St. Matthew's to host Virginia Gospel Choir performance

On Friday, June 18, at 8pm, Fr. Johnny Cusack will open the doors of St. Matthew's Church in Maghera for a very different event than is usually held in the church. For the first time ever the church will host a concert of music and song performed by the fabulous Virginia Gospel Choir. The event is being held as a fundraising evening for the local primary school, Carrigabruise National School to enhance the sports facilities at the school. Carmel Reilly, director of Virginia Gospel Choir said the choir are delighted to perform this concert in aid of Carirgabruise National School. "We love singing and our 32 members are delighted to have the opportunity to perform in the beautiful St. Matthew's Church," said Carmel. "As well as singing at mass in Virginia we also sing at weddings and events." The programme for the night will include a variety of gospel choir music from traditional gospel greats like How Great Thou Art to modern gospel music including pieces from U2, Leona Lewis and Michael Jackson. According to Margaret McKeon-Boyle, a member of the Carrigabrusie N.S. Parents Association, the school community are very excited about this event. "We have a very energetic parents committee working hard planning an exciting evening with parents, pupils and teaching staff involved in the every element of the organisation. A professional approach has been adopted for the event management with a hospitality committee organising home baking, teas/coffees and refreshments to be served to the guests on the night, a promotions committee working hard to ensure a packed house and a logistics committee responsible for the smooth running of the evening have recruited the services of a number of parents who will dress in tuxedos to act as ushers on the night. "We very much appreciate the opportunity Fr. Johnny Cusack has afforded us by allowing the use of the beautiful venue, St. Matthew's Church, and to Carmel Reilly and the Virginia Gospel Choir for offering to perform this fundraising concert in aid of sports facilities at Carrigabruise National School, we thank them all most sincerely." • Tickets are on sale in American Stores, Yores Stores and XL Stop n Shop as well as from the school secretary Eileen at 049-8548165.