B’rrrr It’s Christmas! A magical evening of festive music in Birr

THE much-anticipated holiday concert “B’rrrr It’s Christmas!” is set to bring festive cheer and musical brilliance to St Brendan’s Church, Wilmer Road, Birr, on Friday, December 13th at 8pm. With a line up of internationally celebrated artists and a vibrant local choir, this event promises to be a highlight of the Christmas season.

Returning to Birr is the celebrated bass-baritone John Molloy, joined by Ireland’s world-class soprano Claudia Boyle. Between them, these accomplished performers have graced stages on five continents, appearing with premier opera companies including the Irish National Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and Paris Opera.

John Molloy recently starred in Irish National Opera’s Beatrice et Benedict at the National

Concert Hall alongside Fiona Shaw and toured nationally with Trade by Emma and Mark

O’Halloran. Last year, he made his debut at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall.

Claudia Boyle, currently hosting Weekend Classics on Lyric FM, has performed leading

roles in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide with Welsh National Opera and Thomas Adès’ The

Exterminating Angel with Paris Opera.

The duo has shared the stage in productions of Carmen, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and more, earning high praise, including accolades from the Irish Times. Longtime friends, they have also performed together in concerts across Ireland—even taking the stage at the Electric Picnic!

This year, the Sing It and Birr Stage Guild Choir takes centre stage under the dynamic leadership of conductor Gregory Ward and pianist Sophie Ward, who recently returned to Birr after studying music in Hungary. In just two years, the couple has transformed the choir into a thriving community group that welcomes singers of all abilities.

Greg and Sophie, alongside pianist Aoife O’Sullivan, bring a fresh energy to Birr’s musical scene. The Wards’ dedication extends beyond performance, as they also manage a bustling music teaching practice that has become an integral part of Birr’s cultural life.

A Festive Feast of Music

The concert programme offers something for everyone, featuring:

• Beloved Christmas songs and carols, both traditional and contemporary.

• A nod to the Birr Stage Guild’s musical theatre history.

• Seasonal selections of opera and a touch of ballet.

Adding to the excitement are charming four-hand piano arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, performed by Sophie Ward and Aoife O’Sullivan. These iconic melodies, often heard in Christmas classics like Home Alone and Elf, are sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, December 13th

• Time: 8pm (Doors open at 7.30pm)

• Venue: St. Brendan’s Church, Wilmer Road, Birr

• Tickets: €25 (€10 for students) plus booking fee

◦ Available at Birr Theatre or online at www.birrtheatre.com

A Night to Remember

After two sold-out Christmas concerts last year, this year’s event at the spacious St. Brendan’s Church is expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss this magical evening of music and holiday spirit —grab your tickets now!

(P.S. Bring a cushion for those church pews!).