Concert Day No. 3

We woke very early on Sunday - getting calls at 6am for 7:00 breakfast and 8:00 departure to Dublin. We all had to pack our small bags with the essentials for two days in Dublin and then placed our other items in storage at the hotel, where we will return on Tuesday.

Sadly, I don't have many pictures for Sunday. The bus ride was 4 hours, and though we passed through more lovely countryside, I will admit that I, like most of the bus, took the opportunity to sleep on the bus. We arrived in Dublin ahead of schedule (hurrah!) and rushed in to change and set the stage for a 2:00 rehearsal before a 3:15 concert.

The hall itself is quite amazing, but i managed to leave my camera on the bus, and haven't yet gotten to look at any of the photos the students or adults have taken. The orchestra played very well, again - but I personally felt not 100%, and can imagine the students did as well because of all of the travel and quick pace of the past few days. And while the crowd was likely the smallest yet, they were no less appreciative, and called the conductors out for 4 or 5 bows.

We quickly packed up the stage and got back on the busses to head to the new hotel - The Red Cow Inn. After checking into our rooms and for some a quick shower, we had a dinner celebration with the students of the Irish Youth Choir. Granted, "Youth" is a relative term, and these students are between the ages of 17-29. Everyone I spoke to was really lovely and interested to know more about the organization, as well as our impressions of Ireland, just as we were curious as to what they thought of America.

After the semi-formal dinner, the choir invited us to stay for their yearly party. This included a good natured roast of their conductor, Geoff Spratt, an open piano and mic - with the invitation of all who were interested to come and share their music with the rest. I was so glad to see so many students eager to participate.

Sarah sang "Fly Me To the Moon"


Anthony and Kevin joined some of the Irish men to sing in a barbershop quartet, ("Coney Island")


Meredith and Beth even fiddled on their violas!


It was a very good time had by all, and the Irish Choir were just as disappointed as the students when their 11:30 curfew arrived. But, I'm sure many were glad to finally go to bed after another intense day of travel and music making.