The concert 'Like Winter Waiting' in St. Andrew's parish church on Saturday last, December 5, was a magical evening of song, music and verse. The church was packed to capacity as the singers went through their repertoire ranging from Christmas hymns to traditional Irish instrumentals to Jingle Bells.

This was the fourth year the concert took place in St. Andrew's Church. It was presented by Cormiosa Chamber Choir and Friends, and featured a selection of seasonal highlights, some solemn, some sing-along and all performed to the highest standard. Cormiosa is a group of 30 talented singers based in Carlow and two of its members are from Bagenalstown: Mairin Lambe and Keara O'Dea. Soloists were Melissa Young, Padraigín Caesar (harpist), Mairin Lambe, James Brennan, Cillian McManus, Ann Minchin and Fr. Paddy Byrne.

Instrumentals were played by Bagenalstown man Ciaran Somers on flute and uileann pipes, Ger Moloney on box accordian, Robert O'Connor bodhrán, Maurice Daly on bass, Conor Maguire on piano, Stephen Adams on keyboard/piano. and Ann Cullen on violin.

Special guests were the girls from Queen of the Universe NS choir, a very talented group of young singers. I am sure we will hear more from them.

The charming host, Nuala FoleyKelly, introduced and linked all the performers with her usual style and wit and entertained the audience with her beautiful singing voice as she told the story of the fictitious Mrs. Beamish. The musical director, Marian Gaynor, deservedly received a standing ovation at the end of the concert. Marian was responsible for the overall musical performance and she conducted the choir with energy and enthusiasm.