03/06/2026
It's almost curtain up time for the Roscommon Solstice Choir on the first of their three SOLD OUT performances of SONGS THAT BUILT A NATION. The choir will be taking to the stage tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at 8pm nightly.
Come and experience the music, stories and spirit that helped build a nation with a script from Tommy Murray.
Shows start at 8pm sharp, latecomers will not be admitted.
🔴Please be advised that parking at Roscommon Arts Centre is limited due to ongoing building works so we ask patrons to give themselves extra time to find suitable parking ahead of the shows.
Songs that Built a Nation (Press release).
Roscommon Solstice Choir launched their upcoming series of concerts "Songs that Built a Nation" in Gleesons Roscommon on Friday night (01 May 2026).
This Community choir has teamed up with very well known local playwright and historian Tommy Murray to present a show that will give "a dramatic insight into important moments of Irish History as illustrated by our ballads, songs, poems and music".
The show will begin with the important United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 and conclude with the War of Independence in 1920-21. Featuring many of the great ballads, speeches and music of the time it promises to be an emotional roller-coaster as we highlight the victory of the unquenchable spirit that rose Phoenix-like from the ashes of many a conflict in Ireland's struggle towards independence.
Speaking at the launch the Chairperson of the choir, John F. Hanley spoke of this "exciting new challenge for the choir and highlighted their willingness to innovate and adapt to the new format of the show". The choir was now availing of the opportunity to display its various talents of acting and singing and he was fulsome in his praise of Tommy Murray who he said had written such a script and entrusted it to us to present and interpret. He particularly thanked Roscommon County Council for "their continuous support of the choir and their generous support of this exciting and new project" and said that it deserved to be a great success because of the huge commitment and dedication of everyone involved.
Eimear Reynolds, the musical director of the choir noted "this year we have taken a step away from our usual format of travelling nation-wide in support of various charities. Instead, we are excited to present a very special collaboration with local playwright Tommy Murray." Together" she said "we are going to bring you a powerful and moving journey through Irish history, told through a compelling blend of narration and song". She particularly thanked Tommy for his advice and support to her during the preparations for this project, and said that she was more than thrilled at the various talents of the choir members as they embraced their roles with enthusiasm and entered into the real spirit of the project.
Tommy Murray expressed his delight to be involved with the choir on this project and was looking forward to a wonderful production in June.
Jimmy Hoban, PRO of the choir said that the show in June marked "a new and exciting adventure for the choir and displayed their willingness to innovate and experiment". He noted that the choir had been involved in historical drama before with their participation in Tommy Murray's' production of "A Nation once Again" in 2016. He had particular praise for Tommy Murray whom he said "was synonymous with drama in the midlands, both as an actor and a playwright with the ability to capture the very essence of the important moments of history, and present them in a dramatic and engaging way". He said that the period of history covered in "Songs that Built a Nation" moved through the constitutional and physical force movements of that tumultuous and dramatic time "as our poets, songwriters and musicians were busy keeping the flames of Independence and freedom burning in their own unique way".
Thanks was expressed to Roscommon County Council for their invaluable support and to Áine Butler, Creative Communities Engagement Officer for the Commemoration Funding towards the event. Also Darragh Kelly communication officer of the Council, members of the Press (Roscommon Herald, Roscommon People, RoscommonDaily), radio (Shannonside FM, RosFM 94.6), and photographers present, Nollaig Feeney the Heritage Officer for her sponsorship of the launch, the wonderful staff of Roscommon Arts Centre and all who attended the launch.
The show , "Songs that Built a Nation" will be in the Roscommon Arts Centre on the 4th 5th and 6th of June.
Booking at Roscommon Arts Centre. Tel: 090 6625 824 or www.roscommonartscentre.ie or https://roscommonartscentre.ie/event/the-songs-that-made-a-nation/
Regards.
Jimmy Hoban PRO. Roscommon Solstice Choir.
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