If Valentine’s plans are shaping up to be more panic than passion, allow Chamber Choir Ireland to step in with flowers, a very handsome soundtrack and all the feels. Love Blooms, their newly announced Valentine’s concert, lands at the Pepper Canister Church on Saturday February 7th, promising romance without the clichés, or the prix-fixe menus.
Conducted by celebrated British conductor Ellie Slorach, this one-off concert explores love in all its forms — heady, tender, playful and fleeting — through a beautifully curated programme of contemporary and classical choral works. It also marks the opening concert of Chamber Choir Ireland’s 30th anniversary season, making it something of a cultural bouquet.
The evening opens with Something Exciting by Derri Joseph Lewis, a moving and deeply personal piece inspired by a text the composer sent his father when coming out. There’s also Beloved by Northern Irish composer Áine Mallon — commissioned by Chamber Choir Ireland and New Music Dublin — a playful, passionate love poem with real heart.
Floral metaphors bloom throughout the programme, from Britten’s much-loved Five Flower Songs to Finzi’s evocative Seven Poems of Robert Bridges. Add in works by Nathan James Dearden, Alex Groves and Shruthi Rajasekar, and you’ve got a love story told through voices rather than violins.
Ellie Slorach — making her debut with the choir — brings serious pedigree, while Chamber Choir Ireland continues to prove why it’s one of the country’s most vital musical institutions.
Roses optional, goosebumps guaranteed.
Love Blooms is at the Pepper Canister Church on Saturday February 7th. Tickets here.
Featured Image: Rory Lynch, Christina Whyte and Jeffrey Ledwidge from Chamber Choir Ireland are pictured at the launch of Love Blooms.
Image Marc O’Sullivan
