Omagh concert dedicated to stalwart of local music scene

UPLIFTING songs cascaded through the Strule Arts Centre as the Omagh Music Society performed their vibrant annual spring concert.

Titled ‘Spring Melodies’, this year, for the first time, the concert was directed by Derick Weir and accompanied on piano by the gifted Gráinne Kirke.

Poignantly, the concert was dedicated to the memory of the Society’s late President Margaret Mitchell BEM, who sadly passed earlier in the year and whom is dearly-missed.

The evening, which featured perfect harmonies and singalong numbers, included songs from well-known musical favourites, such as ‘The Sound of Music’ as well as a variety of choral works which range from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to Mozart’s ‘Ave Verum’ ensuring something for everyone.

Chairperson of Omagh Music Society, Godfrey Young, MBE, was delighted with the success of the concert.

“As is now tradition our programme contained a mix of both sacred and secular music,” he said. “This year’s spring concert has extra poignancy for Omagh Music Society as it is dedicated to the memory of our late Honorary President, Margaret Mitchell BEM, who sadly passed away in January of this year.

“Margaret was a founder member of the Society and during a period spanning over 50 years she made an enormous contribution both with her magnificent soprano voice, her many committee roles and up until her passing in her role as honorary president.

“There were also spring concert debuts for Derick Weir as musical director and Grainne Kirk as our accompanist,” he added.

“On behalf of the Society, wish to thank both for their hard work in preparing the choir for this evening’s performance.

“Finally, a thank you to you the audience for coming along to hear us, for all who have supported us in anyway including by way of sponsorship and to the choir members who have given so much of their time and talents during the course of this year.”