Christmas at

St. Patrick's

The annual ‘Music for Advent and Christmas' will be held in St. Patrick's Parish Church, Castle Street, Ballymena on Friday 10th December 2010 at 8.00 pm.

The principal artiste will be Lucy Drennan who studied violin at the Royal Academy of Music (London).

After graduating in 1990, Lucy played with some of the most celebrated musical ensembles, including the Academy of St. Martin, the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. During this time, she also made various CD's with the London Salon Ensemble and gave frequent chamber recitals in London's Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Barbican and Purcell Room.

Lucy was appointed Principal Assistant Second Violin of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (Manchester) in 1995, and later Associate Leader of the Ulster Orchestra in 1997 - a position that made her very familiar to audiences both in Ireland and in the UK. Having played at the top echelons of orchestral music for over 20 years, Lucy has worked closely with some of the world's most famous musicians (including Luciano Pavarotti, Sir Georg Solti and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, to cite a few). Lucy resigned from her post with the Ulster Orchestra earlier this year due to a serious eye condition.

Her musical career has been unscathed by her misfortune, however, and she remains in demand as a soloist and teacher.

Lucy will be accompanied by her husband Jonathan who is organist and choirmaster of St Patrick's Church. Dr. Drennan is a professional organist, pianist and musicologist. His work has been recorded for countless CDs and radio broadcasts; his books on, and editions of, early choral music are published internationally.

Also taking part (The Spoken Word) will be Kathleen Thompson. Kathleen is a local teacher and for many years has had an interest in speech and drama. After obtaining her B.Ed from Stranmillis University College she continued this interest and obtained and A.T.C.L. Diploma in speech and drama from Trinity College, London.

She has been a parishioner of St. Patrick's for many years and has manifested her love of language on various occasions in church services and other parochial events.

The Parish Choir under the direction of Dr. Drennan will sing various musical pieces appropriate to the season.

Tickets (6.00) may be obtained from choir members or alternatively payment may be made at the door.

St. Patrick's Choir has recorded a CD of favourite hymns and organ music which is available at a cost of 8.00 from choir members or can be purchased at the ‘Music for Advent and Christmas' performance. All proceeds of the CD will go to help the Christian Church in Nepal.