujah Chorus . Do not miss this incredible musical collaboration presented by Darina Gallagher, Director of the James Joyce Centre, and Blánaid Murphy, Director of the Palestrina Choir of St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
This Bloomsday at 7:30pm, experience a glorious evening of sacred music from Ulysses and other works by James Joyce. Coinciding with the celebration of the Palestrina Choir's 120th year anniversary, this special concert will explore the musical life of Joyce’s Dublin as well as Joycean links with both the Palestrina Choir and the Pro-Cathedral itself. Sit back and listen to readings from Joyce’s work and some of the most beautiful sacred music ever written, including extracts from Palestrina Missa Papae Marcelli , Mozart Twelfth Mass, and Handel Hallelujah Chorus . Do not miss this incredible musical collaboration presented by Darina Gallagher, Director of the James Joyce Centre, and Blánaid Murphy, Director of the Palestrina Choir of St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
John McCormack & Joyce promo: