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The Goethe-Institut Choir (= GIC) comprises a refreshing mix of singers of all ages and many nationalities. Founded in 1965 at the request of the then Director of the Goethe-Institut Dublin, the choir was privileged to have Cáit Cooper as musical director until her death in June 1998.
Since then, with renowned conductor John Dexter at the helm, the choir has continued to live up to its high reputation and play a vital and vibrant role in the cultural life of Dublin. The Choir performs at least three concerts per year, including the very popular Christmas Concert in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. The performance schedule also includes annual concerts performed in spring and summer, in addition to special events such as the Orchestra of St Cecilia: Bach Cantata Project or the Carmichael Centre’s Good Friday concert held in the magnificent and historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
Since the choir’s foundation, programmes have featured the music of a wide range of composers including Vittoria, Heinrich Schütz, Monteverdi, J.S. Bach, George Frideric Handel, Schubert, W.A. Mozart, L.v. Beethoven, Bruckner, Haydn and Benjamin Britten. A significant feature of performances has been the inclusion of the work of Irish composers, including Brian Boydell, Seoirse Bodley, Frank Corcoran, Bernard Geary and Mary McAuliffe.
Concerts have been given in many centres throughout Ireland over the years as well as in Belgium, Italy, Germany and Austria. In July 2009 the choir took part in the Leipzig International Choral Festival. |
