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Ireland Unlimited – the story so far
Ireland Unlimited is the largest female chorus of
its kind in the country. The all-singing, all-entertaining, all-ladies
chorus is comprised of over 40 women from different musical backgrounds
who all have one thing in common, an all-encompassing passion for
singing. The chorus continues to grow, attracting members from Cork, West
Cork, Sligo, Dublin, Wicklow, Athlone, Laois, Galway and Limerick and with
an age gap of fifty-years between youngest and eldest, the energy and
vibrancy shown both on off-stage is a tribute to the remarkable group of
women who are Ireland Unlimited.
Formed in 1998, Ireland
Unlimited is currently based in Kilkenny city and, under the scintillating
direction of Cherry Hartshorn, rehearse once a month in Gaelscoil Osrai.
This is a fun-loving chorus who work hard and play even harder.
With a wide and diverse repertoire ranging from the
age-old, traditional barbershop style songs, classic and contemporary
ballads in both English and Irish, musical show-stoppers right through to
up-tempo “jazzy” and popular numbers, the I.U. songbook includes popular
hits such as ‘Raining Men’ and ‘Fame; ballads, anthems and old favourites
such as ‘If You Love Me’ and ‘She Moved Thru the Fair ‘ as well as
specially arranged old Irish favourites such as ‘Song for Ireland’ and
‘Fill a Rún’. The vocal performances are accompanied by choreographed
routines, full of energy and passion, enhancing the music with emotion and
movement, to give a complete musical entertainment package.
In its nine-year history, Ireland Unlimited has
become an award-winning chorus winning gold, silver or bronze in the Irish
International Barbershop Conventions, gold at both the Sligo International
Choral Festival in Barbershop and Open Female Choir sections and in the
‘Entertainment’ Class at Portadown Music Festival as well as winning the
top award for ‘Best Choral Performance’ at the Kilkenny Music Festival.
The chorus has competed
and performed across Europe, in the Sweet Adeline’s International
competitions in Bath and Plymouth, at European level in Holland, in a
‘World Harmony Show’ in Glasgow and most recently in
the 2007 International Eisteddfod in Llangollen. The enigmatic and
energetic ladies of I.U. have also had the honour of performing for the
President Mary Mc Aleese in her state residence, Árus an Uachtaráin-twice!
This level of activity and achievement is testimony
to the talent, determination and true grit of the wonderful women who are
Ireland Unlimited.
Recent
news
October 6th 2007; Irish International Barbershop
Convention, Cork.
Flying the flag proudly for Ireland in a field of
eight international competitors, Ireland Unlimited won the bronze medal
being just 2 points shy of 900points. Singing ‘Love Walked In’ and ‘Joint
is Jumpin’ the ladies of Ireland Unlimited were welcomed onstage to
rapturous applause and cheering from the very partisan crowd. This
reception resulted in one of our best ever performances, of which we are
very proud Thank you Cherry.
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