Encore Contemporary Choir honoured to sing for Dalai Lama

It is quite an achievement as the choir has only been in existence since February 24, 2011, and the members will be rubbing shoulders with Janet Devlin, Christy Moore, Rainbow Dance Theatre, Tracy Campbell and Felix Healey.

“We were asked by Richard Moore, the founder of Children in Crossfire, who sent me an email at the end of January, and of course we jumped at the chance; you don’t turn something like that down. Initially we did not know that it was to be before of the Dalai Lama in The Venue, until we got a further email through,” said Emmet.

“The members of Encore were excited. It is amazing for them. We have quite a few new members and all of them are absolutely buzzing at the opportunity. It is the largest profile and biggest stage that most of them will have been on and they are massively excited about it,” said Emmet, adding: “There is tremendous excitement in the choir and they are really looking forward to it.”

Emmet revealed that the choir is to sing the song ‘Something Inside So Strong’ by Labi Siffre. The song was the stars biggest hit in the 1980s.

“I chose the song and arranged it for the choir to sing,” said Emmet.

Asked how he felt about performing in front of a dignitary like the Dalai Lama, Emmet said: “I am delighted. The choir has been going for two years now and this is the biggest profile event we have ever been asked to do.

“To be picked to play for His Holiness the Dalai Lama is great and it is great to be able to lead a choir to doing it. I cannot wait for it,” he said.