Launch of Lowry Songers CD: Hymns for Haiti
On Saturday, 6th November, at 11. 30am, in Armagh Church of Ireland Cathedral, the Dean of Derry, The Very Reverend William Morton, will launch a CD entitled, "Hymns for Haiti" sung by The Lowry Singers with their director, Earl Moffitt and organist Phillip Elliott.
This CD marks the choir's tenth anniversary but is to be a CD with a difference. All profit from the sale of the CD will be donated to The Haiti Earthquake Appeal. In January this year in Haiti 230,000 people were killed, what is perhaps less well known is the fact that there are still 1.5 million people (a figure almost equal to the entire population of Northern Ireland) living under canvas and 300,000 destitute children. In addition to the loss of life and destruction of property, much of Haitian cultural heritage has been lost including the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-au-Prince which housed many stunning murals. A photograph of one of them is shown on the front cover of the CD, this particular mural (the Ascension of Christ) the work of Castera Bazile, a highly significant figure in the art world. It is anticipated that the country-wide restoration project, will take approximately fifteen years to complete and every kind of material help is still needed for this country which, before the earthquake, was one of the world’s poorest.
Founded in 2000, The Lowry Singers are now a well-established chamber choir undertaking many engagements including radio broadcasts for the BBC and radio and television broadcasts for RTE. The membership, drawn largely from Armagh and its environs, came together as a group of friends to sing at the re-hallowing of St Mary’s Clonmel after a major refurbishment. During the last decade, the choir has given ninety-six performances, including the annual “Carols by Candlelight” in the ancient church of St Aidan, Kilmore (Armagh), which takes place this year on Saturday 11th December at 7.00pm. Two CDs issued previously by The Lowry Singers have the titles, “Lord for the years” and “Christmas at Kilmore”.
The Lowry Singers are named in memory of the late Canon Christopher Somerset Lowry. He was an enthusiastic supporter of music and liturgy serving his entire ministry of some 40 years in the Armagh diocese. Canon Lowry was for many years rector of Grange in the outskirts of Armagh city and for 12 years prior to his retirement in 1991 rector of Loughgall and Grange.
Everyone will be welcome to attend the launch of “Hymns for Haiti” on Saturday 6th November at 11.30am in Armagh Cathedral, the profits of which will support such a worthy cause. CDs cost £12 or 2 for £20.