Life

Hundreds attend Irish Church Music Association summer school

Eucharist at the Irish Church Music Association Summer School 2016. Picture by Brenda Drumm
Eucharist at the Irish Church Music Association Summer School 2016. Picture by Brenda Drumm Eucharist at the Irish Church Music Association Summer School 2016. Picture by Brenda Drumm

Up to 200 participants have attended the annual Irish Church Music Association summer school in Maynooth.

Under the theme God, Full of Mercy, this was the 47th ICMA summer school.

The four-day programme provided musicians from around Ireland and beyond with an opportunity to sing and pray together, and to learn the best of Church music from the past and present.

The annual event 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 enjoyed 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 was the addition of two workshops, one which focused on music for funerals, weddings and baptisms, and another which highlighted music for special occasions in parish life such as pilgrimages and reconciliation services.

Tony Alonso, a theologian and one of the most prominent voices in contemporary liturgical music, presented.

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.

Younger delegates this year were able to participate in the New Generation Youth Choir.