US choir set to stage concert at First Derry next Friday

The Lutheran Church Choir from Iowa will be giving a free lunchtime concert in the newly restored church, starting at 1.15pm.

A feature of the event is the fact that the choir are famous for handbell ringing.

The Minister of First Derry, Rev Dr David Latimer, said the concert, which is open to all denominations and Faiths, had come to pass after the choir contacted regeneration company Ilex and then the church specifically to book it as a venue.

“While First Derry is, first and foremost, a sacred place for worship and a the congregation are now making the joyous journey on Sunday to be in their spiritual home, and sampling the simple splendour of their newly refurbished church building, the church is not only a sacred space, it is a shared city space for sharing with the wider community, and events will take place within First Derry.

“The Lutheran Choir is visiting Ireland and will be touring here in the north west, and are renowned for their singing and also for their bespoke skills in bell ringing.

“The lunchtime concert at First Derry will, therefore, feature handbells as well as vocal praise.

“This concert offers a unique opportunity not only to experience the restored church but is an opportunity for office workers, shoppers and business people to stand still for 30 minutes, to leave their hectic schedules and simply contemplate for a while guided by the inspirational music and bell ringing from this internationally recognised choir,” he said.

“We are delighted that Ilex directed them to our church on the walls because they considered it a beautiful location and one in which people can experience the changes that are taking place in the city, and in the build up to the City of Culture year to show off the built heritage and suitable concert spaces that we have,” he said.