In the first event of the PALESTRINA CHOIR 120 celebrations, and in keeping with the Marian thread that will permeate throughout this year, the Palestrina Choir is absolutely delighted to collaborate with Adrian Le Harivel, Curator of British Art at the National Gallery of Ireland, on this interesting project. On the Feast of the Purification and Presentation to the Temple, Adrian will trace the portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in art throughout history with appropriate music sung by the choir.
THURSDAY 2ND FEBRUARY AT 7.30PM AT THE PRO-CATHEDRAL.
There will be a wine reception afterwards.
Entrance is free - ​All are most welcome. 

Art and Music on a Marian Theme with Guest Lecturer and Curator of British Art at the National Gallery of Ireland: Adrian le Harivel, promises to be an informative overview of how the Blessed Virgin Mary has been depicted and worshipped in both Art and Music.

The evening will cover six areas:

1. Origins of Marian Worship
2. The Marian Feasts
3. Purification of the Virgin and Candlemas
4. Lady Chapel and Specific Worship
5. Seven Joys of the Virgin
6. Marian Protection

Interspersed throughout these examples of Marian Art, the Palestrina Choir will provide a fitting musical backdrop all enveloped in the wonderful setting of St Mary's Pro-Cathedral. Everyone will also be invited to the wine reception after this wonderful event.
Please reserve your spot at Eventbrite.

Last week, we had a visit from Melanie Finn of the Irish Independant. All of the boys were excited to meet her! After a few informal interviews, the boys took to the Altar and decided to sing, for Melanie and her team, a small selection of carols for the choir's upcoming Christmas Concert 'Celebrating 120' in the National Concert Hall. Limited ticket availability. If you would like to read the rest of the article, please click on the image above. 

Advent Sunday was marked in a special way with a candle-lit Advent Procession, accompanying the light leading from the east of the Pro-Cathedral to the west. Advent Carols and Motets were sung by the Cathedral Girls' Choir and the Gentlemen of the Palestrina Choir.

Tickets selling fast for Christmas With The Palestrina Choir at the National Concert Hall on Saturday 10 December at 8pm. Our first concert back at NCH since December 2019, this concert will be special as it launches the Palestrina Choir's 120-year celebrations. Tickets are available at www.nch.ie 

Palestrina Choir Dublin – Celebrating 120 years of excellence in music
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.  

Throughout history, the Church has kept Advent as a season of great solemnity – a time in which to meditate upon the ultimate issues of death, judgement and heaven. Advent, though, was also a time of great rejoicing. For Christ would come, not only as Judge, but also as Saviour. Advent, therefore, provided a vivid preparation for Christmas.
 
The Advent Procession aims to recapture something of the longing and hope of Advent. It begins in darkness. As the service unfolds, the Light is carried to other parts of the Pro-Cathedral as the procession moves from west to east.
 
The Cathedral Girls’ Choir has sung a selection of Advent carols and seasonal music at this special service for the last few years. This year they will be joined by the Gentlemen of the Palestrina Choir for the first time.
 
This is a particularly special way to start Advent. We hope that many of you will join us on Advent Sunday, 27th November at 8pm for Darkness to Light, the Advent Procession.