Mullingar Voices – a choral celebration of your town

Arranged by Maedhbh Hughes, Mullingar Voices is a selection of songs that have been written by local musicians, now transformed into a choral celebration.

With 11 Westmeath schools, Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools and Youth Theatre students and well-known local musicians performing, Mullingar Voices looks forward to showcasing the incredible music and talent that the town has to offer.

Featuring hits from Joe Dolan (Goodbye Venice), The Academic (Bear Claws, Different), The Blizzards (First Girl To Leave Town), as well as the first choral arrangements of Niall Horan’s songs (Our Song, This Town), Mullingar Voices is an exciting night of unique music not to be missed.

Maedhbh has been playing and teaching music in Mullingar and beyond for many years.

During her experience as a secondary school teacher and as a teacher with Music Generation Offaly Westmeath, she has encouraged many students to pick up instruments and perform. As a musician, she has been part of numerous local music acts.

Composing and arranging have always been of huge interest to Maedhbh.

She wrote her first mini musical in English, ‘Happily Ever After’, for the students of St Colman’s NS, and is delighted to include one of its songs, ‘Happily Ever After’, in the Mullingar Voices programme.

“Creating Mullingar Voices has allowed me to highlight the musicality of this town,” said Maedhbh.

“It’s been a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable experience, being able to include so many local students and musicians in a concert that is made up of music created here in the midlands.

“The schools have been incredible right from the beginning, taking pride in their performance and a sense of ownership of their songs. Mullingar Voices has grown into something special; it has allowed children and professional musicians to participate in a unique show that connects them to the music that was written in their own town.

“Principals and teachers have been so supportive and are just delighted to hear music around their schools again.”

Jane Brady, principal of St Colmcille’s NS, is delighted that her school is participating: “We were two years without singing and it brought joy back into the school,” she says.

“When Maedhbh came in, children became engaged, started singing again. You could hear music up through the corridors and it was so beautiful to hear. Actually, it re-engaged us with positivity and creativity after Covid.

“We have really enjoyed the process. The children have really enjoyed the process. Maedhbh, who organised it, is very organised and has remained on schedule, which is important in a primary school.

“All of the children are really looking forward to performing and they will do so to the best of their ability on the night.”

Jane’s colleague, Eoghan Kenny, who teaches fourth Class at St Colmcille’s, sees Mullingar Voices as a real positive: “It has brought singing back to the classroom after a long absence with Covid.

“They are really loving the process, loving the songs, the fun, the warm-ups, everything. I suppose it is also introducing them to local artists that they wouldn’t have been introduced to before. From that aspect, it is very beneficial.”

Also participating are the children of St Kenny NS, and principal Clare Egan says they are “beyond excited”; “It is the nicest thing for them. They love singing and the songs are nice and catchy.”

It is the children of St Kenny NS who sing the finale, and Clare says they are excited about that: “They are singing their songs top volume, roaring and shouting – probably not the technique [Maedhbh is] trying to work on with them, but the enthusiasm is there. We get to showcase our school, the beautiful singing that goes on in the arts centre, such a beautiful venue.”

• Mullingar Voices is at Mullingar Arts Centre on March 11, 12 and 13.