Portlaoise Singers set to raise the roof on Golden Jubilee in Laois

The Portlaoise Singers are back again for their annual Christmas concert and the 2025 edition promises to be a special one as it marks their 50th year.

This year's concert takes place on Sunday, December 7, at 8 pm in St Peter’s Church on Market Square. As usual, you'll hear all your favourite Christmas music sung in four and five-part arrangements but the night will also feature some highlights songs from their 50 years entertaining local people.

The singers will be joined by award-winning soloists Caoimhe Fitzpatrick and Sophie MacNamara. The pipe organ will be played by Donall Hennessy who holds a first-class honours degree in organ performance.

Due to popular demand following last year's memorable performance, world-famous harpist Triona Marshall returns. She accompanied the Chieftains on around 30 world tours.

The choir was formed in 1975, when Chris Clarken, of the Portlaoise and District Arts Society, approached fellow teacher Brendan MacNamara about getting singers together for a Passion Play. While the play didn't happen, the assembled singers stayed together and thus were born the Portlaoise Singers.

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Since then, their repertoire has included everything from popular songs and seasonal favourites to demanding classical pieces. They have performed in Cork, France, Wales the Albert Hall as well on TV and radio. They also won first prizes in choral competitions and have also graced the stage of the Royal Albert Hall in London.

READ ALSO: Wonderful Christmas concert in Ballinakill

Tickets €10 are available at Browns Gala at Church View, Bosco's Gala on Grattan St and on the door on the night.
All are welcome to what is sure to be a lovely evening of festive entertainment.