Athlone A Cappella takes part in European Barbershop Convention
Athlone A Cappella (AAC) has recently returned from a trip to Helsingborg in Sweden to attend the European Barbershop convention, which was organised and hosted by SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers).
Since AAC had won silver twice in a row and scored highly in the annual national competition, it was nominated by Irish Association of Barbershop Singers to go to the SNOBS convention and was one of only two choruses lucky enough to attend the event from Ireland.
AAC is a close harmony barbershop group made up of 45 members – A Cappella music is a performance by a singer or choir without instrumental accompaniment. There are four vocal sections – Bass, Lead, Baritone and Tenors - which blend together to make the traditional Barbershop sound.
AAC’s Director Hilary Roche remarked that she was “delighted and honoured to have been invited to the prestigious convention in Helsingborg and to have the wonderful opportunity to participate in such an esteemed event”.
The ladies in AAC were excited to travel to Sweden and to meet up with choruses from such places as Netherlands, the UK, Germany and of course Sweden and Denmark.
AAC has been involved in IABS for many years and competes annually against other choruses from around Ireland – from such places as Cork, Dublin, Sligo and Bray. AAC’s Director Hilary Roche felt this trip to Sweden would be an excellent opportunity to air the new competition songs and to gain valuable experience on the stage of such a large arena.
AAC was treated to a fantastic array of songs and productions from the other European quartets and choruses. The singing and costumes were dazzling – not to mention the stage management and choreography needed for the enormous choruses, many of whom numbered over 80 members!
The convention was held in the beautiful city of Helsingborg in Sweden. AAC managed to take some time out from their busy schedule to sample the delights of Helsingborg - from the picturesque harbour area to the Palace at Sofiero. Indeed, many visitors to Sofiero Palace grounds were treated to an impromptu sing song as the choruses from many European countries met up and sang together. For many of the ladies of AAC this love of singing and meeting other like-minded individuals is one of the highlights of these events.
Other members of the chorus took the opportunity to take the ferry and make the short crossing to Helsingor in Denmark and on to Copenhagen to see the delights of The Little Mermaid and Tivoli Gardens.