Chai Brady
Hundreds of school students took part in a “fun and Faith-filled” concert in the Helix on Dublin City University’s campus, with the last of four nights being cancelled due the coronavirus (Covid-19), due to the guidelines issued by Government.
This was the 14th Emmanuel concert, with 20,000 school students taking part over the years. The aim is to improve liturgical music in school and students can take part in a variety of styles of music which they perform in the Helix with an orchestra.
Pastoral Co-ordinator for the Archdiocese of Dublin Gerard Gallagher told The Irish Catholic: “It’s a fantastic, fun-filled and Faith-filled musical evening and a joy to be part of. The first three nights were brilliant. It’s a non-competitive event, hence many schools really enjoy taking part in it.”
The event ran from March 9-12, with the Thursday night being suspended after new guidelines were given to the public by the Department of Health regarding the coronavirus.
Many students take solos, play in the orchestra and some participate as speakers. Among others Emmanuel is made possible by Fr Pat O’Donoghue, the diocesan musical director, and the musical director on stage Ian Callanan.