Students and faculty involved with the RIC Chamber Choir recently visited Ireland for their second concert tour in the country. Since 2002 the chorus has toured numerous countries across Europe including Great Britain, Italy, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
The 16 person Chamber Choir composed of members from both the RIC Chamber Singers and Concert Chorus gave performances at various locations throughout Ireland including St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Killarney; the Castelcourt Hotel in Westport for the Mayo Choral Festival; St. Mary’s Church in Julianstown and St. Patricks Cathedral in Dublin.
During their visit from May 20-27, the chorus also participated in the The Mayo International Choral Festival in Westport. The festival features competitive and non-competitive concerts bringing choirs from the international community together while also lending a boost to the local tourism economy.
RIC professor and artistic director of the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus, Teresa Coffman, conducted the series throughout the tour and the accompaniment was provided by Christina Breindel from the RIC music adjunct faculty.
According to Coffman, the same six faculty members including RIC President Carriuolo and their spouses, have accompanied the choir on previous tours and everybody splits the fare evenly to minimize costs.
Coffman explained that “One of the reasons we tour with the same faculty [and their] spouses is because are most concerned that the tours are amazing experiences for the students. It is truly a privilege to tour with these wonderful people. This was a great tour!”
