Event - The Second Ireland Sacred Harp Convention and Singing School

2 March - 4 March - Various Venues, UCC

As part of the FUAIM festival for spring 2012, the second Ireland Sacred Harp Convention and Singing School will be held in UCC from 2-4 March. Sacred Harp, a four-part a capella singing tradition, was brought from its home in the United States to the UCC School of Music by Dr. Juniper Hill as an ensemble module in 2009. Starting as a small class, the music's vibrant energy quickly attracted people from the the wider Cork community, and so rapid was the growth of the community that the first Ireland Sacred Harp convention took place just two years after the introduction of the music to the city. Held in the Aula Maxima and involving over 100 singers, many of whom made the journey from overseas, the first convention was a resounding success. This year promises be no different.

For local singers and early visitors, the event unofficially begins with the regular community sing in Camden Palace Hotel (located across the river from Cork Opera House) on Thursday the 1st of March from 7-9pm. Friday the 2nd sees proceedings move to the Ó Riada Hall, nestled in UCC School of Music for the formal launch of the singing weekend. Here, life-long singer Judy Caudle (who hails from Alabama - right at the heart of Sacred Harp singing in America) will give a singing school on various aspects of the tradition. The third generation of her family to teach singing schools, Judy's experience and knowledge of the tradition will be invaluable to the beginner and experienced singer alike.

The Ireland convention will once again take place at the Aula Maxima on UCC's main campus from 9:30am - 3:30pm on both Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of March. Both days will feature the essential "dinner on the grounds" - a traditional potluck lunch where everybody is encouraged to bring a dish to share with their fellow singers after a morning's raucous singing.

All events are free of charge and open to all. From experienced singers to those who prefer just to sit and listen, everyone is welcome to experience the richness of the tradition that is the Sacred Harp.

For full information and contact details visit: http://www.corksacredharp.com/convention