Cappella Caeciliana, conducted by Donal McCrisken and with organist Stephen Hamill, presented a concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Bernadette's Church, Rosetta Road, Belfast.
The distinctive fan-shaped building is listed due to its architectural significance and its internal design features of the highest standards such as Dame Elisabeth Frink’s hugely striking nine-foot high sculpture of Christ which floats above the altar. Extensive refurbishment in 2015 and 2016 returned the interior to its original glory, in particular fully restoring the eleven magnificent window panels which form the curved side of the building. These panels, designed by Benedictine priest Dom Charles Norris, contain over 25,000 pieces of solid coloured glass, gradually tracing the colours of the rainbow and reflecting the path of the sun throughout the day.The concert also featured a special appearance by tenor Fr. Eugene O'Hagan, founder member of Cappella and member of The Priests, who performed solo works and also sang jointly with the choir in some items.
Full programme details are available at http://www.concert-diary.com/concert/1074692102/Haill-gladdening-light-Cappella-Caeciliana-Fr-Eugene-O-Hagan-and-Stephen-Hamill.
You can watch an extract at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_kWoTkGIaY.
Proceeds were in aid of the organ fund and Cappella's 2018 CD recording.
