World-class research based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities.
The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.
The Department of Music is renowned for its long and proud tradition of communal music making.
Our rich concert life is underpinned by the steady rhythm of rehearsals and concerts supplied by our diverse ensembles. There are three professionally-directed ensembles within the Department that currently contribute to our Approved Ensemble Programme. In 2024-2025 the Choral Society will supply the focus of the programmes for the three annual Carol Services and a large-scale choral concert in April. The Irish Traditional Group, Chamber Choir and Choral Society each work toward public concerts in their schedules.
For more about these ensembles, including their rehearsals, memberships and repertoire, please follow the links below.
We encourage the formation of smaller ensembles, vocal and instrumental. This allows students to develop their performing abilities across a wide range of repertoire whether or not they are focusing on performance as part of their studies.
If you are a member of the University staff, a student or a member of the local community and you are interested in becoming involved in one of our ensembles please do contact the Music Department Office for further information.
Founded by Father Noel Watson in 1969 and directed by Professor Gerard Gillen from 1985-2007, the Maynooth University Choral Society has gained widespread acclaim for its annual performances of major choral works. Its successes have been founded on a solid tradition of hard work, based on the mutual co-operation of Departmental staff, students and singers from across the campus and local community. The Choral Society programme of activities is normally directed towards its Annual Choral Concert (Semester II) together with participation in the Annual Carol Services in the College Chapel.
Ensemble Attendance
Maynooth Music Department places a high academic value on group music-making. Choral Society is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU102A/MU102B, MU253, MU319 and MU369, with ensemble attendance counting for up to 20% of available marks for these modules. Please note the following:
Student members must register online (First Year: MU102A registration link) and collect their scores (returnable deposit of €50) from the Music Department Office between Monday 30th September to Wednesday 2nd October 2024 from 2pm - 4pm each day. The first rehearsal of the semester takes place at 18.30 in Callan Hall on Monday, October 7.
To obtain maximum credits, students are expected to attend all rehearsals (please see rehearsal schedule). Late attendance/early departure or failure to bring your score may mean a reduction of 50% of available credit for any given rehearsal.
Monday is the main rehearsal day. By agreement in advance with the Director/Assistant Director of Choral Groups, students genuinely unable to attend certain Monday rehearsals may be permitted to avail of a repeat rehearsal on the Wednesdays listed above.
Please note that no new members will be accepted beyond the final week in October (week 3 of the rehearsal run)
Based on attendance record/knowledge of the music, a final selection of singers eligible to perform in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle will be made at the beginning of March. Those ineligible for inclusion in the concert may continue to attend rehearsals for credit purposes, up to but not including the final rehearsal.
Medical certificates to cover absences due to sickness should be submitted promptly to the Music Department Office.
Performances 2024-2025:
Annual Carol Services: 17 and 18 December. Annual Choral Concert: 4pm on Sunday 30 March 2025.
Featuring Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, with distinguished guest soloists, Claudia Boyle (soprano), Sharon Carty (mezzo), Dean Power (tenor), Benjamin Russell (bass).
John O’Keeffe is Director of Choral Groups at Maynooth University and Head of Sacred Music at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. A former organ scholar of Westminster Cathedral, London, he is founder-director of Maynooth University Chamber Choir and of Schola Gregoriana Maynooth.
Dervilla Conlon is a choral specialist and directs The Lynn Singers, winners of many prestigious awards, most notably at the Derry International Festival of Choral Music. A former member of the National Chamber Choir, she is currently the Director of the Cathedral Choristers at Christ the King, Mullingar.
Musical Scores:
Scores should be collected from Music Dept Office in advance of first rehearsal. Scores must be returned to the office at the end of the year.
John O’Keeffe
Dr John O'Keeffe is Director of Sacred Music at the National Seminary of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where his duties include lecturing, training of cantors, choir and organists, and the preparation of music for college liturgies. As Maynooth University’s Director of Choral Groups, he conducts the University Choral Society and oversees the activities of the Maynooth University Chamber Choir, Schola Gregoriana Maynooth (a joint SPCM/MU project) and the Maynooth University female choir, 'Altus'.
Prior to his appointment to Maynooth, he was Choirmaster at St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford, having already served as Organ Scholar of Westminster Cathedral and Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral. His organ teachers have included Rev. Frank McNamara, David Sanger, Ben Van Oosten and Gerard Gillen. He holds Master’s degrees in Organ (MU) and Chant Performance (UL) and his doctoral thesis The Masses of Seán and Peadar Ó Riada: Explorations in Vernacular Chant was recently published by Cork University Press.
Active also as a liturgical music composer (his Mass of Saint Mel was commissioned in 2015 to mark the restoration of Longford Cathedral) and editor (the second volume of his church music series, Feasts and Seasons, has just been published), he directs postgraduate and diploma courses in liturgical music and chant at both St. Patrick's College and Maynooth University. In 2018, he was appointed Director of Music for the Papal Mass, held in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, to mark the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland.
Rehearsal Schedule
Semester 1
October
Monday 7 (All singers)
Monday 14/Wed16
Monday 21/Wed 23
Maynooth University Chamber Choir: www.muchamberchoir.com
Conductor: Michael T. Dawson
Maynooth University Chamber Choir is one of the leading University choirs in Ireland. The ensemble is made up of auditioned singers from across all departments of Maynooth University.
This coming year 2024 - 2025 the choir will have several exciting engagements. If you are passionate about performing and want an unforgettable university experience then you should audition for the Chamber Choir.
HOW TO JOIN?
Visit www.muchamberchoir.com and sign up for an in person audition.
Successful applicants will be invited for an in-person audition on Thursday 26th September 2024, in the music department, Logic House or the Aula Maxima (depending on day of audition).
September
26th, Th MU Chamber Choir Auditions 17:00 - 21:00
Semester 1: All classes will be held in Drama Room, Education Building, Level 1.
Semester 2: TBC
October
1st, Tu, MU Chamber Choir Auditions 17:00 - 21:00
3rd, Th, FIRST REHEARSAL - 18:15 - 20:15
8th, Tu , Rehearsal
10th, Th, Rehearsal
15th, Tu, Rehearsal
17th, Th, Rehearsal
22nd, Tu, Rehearsal
24th, Th, Rehearsal
27th, T Study Week NO REHEARSALS
November
1st - 3rd, Fr, Sa, Su REHEARSAL RETREAT at the Irish Institute of Music & Song
Balbriggan
Arrive Fri @ 17:00, Leave Sun @ 13:00
5th, T Rehearsal
7th, Th Rehearsal
12th, T Rehearsal
14th, Th Rehearsal
21st, Aula Rehearsal 11
26th, Aula Rehearsal 12
28th, Aula Rehearsal 13
1st, Pugin Hall TBC (tentitive date) WINTER GALA CONCERT, Arrive 3pm, Set-up,
Concert Starts 19:00 - 20:15.
December
3rd, T Rehearsal
5th, Th Rehearsal
10th, T Rehearsal
12th, Th Rehearsal
16th, 17th, 18th Carol Service, College Chapel
May
2nd, Th, TBC Rehearsal 22
3rd CONCERT University Church Dublin
Meet at 4pm at University Church Concert Starts 7pm
7th, Tu, TBC Rehearsal 23
9th, Th, TBC Rehearsal 24
12th CONCERT IN MAYNOOTH CHAPEL
5pm - 6.30pm
June TBD Potential Tour/Recording Session
Gospodi 1:50
Plaudite 3:40 Casadh Vigilate Midnight Agnus Dei
Rise Up My Love Kanarbik
Our Wedding Day Kyrie
Jerusalem Rivers of Light Ezekiel
CONCERT MAY 12
Gospodi, Schnittk
Cantata 196, Den Herr Denket Uns, Bach Plaudite Psalite, Daugirdas
Kyrie, Grant
Rise Up My Love, Willian Agnus Dei, Martin
To Morning, Jackson Vigilate, Byrd
O Magnum, Lauridsen Rivers of light, Esenvalds
Ihr Seit, Bach Ezekiel, Gibbs
Gospodi 1:50,
Cantata 196, Den Herr Denket Uns 2:30 To Morning 2:25
Agnus Dei - Martin 5:00
Vigilate 4:40 Ihr Seit
Sacred Heart - Ola Gjeilo 4:30 Ezekiel 4:00
A Stor Mo Chroi Casadh na tSugain Kanarbik Midnight
The traditional group is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU102A/MU102B and MU253 and for third-year performance students. The group will put on two lunchtime concerts during the year.
Who is it for?
Experienced traditional instrumentalists who want to develop their playing by preparing and performing an innovative and challenging repertoire.
How do I join?
Members will have to audition for the group.
Auditions will take place in the Bewerunge Room 19:00 – 21:00 Tuesday, 31st September.
What is involved?
The group meets for weekly rehearsals of two hours. Members are expected to individually prepare and practice material and to contribute fully to rehearsals.
Participating outside the group
Another important way of developing your skills as a traditional player is to take part regularly in sessions, which are usually held weekly in Maynooth. More details are available from the Traditional Music Society at [email protected]
