The Claddagh School of Music is inviting people from across Ireland, and abroad, to join in a special live streamed Christmas concert which will raise funds for the Simon Community.
The ‘Live from Galway’ virtual concert takes place on Wednesday December 23 at 7.30pm, and will see 20 choirs, featuring singers from 18 different countries coming together, from a distance, to perform festive and seasonal favourites. There will also be a raffle with all proceeds going directly to Galway Simon who provide homelessness prevention and housing services in the west.
The concert will feature Galway choirs Cois Cladaigh, the Galway Baroque Singers; NUIG Choral Society; Galway Simon's own choir, the Galway Simon Music Project; as well as the Canton High School Chamber Singers from Connecticut, USA, among others.
‘Live from Galway’ is the brainchild of Claddagh School of Music director, Stephen Carroll. "It has really developed into something that we at Claddagh School of Music will remember for years to come," he said, "and something we hope will benefit individuals and families supported by Galway Simon. At a time when our community is dealing with the impact of Covid-19, it’s important to remember this has been an especially difficult time for so many vulnerable people who are homeless or facing the prospect of homelessness."
Amy Lavelle, community and youth partnership coordinator with Galway Simon said the funds raised from the raffle will be vital in safeguarding essential services in the coming months.
“We’re deeply grateful to supporters like Stephen, and all those involved in this wonderfully festive event, for continuing to find innovative ways to raise vital funds in support of those facing homelessness during these difficult times," she said.
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"As the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic take hold, we are bracing ourselves for an even bigger need for our homelessness prevention and housing services over the coming months. At the same time many of our much loved events and collections continue to be impacted by current restrictions and we truly have never been more reliant on fundraised support like this.”
The concert will be live-streamed on the Claddagh School of Music and Galway Simon Community Facebook pages and will be free to watch. Raffle tickets are available to buy now for €5 each or three for €10 at https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/livefromgalway.
