manx celtic music and dance

Manx choral singing hits the right note in Carlow!

03 May 2013


Manx choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh swept to success in two out of three choral classes at the Pan-Celtic Festival in Carlow, Ireland at the beginning of April. The Manx group beat top choirs from Brittany, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, firmly placing Manx traditional music on the Celtic map. Caarjyn Cooidjagh’s victory on Saturday followed Manx success earlier in the week when Marlene Hendy won the traditional solo class with a stunning performance of Manx Gaelic songs. Annie Kissack, musical director, composer and arranger of Caarjyn Cooidjagh’s repertoire is delighted with her choir’s achievement. “The Pan-Celtic Festival is the biggest competitive event for Celtic music and I am thrilled that Caarjyn Cooidjagh has been so successful. The choirs we were competing against are of an amazingly high standard and I am pleased that the Manx have been recognised at this level. We don’t normally enter competitions so I’m really surprised but delighted with the outcome.”

Annie first competed in a new song competition at the festival 40 years ago. Caarjyn Cooidjagh was praised for the technical competence, energy and passion of their performance.

Caarjyn's Cathedral performance can be viewed here on YouTube

David Kilgallon also performed his original composition Mannin Vooar

Caarjyn Cooidjagh would like to thank the Manx Heritage Foundation for financial support for the trip.

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