Manx Choir's success in Ireland

Manx Choir's success in Ireland

Wed, 10 Apr 2013

Members of Caarjyn Cooidjagh at the Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow

Manx choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh swept to success in two out of three choral classes at the Pan-Celtic Festival in Carlow, Ireland, recently. The Manx group beat top choirs from Brittany, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, firmly placing Manx traditional music on the Celtic map.

Caarjyn Cooidjagh's victory followed Manx success earlier in the week when Marlene Hendy won the traditional solo class with a stunning performance of Manx Gaelic songs.

Annie Kissack, musical director, composer and arranger of Caarjyn Cooidjagh's repertoire is delighted with her choir's achievement. "The Pan-Celtic Festival is the biggest competitive event for Celtic music and I am thrilled that Caarjyn Cooidjagh has been so successful. The choirs we were competing against are of an amazingly high standard and I am pleased that the Manx have been recognised at this level. We don't normally enter competitions so I'm really surprised but delighted with the outcome."

Annie first competed in a new song competition at the festival 40 years ago. Caarjyn Cooidjagh was praised for the technical competence, energy and passion of their performance.

 Caarjyn Cooidjagh can be heard online here: www.manxmusic.com/performer_74543.html

 Caarjyn Cooidjagh thanks the Manx Heritage Foundation for financial support for the trip.