I Giovanni Solisti (IGS), The Young Soloists, a string ensemble, delighted the audience at last evening's Late Late Show. This evening at 8 p.m. they will return to Howth Presbyterian Church on a biennial visit. It is anticipated that they will play from a repertoire of G.P. Telemann, Edward Elgar, William Walton, Tchaikovsky, Grieg and earlier classics, as well as popular medleys.
IGS is an ensemble of about 21 members. They are the most gifted and committed young string musicians from Conard and Hall High Schools, West Hartford, Connecticut.
Some 18 years ago IGS was formed. The intention was to provide opportunities for talented young persons to play music specially composed for groups of this size.
World-renowned soloists are invited to play with IGS biennially in Carnegie Hall, New York, and other celebrated auditoriums. IGS's director, Edwin C. De Groat, is a gifted musician, arranger, composer and a personable and enterprising gentleman. All are invited to Howth this evening; £5 (concessions) £3 may be paid at the door.
The Presbyterian Women's Association (PWA) has existed for years to provide spiritual and cultural and community service outlets for women in its local branches throughout the nation. It has a special concern for overseas missions.
The PWA (Dublin and Munster Presbytery Branch) will hold its annual Friendship Day Service on April 29th at 4 p.m. in the Arklow Presbyterian Church. All are welcome. Mrs Hilary Hull, a PWA home vice-president, is the guest speaker.
The 32nd Dublin Company of the Boys Brigade will hold its Annual Inspection and Display in the Mount Temple School this evening at 7.45. The inspecting officer will be the Rev Canon T. Haskins, rector of Clontarf Church of Ireland.
The General Board of the Church, noting the "anxiety, stress and real heartbreak" suffered by many as a result of the prevalent "virulent epidemic" of foot-and-mouth disease has commended to congregations "a special day of prayer for members of the farming community, Government ministers, officials and veterinary surgeons in the Department of Agriculture, business people and all associated with the farming industry and those involved in tourism, that God may grant wisdom to those who must take difficult decisions and grace and encouragement to those who are anxious and distressed by what is happening to them, their families and their livelihoods as well as their livestock, their farms and their businesses".
Presbyterians have contributed over £640,000 to the church's Indian earthquake appeal and continue to make contributions. The Church of North India is a partner of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and through this agency money has immediately been transferred for food, clothing, cooking utensils, clean water and shelter for the thousands of homeless.
The Moderator, Dr Morrow, who recently visited India, reports that everyone he met, particularly those living in Bhuj and the surrounding district, who were at the epicentre of the quake and suffered greatly, expressed their heartfelt thanks.
Dr Morrow asks all to continue to pray for the people of Gujarat in the huge challenge they face in rebuilding communities and in trying to get back to normal life.
Interest in comparative religion has become increasingly widespread, it is noted. Religions are quiz questions, topics for discussion in the bars, in the restaurants, school and college and the home.
Religions of the World, Collins Gem, HarperCollins, 254pp (lavishly and intelligently illustrated £4.99 sterling) seems specially conceived to meet this growing interest. Here is an introductory guide, compact, informative about the key beliefs, rituals, history of the world's major faiths. Origins, sacred texts, traditions and practices are explained and illustrated where necessary, and all bear the imprimatur of acknowledged experts on each of the religions.