Anúna celebrates 35 years of performing in Ireland

A choral ensemble based in Ireland-Anúna is celebrating 35 years of ‘ANÚNA’ performing in Ireland as they are approaching their final public concert at home. This will not affect performances abroad, and they shared their excitement for travels planned for the future!

They shared the information through their official social media account and noted:

We thought we would show you some of the past Irish members who came through our group who went on to have success elsewhere. Anúna’s contribution to musical life in Ireland has been very significant, and about 250 Irish singers passed through our ensemble in that time, receiving training and experience.

These include Andrew Hozier Byrne, Eurovision Song Contest winner Eimear Quinn, no less than 6 of the soloists from Celtic Woman – Tara McNeill, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Éabha McMahon, Lynn Hilary, Deirdre Shannon and the latest addition to this massively successful show, Hannah Traynor. We are very proud of what each of them has achieved.

While these would be some of the most visible to those of you interested in Celtic Woman we also provided experience for many of the soloists who travelled with Riverdance for many, many years. Also a member of the group for significant periods were Julie Feeney , two of the three members of the Northern Ireland Music Prize nominated band in 2021 Trú members Dónal Kearney and Zach Trouton.

It was always important for our visibility at home to be acknowledged by singers for what they gained from their time with Anúna. Visibility provided opportunities for us to work at home, and thus allowed us to rehearse and give experience and training to hundreds of young Irish singers and artists.

Today Anúna is an ensemble made up of singers from all over the world, but once upon a time an international performer was a rarity in our ranks.

We hope you can come and experience our final public appearance at home in Dublin (note that this will not effect concerts in Northern Ireland or corporate work). Tickets very limited and vanishing quickly.

We have been taken off-guard by the huge response to our announcement that we won’t be performing at home in public again.

We were going to slip away into the night to our annual Christmas tour in the Belgium as well as Netherlands, but the singers wanted one last concert, which was sold out pretty much immediately so we have added a second Matinée on December 3rd.

The depth of response brought back many memories – and if you would like to share any below, please feel free. Anúna has been part of some people’s lives for 35 years, and if we could sustain a presence in Ireland we would.

It should not be forgotten that so many young Irish singers had their first professional experiences on stage with ANÚNA, and yes, it is disappointing that performing here isn’t sustainable. But it is what it is.

In the meantime here are a few images of special moments from our Christmases in Ireland throughout the last 35 years. Post your own memories of Christmas in Ireland below. We would love to hear from you.

 

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