Hark the herald angels sing

HARK, angels are about to sing at the Point Theatre. Musical history will be made as the biggest children's choir ever to be assembled in this country performs at a concert later this month.

Young voices will ring out when the 3,000 children sing at a newly-created musical event to be called the Hallelujah Christmas Concert.

"Hopefully it will become a yearly event," says Louise Masterson, musical director of the project and the mastermind behind the whole event.

The choir made up of the members of 87 choirs from all over the country will sing a selection of songs at the concert which will be open to the public.

The music will range from a Beatles medley, to Irish songs and some Christmas tunes, such as a rock version of We Bells and a version of Silent Night in three different languages. The music will include a selection "to cover all the tastes," says Masterson.

The choirs have been preparing for the past couple of months, learning the music from a tape provided by Masterson, who has been travelling around the country supervising practice sessions and making sure that everyone is ready.

The children will perform on Saturday November 23rd at 3.00 p.m. and at 8.00 p.m. and on the following day at 3.00 p.m.

There will be a two-hour rehearsal starting at midday on November 23rd when the programme of music will be sung from start to finish.

The concert will be performed with musical accompaniment from five musicians, all under the direction of the conductor, Gearoid Grant, who is noted for his work with children, both in RTE/The Irish Times' Music in the Classroom series and as conductor of the National Youth Orchestra since its foundation in 1980.

This musical extravaganza was conceived when Louise Masterson and her two choirs. the Bray and Greystones Junior Musical Society and the Holy Child School Choir, took part in the Voices of the World concert last year.

"It was a wonderful experience," says Masterson. Speaking afterwards to the promoters of that concert. one thing led to another, she explains, and the idea took root.

Feelers were put out to see if there would be any interest from young people and their musical directors. "There was a terrific response," says Masterson. "By degrees it started. It was a trickle at first."

A number of special guests, including tenor Ronan Tynan, Twink and the pop group Only Us will also perform at the concert. Tickets cost £10 with the proceeds going to Childline. Individuals wishing to book tickets should phone the Point Theatre at (01) 836 3633. For group bookings telephone: (01) 8366790.