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St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir
Founded in 1956 by the late Eugene Mooney in Drogheda, County Louth, St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir is a non-denominational male vocal ensemble that engages audiences with their diverse repertoire through live concerts and recordings. Conducted since 1996 by established classical pianist and conductor, Edward Holly, the ensemble has earned national renown as Ireland’s leading male voice choir. They have developed a remarkable reputation for quality interpretations of a wide range of choral music.
In 1999, having become the only male voice choir to be awarded Irish Choir
of the Year, it continues to compete with great success at domestic and international
choral festivals. The choir has won First Prize at every major Male Voice Choral
Festival in Ireland, including the Cork International Choral Festival and most
recently the 2003 and 2004 Sligo International Choral Festivals. St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir has also represented Ireland twice at the prestigious Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Wales. In 2003, they were also Ireland’s sole representative at the inaugural Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival and were the first Irish choir to win the North Wales International Choral Festival.
 Comprising 60 members, St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir is widely renowned for innovative and highly entertaining concerts that draw not only on a wonderful choral tone but also on its solo performers. Originally formed to sing sacred plainchant and polyphony, the choir’s concerts now include repertoire as diverse as Gregorian chant, spirituals, opera choruses and popular music. Capacity audiences are drawn to every performance.
On 27th June, 2006, St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir was invited to open the eight International Organ Festival at the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore. They performed Gounod’s Mass No. 2 in G major. Recital performances have also taken them to Europe and the USA. In August, 2006, the choir celebrated its 50th Anniversary by giving a Sacred Music Recital at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, New York City to an audience of 600 enthralled listeners. During that same tour St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir made history when they became the first Irish Choir to give a concert in the United Nations Building.
With the passing of time it became evident to the choir that recording would
play an intrinsic part in capturing the unique sound of its members. In 2004,
with its Golden Jubilee approaching, St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir released its first CD, The Awakening. This album succeeded in increasing not only the ensemble's exposure, but gave music lovers everywhere the opportunity to savour the sound of an Irish male voice choir. Sales of the The Awakening have already passed the two-thousand mark.
The choir has appeared on RTÉ Television, including Gay Byrne’s Late Late Show, and broadcast on RTÉ Radio on numerous occasions. It has received numerous honours for its contribution to the arts. In June, 2002, the choir was entered into the Roll of Honour of the Borough of Drogheda in recognition of its service to the community. On 24th May, 2006, the Drogheda Mayor, Thomas Murphy, presented a Special Award to each of the 12 of the original members from 1956 who remain choristers today. On 4th July, 2006, the choir was welcomed by President Mary McAleese and her guests at Aras an Uachtaráin.
St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir actively promotes and encourages the talents of
exceptionally gifted young vocalists and musicians who accompany them on their recordings and in their live performances.
 The Awakening CD
The CD can now be downloaded in its entirety or by individual songs from iTunes.
Songs cost €0.99 each.
Full Album €9.99 Download Choir Biography
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