The Choir of Saint Mary’s is one of the most iconic and long-standing contributions to the life and story of the Cathedral. It is part of our rich tradition, and it gifts our worship and ceremonies with beautiful music that ranges from Medieval to modern.
Our famous Choir sits at the heart of the Cathedral’s weekly choral services in the Cathedral as well as enriching the various civic, Christmas and other occasional services hosted by the Cathedral. Mixed and multi-denominational, the Choir is made up of student-age singers from secondary schools and third level colleges, together with voluntary adult singers and four Vicars Choral. It is much loved for its performances of mass settings, anthems, hymns and traditional canticles. Our Choir also has a strong online presence via the Cathedral’s live stream and has frequently broadcast services on RTÉ One.
To listen to a performance by the Choir is to be moved by moments of immense beauty, peace and harmony, and to feel both entertained and inspired.
LEADING OUR CHOIR
Saint Mary’s choir is conducted by Peter Barley, a musician of wide experience particularly in the fields of choral and church music. Peter is part of the musical fabric of Limerick; he is a piano accompanist for exams and concerts, a piano and organ teacher and a part-time member of staff at Limerick School of Music.
Peter studied at King’s College, Cambridge (where he was an organ scholar) and as a postgraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Whilst still at school, Peter developed a keen interest in accompaniment, both on the organ and on the piano, and he has consistently worked in that role throughout his career.
Peter began his professional career in London, where he was Director of Music at Saint Marylebone Church, as well as regularly accompanying such choirs as the Corydon Singers, the London Concert Choir and Canticum.
As an organist, Peter has performed at many UK venues including Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Bridgewater Hall. He has also played at most of the main Irish recital venues, and whilst living and working in Canada he played in the regular ‘noon-hour’ organ recital series in Toronto.
A former Director of the Edington Festival of Music within the Liturgy, Peter also spent six years as Chair of RSCM Ireland. He is now closely involved in the Limerick Pipe Organ Festival.
Join Saint Mary’s Cathedral Choir
Our Choir is always welcoming to new members – so why not become a part of our ancient singing tradition?
Whilst Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a church in the full tradition of the Church of Ireland, membership of that Church is not a pre-requisite for joining the cathedral choir. You simply need to love singing and be interested in church, choral music and historic buildings. You don’t need to be an expert singer either. The Choir looks for young people with a pleasant singing voice, who can sing in tune and who are committed to choral music within the context of our magnificent Medieval cathedral.
If this sounds like you and you’re keen to know more, please get in touch here.
Our Iconic Organ
The organ at Saint Mary’s Cathedral is known for its beauty and sound. There has been an organ in Saint Mary’s Cathedral Limerick since 1624 when Bishop Bernard Adams donated it. It is positioned in a deep chamber at the east end of the Cathedral’s north aisle, having been moved here in 1861. The organ has undergone several rebuilds and updates over the centuries, with major work carried out in 1834 by Telford of Dublin and in 1913 by Lawton of Aberdeen. The most recent major work took place in 1968 by Grinstead of Kilkenny.
A Closer Look
The 3829 pipes from the four departments and pedals are housed in a deep chamber at the east end of the north aisle. The instrument is played from a detached 4-manual console.
Experience our organ at its best.