WATCH: New Laois community choir of 150 singers in uplifting Portlaoise debut

The historic Portlaoise Fort Protector was filled with the sound of music this week, when a brand new Laois choir gave their debut performance to an appreciative audience of family and friends.

The Laois Community Choir joined in harmony and a rainbow of colourful clothing to sing wonderful well known songs, on Thursday, July 18.

Their performance was as part of the official opening of the Outdoor Performance and Event Space to be known as ‘The Fort’, on the grounds of Laois Music Centre which is based inside the 16th century fort.

The ribbon was cut by Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming. 

It marked a truly joyous community occasion full of atmosphere and musical excellence. See gallery of photos by Alf Harvey.

Laois Community Choir was established just 8 weeks ago in May by Music Generation Laois, in partnership with LOETB Community Education, Age Friendly Laois and Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. This collaborative approach was key to it’s success and was representative of a huge cross-section of participants from all ages and walks of life.

The half hour varied programme had something for all musical tastes, starting with a fantastic rendition of Dreams by the Cranberries, followed by an old favourite by Elvis, Can’t Help Falling in Love - with a twist. More below video.

The audience was then treated to a song from Ghana in the Akan language called Sansa Kroma, before two very moving pieces – Isle of Hope and Why We Sing.

Ob-la-di from The Beatles had the audience singing along and James O’Connor lead a powerful rendition of From Now On
before the programme concluded with All Works Out by Irish rock band The Riptide Movement.

The songs were introduced by members of the choir, providing a lovely narrative to the evening and highlighting the true
community spirit that was evident from the off.

The choir was led by a fantastic house band – Mary Wisely (Piano), James O’Connor (Guitar), Dave Harte (Bass), Denise Boyle (Fiddle) and Ros O’Meara (Drums) from Music Generation Laois with the choir directed and co-ordinated by Nuala Kelly.

‘The Fort’, a huge permanent canopy and stage for outdoor performances, was funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021.

The development aims to promote and support arts, culture, creative activities, entertainment events, community
events, and festivals, creating a more attractive and vibrant urban place in which people choose to live and work.

It is the start of a harmonious future with many more performances to come from Laois Community Choir.