The Hibernian Festival Singers Perform at the Bay Shore Art Festival

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There's something about a choir, and the Hibernian Festival Singers are one of the best on Long Island. They performed this Sunday at the Bay Shore Art Festival to an enthusiastic audience amid partly sunny skies. We got there just as the rain stopped and just before they took the stage at the bandshell. I spotted a good friend, who is also a member, and snapped a picture of her. She's the beautiful blond in the first row, second one in from the right.

What started out as a twelve-person community choir under the leadership of Mr. Ronnie Allen in 1980 has grown and developed into an almost 90-person, four-part choral ensemble. The Hibernian Festival Singers have performed extensively both nationally and internationally. Their tours have included the 150th commemoration of the Great Hunger in Ireland, Solemn Mass at the Vatican in Rome, Notre Dame, Le Mont-St. Michel, Lourdes, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres, La Madeleine Church in Paris, Normandy's American Cemetery and Beaches as well as concerts throughout the United States. Some performances of particular acclaim have been Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan, Westbury and Valley Forge Music Fairs, St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, St. Ignatius Basilica in Rome, the Stonehill College Irish Festival, the Hofstra University Irish Festival, the St. James Irish Festival, the Nassau Coliseum, Trump Plaza and Shea Stadium. The Hibernian Festival Singers have had the privilege of sharing the stage with such exceptional artists as the late Frank Patterson, Eily Patterson, Ronan Tynan, Anthony Kearns, Kathryn Smith, Ciarán Sheehan, Gay Willis, John McDermott, Hal Roach, Andy Cooney, Phil Coulter, and so many more.

In 2015, The Hibernian Festival Singers were thrilled to perform in an Off-Broadway production called "The Events" which received glowing reviews from the New York Times. Beyond these notable achievements, the group has donated their time to sing for many community events and Ancient Order of Hibernian functions. 

Although the Hibernians sing mostly Irish patriotic songs, they also perform American patriotic classics as well. After all, the Irish built a lot of our country. For kicks, they performed an Italian anthem as I yelled out, "the Italians love the Irish." The audience agreed with laughter and applause. 

The light heart lives long - Irish proverb.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

For those 60 and beyond who have always wanted to sing, check out the the Hibernian Festival Singers at www.hibernianfestivalsingers.org. Break a leg!

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and events in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores I've been to in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.