Laois people invited to special 1916 concert in Carlow

Laois people are invited to a unique commemoration event this month when the Aspiro choir will perform ‘Remembering The Child’ at 8.30pm on Sunday, November 13 in Carlow Cathedral.

Aspiro commissioned Liam Lawton to write ‘Requiem For A Child’ to honour the children of 1916, and to remember the suffering of children and young people who are caught up as victims of war and violence in our world today.  

Some 90 children and young adults aged 4 to 18 (the same age as those who suffered in 1916 and continue to suffer in wars today) alongside 25 members of ‘Aspiro Inspired’ (aged up to 80+ years) will remember and reflect in this exclusive performance.

Through the power of this original commission, and venerable and established music, Aspiro in this performance hopes to encourage members and audience alike to reflect on the 40 children aged 16 and under who were killed in the 1916 Rising; and the children who are undergoing unimaginable pain and suffering in the countless wars raging across the planet in 2016.

Liam Lawton’s new commission ‘Requiem For A Child’ which uses Irish, English and Latin text will be premiered in the ‘Reflecting’ section of the concert, and will form the centre-piece of a specially selected programme of songs.  In the ‘Remembering’ and ‘Reimagining’ sections music from various composers around the world, and from two Irish composers – Shaun Davey and Sue Furlong – will be performed by the choir. Excerpts from Joe Duffy’s ‘Children of the Rising’ will be narrated throughout the evening.

Performers and audience will learn about an aspect of history through the power of music and rhythm.  In remembering and reflecting, the music will inspire all to reimagine the Ireland we live in today, to develop an awareness of the world, and, as the Declaration of Human Rights states, ‘act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood’.  

Tickets from Carlow Tourist Office, Cathedral office and Graiguecullen Parish.