Songs From Here and Éire

“Songs From Here and Éire” celebrates the rich musical traditions of America and Ireland, presenting songs that explore universal themes of joy, love, loss, resilience, and the depth of a shared human experience. With an emphasis on storytelling, these songs highlight the power of music to convey social messages and reflect on historical events, as well as to entertain. Featuring works by Irish and American women, this program includes pieces composed and arranged by Alice Parker, Elaine Hagenberg, Joy Ondra Hirokawa, Rosephanye Powell, Julie Gault, and Sue Furlong.

At our recent spring retreat, Women’s Voices Chorus had the opportunity to delve deeply into our Irish music, especially the pronunciation of the Irish text, with expert guidance from conductor, educator, and composer Dr. Anne Barry. Annie, hailing from Waterford, Ireland, is associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Lake Forest College, IL. We are immensely grateful for her generosity and patience and have benefitted greatly from her time with us.

Members of Women’s Voices Chorus will embark on a 10-day concert tour of Ireland in August 2024, performing in the historic venues of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, Galway, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.