Danu Young Women’s Choir to compete in New York

Danu Young Women’s Choir which is based in Letterkenny have travelled to New York to compete in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Midwinter Convention. 

The choir is directed by Douglas Carnes and is composed of 50 women from Letterkenny and the surrounding areas. The convention takes place from January 9 to January 14.

“The members are delighted to have the opportunity to travel to New York and to compete at this renowned event,” Danu Young Women’s Choir shared.

“They have a busy schedule of rehearsal and competitions over the coming days which kicks off with a performance at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral on Wednesday, January 10.”

The newly formed Ceoltóirí Canóla, a Barbershop Quartet, whose members all sing with the Danu Young Women’s Choir have also been chosen to compete at the NYC Convention. 

Ceoltóirí Canóla alongside director Douglas Carnes at the Irish Association of Barbershop Singing International Festival where they received an award

The Quartet comprises Sadbh Breathnach and Síne Nic Aodha (Colaiste Áiligh), Katie Coyle (Loreto Letterkenny), and Alice O’Connor (Loreto Milford).  

Ceoltóirí Canóla are competing in the Junior Quartet Contest which is happening on Thursday while Danu Young Women’s Choir will perform in the chorus championship on Friday.

Barbershop harmony is usually categorised by unaccompanied, close-harmony, four-part singing in which the lead vocal carries the melody. The barbershop style can be performed in groups of all sizes, including choruses (which typically have 12 or more singers, but can have as many as 160) and quartets (four singers). The style is typically, all men or all women who sing with no instruments in a four-part harmony.