Choirs and music groups unite for special Alzheimer's concert
'We'll Be There' features groups from Kilmessan and Virginia
'We’ll Be There' is a concert in aid of Navan Alzheimer’s Daycare Centre taking place on Thursday 7th November next in the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, featuring Kilmessan Choir, Virginia Gospel Choir, Ceoltóirí Cill Mheasáin, the Carr Sheridan Academy of Irish Dancing, and special guests.
Kilmessan Choiir, under the direction of Liosa Rooney Smith, was formed in 2011 with only seven members, and since then it has grown to some 60 members. The choir enjoys singing at various events during the year, Christmas concerts, nursing homes, weekly Sunday Mass and local events. In the past, they have travelled to perform in London, Krakow, Lourdes, Belfast and Sligo for choral competitions, concerts and pilgrimages.
Formed 19 years ago under the direction of Carmel Reilly, Virginia Choir in Cavan has members from a wide catchment area in counties Cavan and Meath. Members perform gospel music and songs with uplifting messages that resonates in people’s hearts. Theyperform at Darkness into Light events, nursing homes, Mass, church weddings and fundraising/charity events.
Ceóltóirí Cill Mheasáin is group of musicians from Kilmessan and surrounds formed remotely in 2020 during the pandemic, who play trad, songs in English and Irish and O’Carolan’s music with accompaniment by complementary harmonies.
The evening of song, dance and music supports the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), Ireland's leading dementia-specific service provider, who run Navan Alzheimer’s Daycare Centre at Whistlemount on the Kells Road. This centre provides dementia-specific, person-centred care to meet the needs of the person with dementia in a warm, welcoming and safe environment while providing support and stimulation.
The funds raised by the 'We’ll Be There' Concert in the Solstice on 7th November will allow the ASI to continue to provide daycare services to people living with dementia and their families in Navan and the surrounding areas.