FUAIM Concert: UCC Choir & Brian Kennedy, 16th December, 1.10pm, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

16 Dec 2022

For the final concert of the Autumn 2022 series, FUAIM proudly presents the UCC Choir, directed by Dr. Eva McMullan-Glossop, in collaboration with none other than singer and songwriter, Brian Kennedy. Please join us in St. Fin Barre's Cathedral as we bring the season to close with what promises to be a real highlight.

UCC Choir

Directed by Dr. Eva McMullan-Glossop, the University College Cork Choir comprises students from the UCC School of Music and Theatre as well as staff members from across the University. A firm favourite in the FUAIM concert series, the Choir performs regularly both on and off campus and is known for its innovative collaborations with prominent solo artists, including John Spillane, Iarla Ó Lionárd, Cara O’Sullivan and Karan Casey, as well as with the legendary Cork band, The Frank and Walters. UCC Choir has performed at a number of high-profile events in recent years, including performances on The Late Late Show, and at the Famine Commemoration, a live broadcast at which the President of Ireland attended.

BRIAN KENNEDY
Brian Kennedy is one of Ireland’s most inspired and revered ambassadors of music. He is not only a prolific songwriter but a master interpreter of lyrics as well, and audiences around the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, the multi-platinum recording artist remains one of Ireland’s most popular singing stars.

With “a voice to charm the angels,” Brian survived a childhood on the infamous Falls Road, West Belfast, at the height of its hellish history against all the odds to carve an extraordinary career in music. “It’s a miracle that I survived my childhood and became a singer really, given where and how my life started, but somehow my voice had other plans and saved me in the end." That voice set him on a course that changed his life forever. From harmonizing with ambulance sirens as a child to overcoming stage fright, his gradual ascent was nothing short of incredible. He busked on the dangerous streets of his hometown whatever the political climate until a sudden escape to London at 18 where he survived the only way he knew how. He sang unaccompanied in the underground stations and outside the Dominion Theatre, sometimes literally in order to eat and until he finally saved up enough money for a guitar. Soon thereafter, Brian was discovered by British entrepreneur/manager Simon Fuller.

Brian is first and foremost a live performer and songwriter declaring “music is my lifeblood.” His constant touring from Ireland and the UK to Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA, including the major global festivals, has resulted in an ever-growing international fan base, over a phenomenal three-decade career.

Please join us in St. Fin Barre's Cathedral or on the livestream at 1:10pm - fáilte roimh chách! All welcome!