Friday, November 16, 2012

Confirmed Venue: Theatre Royal, Waterford

The Greeley Chorale travelers will have the opportunity to perform in the Theatre Royal in Waterford on Sunday, June 2nd 2013. 
Located in Waterford city's historic quarter, the Theatre Royal is one of Waterford's longest running arts and entertainment venue. It is part of a row of iconic buildings such as the Bishops Palace, Christ Church Cathedral and the City Hall building. Together, they form an architecturally impressive and historic quarter.
 
The history of the Theatre Royal dates back 220 years to its beginnings in 1810. However, even before that a Playhouse and Assembly Rooms were established in the 1700's due to the rise in prosperity in the city. It was here that the first performances were held. From 1779 on, the development of the theatre can be traced alongside historic events both at home and abroad. Then, in the early 1800's, the Playhouse was upgraded in the west wing of the City Hall building. The 20th century brought the introduction of cinematograph performances.
Photos courtesy of Theatre Royal website.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Confirmed venue: Ulster Hall, Belfast

On Saturday, June 1st 2013, the Greeley Chorale will perform a joint concert with the Donaghadee Male Voice Choir in Ulster Hall, Belfast. 

Ulster Hall was built in 1859 and opened in 1862. It was openend to provide the expanding city of Belfast with a larger multi-purpose venue. Even though larger concert halls have been opened in the city since then, Ulster Hall has remained a popular venue.
Belfast Corporation bought the building in 1902 and the Hall has been host to famous figures from the beginning: from Jenny Lind and Caruso to Charles Dickens and John McCormack, from Lord Carson and the Dalai Lama to Barry McGuigan and the Rolling Stones.
During World War II, the Ulster Hall was used extensively as a dance hall in order to provide entertainment for the American troops stationed in Northern Ireland. A shipment of American white oak planking later mysteriously arrived in Belfast to refurbish the dance floor.  
Moreover, the Mulholland Grand Organ in the Ulster Hall is one of the oldest examples of a functioning classic English pipe organ.