Up to two hundred participants are expected to attend the annual Irish Church Music Association Summer School which opens this week in Maynooth with the theme ‘God, Full of Mercy’. This will be the 47th ICMA summer school which runs from 6 to 9 July. The four-day programme provides musicians from around the country and beyond with an opportunity to sing and pray together, and to learn the best of Church music from the past and present.
The ICMA Summer School is open to choir directors, choir members, parish musicians, students and anyone with an interest in being part of a celebration of Church music. This year participants will enjoy a blend of contemporary and traditional choral pieces with an emphasis on psalms, sacraments and music for the liturgical year in schools. Of particular interest will be the addition of two workshops, one which will focus on music for funerals, weddings and baptisms, and another which will highlight music for special occasions in parish life such as pilgrimages and reconciliation services.
This year Tony Alonso, a theologian and one of the most prominent voices in contemporary liturgical music, will present at the summer school. Mr Alonso’s music reflects an understanding of the multicultural needs of the contemporary Church as well as a commitment to strong ritual music. He is also the published author of several books and articles relating to liturgy and liturgical music. The younger delegates this year will be able to participate in the New Generation Youth Choir.
- ICMA Summer School Timetable
Wednesday 6 July
11.30 am Opening of Summer School in Loftus Halls.
Tutorials and workshops all day
5.00 pm Evening Prayer in Commemoration of 1916 Rising and the Battle of the Somme
7.30 pm Evening of Music and reflection by Tony Alonso on: God, Full of Mercy
Thursday 7 July
9 .00 am Morning Prayer
9.30 am Tutorials and workshops all day. Day visitors welcome
5.00 pm Celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Francis Duffy
8.00 pm Share your gifts concert: Showcase of pieces composed or performed by participants
at the summer school
Friday 8 July
9.00 am Lectio Divina with Father Seamus O’Connell
9.30 am Tutorials and workshops continue all day, day visitors welcome
5.00 pm Celebration of the Eucharist in honour of Father Jerry Threadgold, founder member
of the Association, who died during the year.
8.00 pm Concert with Tony Alonso
Saturday 9 July
9.00 am Liturgy of the Word
9.30 am Tutorials continue and visitors welcome
5.00 pm Closing Festive Evening Prayer
Workshops will that place in Loftus Halls, Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and Liturgies in Saint Mary’s Oratory.
Bookings are still being taken at www.irishchurchmusicassociation.com
ENDS