West Cork Choral Singers |
2nd July 2009, and some summer sunshine brought with it 32 members of Musica Fortuna, for a few days of friendship and making music together in West Cork. The group arrived at Dublin Airport ready for the long journey to Schull, but not before seeing some of Dublin’s Fair City. We stopped off at Jamesons Brewery where we received an excellent tour and whiskey tasting experience, and the brewery received a taste of Czech gratitude in the form of two drinking songs; we brought the place to a stand-still to listen. By now the sunshine had gone but that did not stop us from exploring the Streets of Dublin, meeting up with the coach again at the bottom of an extremely busy O’Connell Street. With a stop refreshment at Durrow, we arrived in Schull late to be met by many members of West Cork Choral Singers and taken off to our hosts homes. |
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Friday 3rd July was spent on a boat trip to Cape Clear. We walked round the island, visited the museum, and enjoyed a traditional lunch of Irish Vegetable Soup. Once again Musica Fortuna delighted everyone with their singing, both on the ferry and in the church on Cape Clear. In the evening we gathered at Schull Sailing Club for a splendid meal of Irish Stew prepared by many members of W.C.C.S, followed by entertainment. Our very own Sarah and her Husband Max, played and sang for us as we danced the night away. |
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Saturday 4th July saw Musica Fortuna on a coach trip round the area, ably led by some of WCCS, who, with their local knowledge, were able to entertain and inform all of us for the day. Some time was spent on the beach at Barleycove, plus a visit to Mizen Lighthouse. Many photos taken of the stunning scenery! Another evening spent happily at Schull Sailing Centre, with delicious food supplied by members of W.C.C.S., and lively entertainment, this time provided by “Take the Floor”. Also a cabaret by Wolf and Birgit, ably assisted by their “sheep”. We all tried our hand(feet?) at Irish Dancing, some with more success than others, but all with great spirit, it was a lot of fun. |
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Sunday 5th July was a busy day, starting with a visit to Schull Country market in the morning. The rain caught up with us but this did not stop Musica Fortuna from giving a performance at the market, advertising our concert for the evening as well as entertaining the shoppers. After lunch we all rehearsed in the Church ready for the evening, and of course the highlight of the day was our concert. Musica Fortuna sang a varied repertoire under the direction of Vita. West Cork Choral Singers sang also, under Diana’s direction, and we had a guest performer, Anja Bakker who delighted us with music on the Recorder and the Harp. We closed the concert with both choirs singing together. Then everyone was off to Grove House for a splendid buffet and more singing onto the wee small hours. |
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Monday 6th July was an “at home” day. Every host and their Czech guests made up their own minds how they would like to spend the day. Some went walking, others visiting the wider area, and many spent the day at Rosie and Urs’ farm, where they held an open day. So it was we all gathered at the Harbour View hotel for a final meal together and of course some more singing, before the time came, all too soon to bid farewell. Musica Fortuna boarded their coach at 11pm, to travel through the night and catch the early flight from Dublin. |
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We were all sad to be parted so soon, and look forward to meeting again. |