Russian choir to become first concert at iconic Shandon setting

CORK’S iconic Shandon church is to host its first fully paid concert later this month.

A number of local choirs have performed before in St Anne’s Church of Ireland, for centuries a symbol of Cork.

But it is hoped the concert by leading Russian choir, the Black Sea Don Cossacks, on August 18 will establish the church as a new intimate venue for classical and church-style music.

The choir chose Shandon to open their Irish tour. They are also set to perform at St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Killarney, at the Church of Ireland in Glanmire, St John’s Church in Tralee, St Peter’s Church of Ireland in Portlaoise, St Iberius Church of Ireland in Wexford and St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick.

Shandon’s hosting of the concert is the latest step in a concerted drive to establish the church as one of the city’s leading tourist attractions.

“With our new chairs, lighting and heating systems, the church will be a perfect venue for small intimate concerts,” said church organist, John Mustard, a member of the vestry.

The Don Cossack Chorus was a group of former officers of the Russian Imperial Army, discovered singing in Constantinople, where they had fled after the defeat of their army unit in the Crimea.

They made their formal concert debut in Vienna in 1923, led by their founder, conductor and composer, Serge Jaroff.

They were immensely popular in American and international tours in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.

The group, made up of only males, dressed as Cossacks and sang a cappella in a repertory of Russian sacred and operatic music, army songs and folk songs.

Cossack dancing was eventually added to their programme.

Each choir member is not only a disciplined chorister but also a brilliant soloist.

Their remarkable singing techniques, with deep basses and crystal clear tenors, gives the concerts an almost meditative character, according to their website.