Latest News
Scroll down to see ALL our Christmas Dates
Classic Harmony
Carols and Songs for the Festive Season
December 21st, 2019
Ashford Heritage Centre at 8 p.m.
Come to the beautiful Ashfored Community and Heritage Centre to unwind, enjoy some Christmas treats and hear some glorious festive music this last weekend before Christmas. Admission €15, includes mulled wine and mince pies. A raffle will take place in aid of Ashford St Vincent de Paul.
Wicklow Choral Society
Carols for Christmas
December 20th, 2019
Dominican Convent Chapel, Wicklow. 7:30 p.m.
Wickow Choral Society, director Frank Kelly, have prepared a feast of carols for all ages. Come to the atmospheric surroundings of the Dominican Convent Chapel in Wicklow, December 20th at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are available in Earls Newsagents and on the door. Admission €10 individual ticket or €25 for a family ticket and include complkimentary mulled wine/soft drink and mince pie reception. Proceeds are in aid of Wicklow Welcomes.
Visionaries Choir
Carols and Songs for Christmas
December 19th, 2019
City Quay Church, Dublin. 7:30 p.m.
Come and hear the Visionaries Choir with special guests Classic Harmony, for a fabulous evening of Christmas Carols in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, City Quay, Dublin on December 19th at 7.30 p.m. Admission free, donations gratefully accepted.
Do-Mi-So Ladies Choir
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir
Carols and Songs for Christmas
December 15th, 2019
Christ Church, Delgany, 7:30 p.m.
Join the Do-Mi-So Ladies Choir and the Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir, for a truly seasonal evening of Christmas Songs and Carols in Christ Church Delgany, on December 15th at 7.30 p.m. Admission €5, payable at the door. Donations will be collected in aid of Greystones Cancer Support, the Jack and Jill Foundation and St. Catherine's Association. Additional parking will be available outside Delgany National School.
Bray Choral Society
Carols by Candlelight
December 14th 2019
Christ Church, Bray. 8 p.m.
Orchestra, Leader Alan Smale
Soprano, Rebecca Kelly
Come and join Bray Choral Society, directed by Frank Kelly, and orchestra, leader Alan Smale, who will be joined by Soprano Rebecca Kelly for an enchanting evening of Carols by Candlelight. Enjoy a wonderful selection of carols, spanning centuries, in the atmospheric and historic atmosphere of beautiful Christ Church, on Church Road in Bray, on December 14th at 8 p.m. Tickets €15 in aid of W.H Five Loaves, available on the door or contact any choir member.
Classic Harmony Win
Lions World Song Festival for the Blind - Sounds from the Heart
In a thrilling and truly international final, Classic Harmony were declared winners of the 2019 Lions World Song Festival for the Blind.
Lions World Song Festival for the Blind - Sounds from the Heart
14th - 16th November 2019 in Krakow
We are delighted to announce that both Classic Harmony and also Rebecca Kelly as a solo singer, will represent Ireland at the Lions International Song Contest for blind and vision-impaired singers in Krakow, Poland between November 13-17, 2019. The Festival will bring together approximately 68 vocalists from 20 countries and 4 continents. Each act or individual submitted an audition via DVD. An international jury chose the finalists who will perform their songs live in front of a wide festival audience. A professional, international jury will choose the winners of the Festival and the audience will choose their favourites for the audience award.
The Vision Symphony Project
In October 2019, Frank, Rebecca, Emily and John Kelly, along with members of the Visionaries Choir, directed by Frank, joined an orchestra of musicians with visual impairment for the Vision Symphony project. The Project was supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and the resulting work was performed in the Glor Theatre in Ennis. Frank was mentored by IMO principal pianist Jack Talty. and also directed the Visionaries Choir. Rebecca played keyboards and was mentored by IMO principal pianist Jack Talty. Emily was initially mentored by IMO principal harpist Anne-Marie O'Farrell. Emily then took on the principal harp position for the premiere of Dave Flynn's 'Vision Symphony' and 'Clare Symphony'. John played tin whistle and was mentored by IMO principals Aisling Agnew and Mark Redmond Music. Frank, Rebecca, Emily and John also sang with the Visionaries Choir during the event. Photo Credit: John O'Neill
Irish Premiere
of
Howard Goodall's ‘Invictus: A Passion’
introduced by Howard Goodall
Wicklow and Bray Choral Societies
St. Andrew's Church Westland Row Sat 9th Feb 2018
Holy Redeemer, Bray - Sun 10th Feb 2019
Soloists Sarah Power and Ross Scanlon (Sat)
Soloists Joan O'Malley and Ross Scanlon (Sun)
Wicklow and Bray Choral Societies, conducted by Frank Kelly, together with the ConTempo Quartet and Degani Ensemble, leader Alan Smale performed the Irish première of Howard Goodall’s new work, ‘Invictus: A Passion’, on Saturday 9th February in St. Andrew’s Church, Dublin. This new work is an exciting and beautiful re-telling of the Passion story with a focus on the experience of the women who were part of it. Howard Goodall CBE is one of Britain’s best known composers. ‘Eternal Light: A Requiem’ has been performed by hundreds of choirs all over the world since its première in 2008. Mr. Goodall attended the premiere and introduced the work to the audience. A second performance took place in Holy Redeemer, Bray on Sunday 10th February.
Classic Harmony
Gala Christmas Family Concert
On December 22nd 2018, Classic Harmony performed a Gala Concert in the Whale Theatre Greystones, together with special guest, Alan Smale and piano accompanist, Ronán Murray. The concert focused on the music of Christmas, with carols, songs and a few instrumental pieces spanning the Middle Ages to the Modern Era. The night ended with a standing ovation.
Hear Classic Harmony perform a contemporary carol by Bob Chilcott
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir
and
DoMiSo Delgany Community Choir
Director Frank Kelly
Guest Soloist Rebecca Kelly
Christmas Chorus
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir and DoMiSo Delgany Community Choir, directed by Frank Kelly and featuring Guest Soloist Rebecca Kelly, presented a special 'Christmas Chorus' on December 16th 2018 in Christchurch, Delgany. Donations were collected for Greystones Cancer Support.
Bray Choral Society
Director Frank Kelly
Soloist Rebecca Kelly
Christmas Concert
Bray Choral Society's Christmas Carol Concert took place on December 15th 2018 in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray Main Street. The choir presented Christmas carols from across the ages. The concert was in aid of Lakers Social and Recreational Club, Bray.
Wicklow Choral Society
Director Frank Kelly
Soloist Rebecca Kelly
Carols by Candlelight
On 14th December 2018, Wicklow Choral Society's annual Christmas Concert of carols by candlelit took place in the atmospheric setting of the beautiful Dominican Chapel, Wicklow Town. Choir and Audience enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.
Return to Top
Frank Kelly to direct ‘Come and Sing the Armed Man’
Sunday, November 11th is a very special day! It is the centenary of the Armistice at the end of World War I and it is being commemorated in Christchurch, Bray in a very special way. We are going to have a 'Come and Sing' of The Armed Man; a Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins.
This special event is open to anyone who would like to be involved. All you have to do is register your interest with Frank Lonergan f.lonergan@yahoo.com to receive an information pack which will include access to learning files - for those who haven't sung it before to prepare a little! - and information about the day. If you don't have a score, Frank will tell you how to get the use of one for the day.
We expect to have an orchestral accompaniment with professionals and able amateurs already signed up to take part. If you would like to be involved as a player, please contact Frank Kelly frank@kellymusicservices.com to take part in this special Remembrance Day event.
The fee to take part is €10 for the day and this will be used to cover the expenses of hiring scores and orchestral material. Any excess funds will be donated to Christchurch, Bray. Details will be given by Frank upon registration. Arrive to register is at 1 p.m. Rehearsals are from to 1.30 - 6 p.m. Performance is from 7- 8.15 p.m. Audience welcome from 2 p.m.
So, put the date in your Diary! Sunday, November 11th starting at 1:00pm in the historic environs of Christchurch, Bray.
Classic Harmony at The Whale Theatre
Classic Harmony performed at The Whale Theatre in Greystones on June 16th, 2018. The concert featured Classical, Vocal Jazz, Popular and Traditional music given the Classic Harmony treatment of warm vocal harmonies and expressive singing from the heart. The concert also features a guest appearance by Alan Smale - renowned violinist and retired leader of the National Symphony Orchestraand pianist Ronan Murray. Emily Kelly played some of her own arrangements on the harp. Starting with Madrigals and ending with Manhattan Transfer, Classic Harmony and their guests received an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir
Do-Mi-So Ladies Choir
Rebecca Kelly and Frank Kelly
The Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir, director Frank Kelly, and the Do-Mi-So Ladies Choir performeded a selection of Pop and Folk classics at the Parkview Hotel on June 9th, 2018. They were joined by special guests Rebecca Kelly and Frank Kelly. Proceeds of the concert went to Wicklow Hospice Foundation
Wicklow Choral Society Summer Concert
Wicklow Choral Society performed a new work by the American composer, Dan Forrest called 'Jubilate Deo' at a concert in St. Patrick's Church, Wicklow on Sunday, May 27th 2019. This wonderful and exciting new piece was paired with Vivaldi's 'Gloria'. The choir were joined by soprano, Jade Phoenix from Greystones and mezzo-soprano, Katie Richardson. The concert was accompanied by the Degani Sinfonia, led by Alan Smale.
Classic Harmony Success
at
Mayo International Choral Festival 2018
Classic Harmony won the Smaller Choral Groups category at the Mayo International Choral festival on May 26th in Castlebar. The two international judges from Great Britain and North America were very impressed with the vocal blend, musicianship and technical skill of the ensemble. This win secured them a place in the Premier Competition at the same event which was won by a choir from Indiana in the USA.
Bray Choral Society perform Jenkins and Rutter
with the Degani Sinfonia, Alan Smale
There was a great reception for Bray Choral Society under the direction of Frank Kelly and with solos by Rebecca Kelly performed The Peacemakers by Karl Jenkins on May 5th 2018 in Holy Redeemer Church, Bray. The programme also included Gloria by John Rutter and Bray Choral Society were delighted to be accompanied by the Degani Sinfonia, led by Alan Smale.
Classic Harmony Double Win at Arklow Music Festival 2018
Classic Harmony swept the boards at the re-scheduled Arklow Music Festival 2018 which took place on Sunday, April 29th, competing in the Madrigal Competition and the Light Jazz and Popular Competition and winning both cups!
.jpg)
Classic Harmony in the Dublin Choral Festival 2018
Classic Harmony took part in the Dublin International Choral Festival on March 22nd-24th, 2018 performing in St. Ann's Dawson St., City Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The large audiences at all three venues were wow-ed by Classic Harmony's expressive and stylish singing of a programme that ranged from Madrigals to Contemporary Classical and Popular pieces. Photo Credits: Ste Murray.
.jpg)
Classic Harmony Christmas Carols and Songs
In what has by now become a much anticipated annual Christmas Eve event, and a blissful alternative to last minute shopping, Classic Harmony performed a selection of Christmas Carols and seasonal songs in the Druid's Glen Hotel Newtownmountkennedy.
Classic Harmony
with Ashford Parish Choir and Do-Mi-So Ladies Choir
On 17th December 2018, Classic Harmony performed together with Ashford Parish Choir and the Do-Mi-So Ladies Choir from Delgany in the beautiful Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Ashford. Proceeds went to St. Vincent de Paul.
Wicklow Choral Society
Carols by Candlelight
On 15th December 2018, Wicklow Choral Society, directed by Frank Kelly, gave a concert of carols by candlelight in the atmospheric setting of the Dominican College Chapel, Wicklow Town. They performed to a packed audience together with their guests, Classic Harmony. All proceeds went to Wicklow Cancer Care.
The Visionaries Choir
Christmas Concert
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir
with
Classic Harmony
On December 10th 2017, Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir, Musical Director Frank Kelly, gave a rousing Christmas concert at St. Joseph's Church, Newtownmountkennedy. They were joined by special guests Classic Harmony. A collection was taken to support Wicklow Hospice.
Bray Choral Society
Carols by Candlelight
Bray Choral Society, under Musical Director Frank Kelly, gave a candlelit carol concert in the atmospheric setting of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Bray, on December 9th 2017. They performed a beautiful selection of carols from around the world to a full house. Proceeds went to Wicklow Hospice.
Return to Top
Visionaries Summer Concert
with Classic Harmony
On Saturday July 8th the Visionaries Choir, under direction of Frank Kelly, performed in St. Audoen’s Church, Dublin. Visionaries were joined by special guests, Classic Harmony, for a beautiful summer evening of song.
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir
Summer Concert
On June 15th Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir, under direction of Frank Kelly, performed a concert with special guests, The Garda Band, in The Parkview Hotel. A summer mix of songs from the male-voice choir repertoire - opera choruses, songs from musicals, popular song arrangements and exciting band numbers sent the audience home humming and happy.
Bray Choral Society
Bray Choral Society, under direction of Frank Kelly, performed in Holy Redeemer Church, Bray on June 3rd. An all Mozart concert featured his Great C minor Mass, a work on an epic scale, his Symphony No 40 in G minor and the beautiful Ave Verum Corpus. Bray Choral Society were joined by The Degani Sinfonia, led by Alan Smale, and some of Ireland’s finest singers; Lynda Lee and Clodagh Kinsella (Sopranos), Owen Gilhooly (Tenor) and Tristan Caldwell (Bass).
Wicklow Choral Society with The Degani Sinfonia
Wonderful evening of Music in St. Patrick's Wicklow
On Sunday, May 28th, Wicklow Choral Society under direction of Frank Kelly, together with a children's choir, performed the exquisitely beautiful Requiem, an early 20th Century work by French composer Maurice Duruflé. This was followed by Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine and Schubert's Mass No 4 in C. They were accompanied by The Degani Sinfonia led by Alan Smale with Simon Bell on organ. Simon Bell is Director of the Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum and Director of Choral Music and Organist at Dean Close School. Simon replaced organist David Leigh at short notice as David was indisposed. The choir was joined by Soprano Sarah Brady, Mezzo Soprano Eimear McCarthy Luddy, Tenor Ciarán Fennelly and Bass Robert McAllister for the Schubert Mass. The evening finished with a standing ovation.
Kelly Family in Ireland's A Cappella Competition!
Wednesday, August 24th 2016
The Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble (now known as Classic Harmony) took part in Ireland's A Cappella Competition in St. Finian's Church on Adelaide Road in Dublin. Although we were not the ultimate winners, our performance attracted a lot of positive attention and we were unique in being the only family ensemble performing. We really enjoyed the experience.
Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble Performance
Saturday, August 13th 2016
The Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble performed a concert of old favourites in aid of the Ashford Community and Heritage Centre. The programme featured jazz, pop and country music with an emphasis on well-known songs and audience participation.
John and Orlaith Kelly Produce Music Video
Friday, August 5th 2016
John and Orlaith Kelly have produced a music video for Dublin rock singer Tommy Rockit.
Return to Top
Visionaries Choir & Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble
Saturday, June 18th 2016
On Saturday, June 18th, the Visionaries Choir directed by Frank Kelly and joined by the Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble performed a concert of light classical, popular and traditional songs at St Audoen's Church in Dublin. This was the first public concert by this very special choir for blind and vision-impaired singers. The Visionaries choir is always ready to welcome new members. Contact Peter Gorey on 086 815 0145.
Newtown Male Voice Choir Choir & Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble
On Sunday, June 12th, Newtown Male Voice Choir performed a 'Summertime Songs' concert with guests The Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble. The concert was directed and compered by Frank Kelly and delighted the audience with an evening of traditional, popular and light classical songs.
Wicklow Choral Society and Degani Sinfonia
Standing Ovation for Carmina Burana and Sunrise Mass
On Sunday, May 29th, Wicklow Choral Society, together with with the Degani Sinfonia, soloists and a children's choir were conducted by Frank Kelly as they performed Carl Orff's choral masterpiece Carmina Burana along with the beautiful Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo in St. Patrick's Church, Wicklow. A full house gave the performers a standing ovation.
Bray Choral Society and Frank Kelly celebrate 30 Wonderful Years
Frank celebrates 30 Years of Choral Conducting
On Saturday May 14th Bray Choral Society together with the Degani Sinfonia and soloists were conducted by Frank Kelly in a Gala Concert which celebrated 30 years of the choir founded by Frank in January 1986. The programme included Gounod's triumphant Messe Solennelle and Bizet's exuberant Te Deum along with opera choruses and settings of 'Shenandoah' and 'When the Saints go marching in'.
1916 Commemoration Concert
On Sunday, April 24th the Kellys played at a 1916 Commemoration Concert especially honouring Capt. Robert Monteith (who aided Roger Casement in trying to bring German rifles into Bantry Bay). A great musical afternoon was shared with others including the Newtown Male Voice Choir. The Kellys sang some songs together and also contributed some solos, a duet and some instrumental music to the event.
Ireland Remembers 1916
On Saturday 23rd April in the evening, the Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble hosted a concert in the Ashford Community and Heritage Centre, Ashford. Co. Wicklow. The concert featured Irish Music and Song especially songs of 1916 in Ireland and also some commemoration songs of World War I. There were also some guest musicians who combined with the family to play lively sets of jigs, reels, hornpipes and the St. Patrick's Day Set Dance, which the four young people danced. The whole evening ended with a Singalong of choruses from well-known popular songs during WWI.
Armagh Cathedral - St. Patrick's Day 2016
The Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble sang in Armagh Cathedral to celebrate St. Patricks Day. (YouTube link) The family joined 500 amateur choristers and the professional Voices of Ireland choir along with traditional musicians and dancers in a televised celebration of St. Patrick. The whole programme is an excellent production; it was streamed on the Internet to the USA and the Far East.
Return to Top
January 2016: Happy New Year!
It's a time of New Year's Resolutions (here is our list)
1. Join a Choir!
Frank is looking forward to the new term with his FIVE choirs!
- Bray Choral Society
have a busy schedule with a 'Magic of Vienna' concert in Bray in February, followed by a Bray Choral Society Birthday Messiah in April and their 30th Anniversary Gala Concert featuring Gounod Messe Solennelle de St. Cecile, Bizet Te Deum and Opera Choruses by Verdi and Others - Wicklow Choral Society
will be continuing their preparations for their End of Season Concert featuring Carl Orff's Carmina Burana and Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass - Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir
will be welcoming new members in January and developing the choir in preparation for an End of Season Concert in May - The Visionaries Choir (for blind and vision-impaired singers)
will be welcoming new members in January and taking the next step in their development - Ashford Parish Choir
will be welcoming new members and will continue to sing at 6.00pm mass on Saturdays through-out the year - If you would like to get involved in any of these choirs please contact Frank by emailing frank@kellymusicservices.com. You can do so by clicking here
2. Take a Class!
Frank is expanding his teaching schedule in January and has slots for students of all ages in Piano, Voice, Guitar, Keyboard, Tin Whistle, Recorder and Accordion. He is also organising Classes in Solfege (Music-reading), Music Appreciation and Junior Cert Music and Leaving Cert Music.
3. Get on Stage!
Limelight Productions (Ireland) Musical Theatre Group for Children, based in Ashford National School, directed by Orlaith, choreographed by Emily and musically-directed by Rebecca are currently in the thick of their preparations with 20 children from 5-12 years of age for a full performance of Disney's Alice in Wonderland. Anyone interested in being involved please contact Orlaith by emailing orlaith@kellymusicservices.com. You can do so by clicking here
4. Look us up!
We are now named Classic Harmony. Formerly known as The Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble, we are developing their repertoire in all styles of music, preparing for weddings booked for this year and are also available for funerals, private and corporate functions. We will continue to put up YouTube and SoundCloud clips; please look us up and leave feedback, and click 'Like' on our Facebook page
Read about Classic Harmony here
Return to Top
Recent Press Coverage - 2016
Wicklow Choral Society Concert Review Wicklow Times 14 June 2016
Frank Kelly is interviewed on Wicklow this Week on East Coast FM, 21st May 2016:
The Visionaries Choir, directed by Frank Kelly, are featured in NCBI News - Winter 2015
Irish Times September 2015
Irish Daily Mirror 12 February 2015
Classic Harmony (formerly The Kelly Family Vocal Ensemble) perform a contemporary carol by Bob Chilcott
Return to Top