The People's College Choir was founded in 1993 as part of the wider cultural programme of courses and subjects offered by the People's College. We are a friendly and welcoming bunch of people and although our members may not share the same cultural backgrounds, beliefs, health, abilities, professions, or any of the common unifying human experiences, we are all share in the unifying power of song and singing in harmony.
We have a sizeable and enthusiastic membership and new members are always welcome. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music, though this is a bonus. All you need to do is to be able to hold a tune: we will teach you the rest and provide you with audio training aids!
The choir performs at a variety of functions, concerts and charitable events and has participated in festivals both at home and abroad. It has also undertaken choral exchanges with other European choirs. We sing a wide range of songs in a non-competitive atmosphere; some old, some new, some folk, traditional Irish airs and modern popular songs. We rehearse from 8 pm until 9:30 pm each Tuesday evening in Club na Múinteoirí (the ‘Teachers’ Club’, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin 1).
Singing in a choir is an uplifting experience and you meet new people. It’s good for your health and boosts your confidence. So why not come and share the glorious, harmonious sound of the People’s College Choir! Contact the musical director, Paul Walsh, at [email protected] or, alternatively, turn up in advance at one our rehearsals on Tuesday evening at c. 7:30 pm and ask for the musical director.
The choir had a very successful trip to Amsterdam (7-10 March 2025) where it took part in the international choral festival, Cantate Amsterdam, organised by Music and Friends; see photo above.
Since returning to rehearsals in September the choir prepared for its busy Christmas schedule of performances at KLEAR ‒ a community-based adult education centre ‒ in Kilbarrack (26 November), at a concert organised by ‘Stoneybatter Pride of Place’ in aid of the Capuchin Day Centre (4 December), and at our annual ‘Christmas in Song and Word’ with the children of Iona Road national school, Glasnevin (14 December).
On 26 April 2026, the choir performed as part of a concert in aid of St Columba's Church, Iona Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. The concert, 'All in the April Evening', included the People's College Choir, the Songmartins, Ciara Smith (soprano), David O'Carroll (baritone) with Francesco Ghirxi (organ) and Eoin Tierney (piano).
UP-COMING PERFORMANCES
3 October (Saturday): The choir will perform a lunchtime concert in St Audoen's Church, Corn Market (near High Street), Dublin 8 (https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/st-audoens-church-visitor-centre/). Admission to this concert is FREE.
17 October (Saturday): The choir will perform as part of the annual 'International Day for the Eradication of Poverty' (established by the UN in 1992) at an event organised by ADT Ireland (All Together in Dignity; https://www.atdireland.ie).
