Wonderful for the Choir to have the opportunity to sing Seán Doherty's wonderful setting of the Mass this morning in All Hallows Chapel DCU.  This is a special connection between the Choir, the Cathedral, Seán (on faculty) and DCU. Lovely that DCU President, Professor Dáire Keogh was present.
IN SEÁN'S OWN WORDS:
​A very special morning at DCU’s All Hallows Chapel.
DCU has welcomed the Palestrina Choir to the beautiful chapel on our All Hallows Campus for the next two years, while St Mary’s Cathedral undergoes major renovation works.
I was delighted to hear the choir, under the direction of their conductor, Blánaid Murphy, perform my Mass this morning. The work was commissioned to mark the 120th anniversary of the Palestrina Choir in 2023.
It is wonderful to see this extraordinary musical tradition becoming part of life at All Hallows over the next two years. During term, the choir will sing at two services each week:
Friday, 5.30pm – Sung Vespers
Sunday, 11.00am – Mass
Both services are open to the public.
Sincere thanks to DCU President Prof Dáire Keogh for the warmth of the University’s welcome to Blánaid, the choristers and the entire Palestrina Choir community. I’m very much looking forward to hearing much more music in the chapel over the coming two years.

From left to right: Choir Director Blánaid Murphy, Composer Seán Doherty and President of DCU, Professor Dáire Keogh. 

Last Sunday, 20th September, was an exciting morning - a full congregation gathered in the beautiful chapel in Hall Hallows DCU for the full choir's first Mass in our new home for the next 2 years. This is due to the refurbishment of St Mary's Cathedral, Dublin Diocese, which is just starting. Mozart, Viadana and Hassler resounded in the very fine acoustic. The chapel organ, originally built by Telford & Telford (1898) and rebuilt by R.E. Meates & Son Ltd Organ Builders, although in need of tuning, filled the whole body of the chapel. And we were delighted to welcome 6 senior probationers in their blue choir robes on Sunday for the first time. Mary Sugrue, wardrobe mistress has done sterling work in getting robes and choir uniform ready.

All Hallows Chapel is a beautiful place with a rich history of liturgical music in the past. We are most appreciative to the President of DCU and to the staff for welcoming us. And it was thrilling to see so many people present. ​

Today was the first sung Vespers of the choir year - the boys resumed singing this office in the beautiful and intimate Chapel in All Hallows DCU. Sung Vespers will take place every Friday during the school year in All Hallows.

And Buttons, our choir canine mascot was back! The Senior Probationers were delighted to meet her with her owner Geraldine.

We are delighted to welcome these 11 young boys from all over Dublin who began their choir journey today as Junior Probationers. They will be in training for a year until they become senior probationers next year before going on to be robed choristers. 
We will be looking forward to their first performance in the National Concert Hall at our annual Christmas extravaganza on Thursday 10th December.
Welcome and congratulations to these young training choristers!

“The evening … peaks during its climax. The Palestrina Choir adds rich texture to a stirring rendition of Ára bátur, followed by a glorious, cathartic run through Hoppípolla.” The Business Post 
"Whole night was outstanding but when the Palestrina choir came on for Ára bátur was like the gates of heaven opening."
The boys were invited to join with the Ulster Orchestra in performing with the world-renowned Icelandic band Sigur Rós and conductor Robert Ames in 3 concerts as part of their European tour 2026.
These performances were magical and it was wonderful for the boys to have this special opportunity.