August Rehearsal 2018
In the beginning....
In 1996, while attending the Cork Choral Festival, a group of Wicklow singers were struck by the energy and fun of barbershop performers visiting from the UK and decided that they wanted to sing like that too. They set about setting up a barbershop chorus in the east of the country while another group was established in the midlands. For a time both choruses occasionally met up to sing together and enjoy every moment of their new-found hobby. Coincidently, Cherry Hartshorn, a UK barbershop doyenne, had re-located to Ireland and having been literally 'spotted' on the street in Dublin by one of the Wicklow ladies was cajoled into taking on the larger chorus and as the saying goes the rest is history.
Formally established in 1998, the chorus rehearses monthly and always welcomes visitors as well as prospective new members. The 52 strong chorus is supported by hard working Music and Presentation Teams as well as a Chorus Committee , all made up of chorus members.
Ireland Unlimited has also had the pleasure of singing on a number of occasions for the former Irish President Mary McAleese in her state residence, Áras an Uachtaráin and also in the Houses of Parliament in Leinster House on Culture Night 2010-2013 inclusive.
Ireland Unlimited, aim to push the boundaries of technical excellence, musicality and performance. They do this by entering prestigious national and international competitions and performing both locally and further afield. On the European stage, the chorus has both competed and preformed in Holland, Spain, Glasgow, England and Wales. While there are a number of members with musical backgrounds, a large number of the chorus members have no formal training and, indeed, are unable to read music! New songs are distributed to chorus members on teach tacks as well as through sheet music thus allowing for all levels of ability amongst the chorus ranks.
The Next Chapter
November 2017 saw the resignation of the Chorus director Cherry and the chorus set out to find ourselves a new one that would be equal to the task.
May 2018 Ireland Unlimited appointed Ciarán Kelly and are enjoying building on the chorus previous success while embracing new challanges under Ciarán's wonderful tutelage.
This is a fun-loving chorus who work hard and play even harder. Spanning a wide age range and coming from all walks of life, the energy and vibrancy shown, both on- and off-stage, is a tribute to the remarkable group of women who are Ireland Unlimited.
In 1996, while attending the Cork Choral Festival, a group of Wicklow singers were struck by the energy and fun of barbershop performers visiting from the UK and decided that they wanted to sing like that too. They set about setting up a barbershop chorus in the east of the country while another group was established in the midlands. For a time both choruses occasionally met up to sing together and enjoy every moment of their new-found hobby. Coincidently, Cherry Hartshorn, a UK barbershop doyenne, had re-located to Ireland and having been literally 'spotted' on the street in Dublin by one of the Wicklow ladies was cajoled into taking on the larger chorus and as the saying goes the rest is history.
Formally established in 1998, the chorus rehearses monthly and always welcomes visitors as well as prospective new members. The 52 strong chorus is supported by hard working Music and Presentation Teams as well as a Chorus Committee , all made up of chorus members.
Ireland Unlimited has also had the pleasure of singing on a number of occasions for the former Irish President Mary McAleese in her state residence, Áras an Uachtaráin and also in the Houses of Parliament in Leinster House on Culture Night 2010-2013 inclusive.
Ireland Unlimited, aim to push the boundaries of technical excellence, musicality and performance. They do this by entering prestigious national and international competitions and performing both locally and further afield. On the European stage, the chorus has both competed and preformed in Holland, Spain, Glasgow, England and Wales. While there are a number of members with musical backgrounds, a large number of the chorus members have no formal training and, indeed, are unable to read music! New songs are distributed to chorus members on teach tacks as well as through sheet music thus allowing for all levels of ability amongst the chorus ranks.
The Next Chapter
November 2017 saw the resignation of the Chorus director Cherry and the chorus set out to find ourselves a new one that would be equal to the task.
May 2018 Ireland Unlimited appointed Ciarán Kelly and are enjoying building on the chorus previous success while embracing new challanges under Ciarán's wonderful tutelage.
This is a fun-loving chorus who work hard and play even harder. Spanning a wide age range and coming from all walks of life, the energy and vibrancy shown, both on- and off-stage, is a tribute to the remarkable group of women who are Ireland Unlimited.
