by Rose Rushe
GERARD Reidy’s name came to prominence this year as instigator of that happy event, Limerick Sings International Choral Festival. Luring backers such as Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, UCH and Limerick Hotels Association, the three days drew American, continental, national and local choirs for concerts over the June bank holiday.
Gerard Reidy has other activities for the City of Culture 2013 challenge, one of them being The Limerick Opera Project.
He is tapping in to the well of shared history and connections that Limerick has to this art form and its greats.
“I would like to encompass an exhibition, for this to be a focal point of the festival and indeed, have a permanent home in Limerick thereafter,” he tells Limerick Post. “We have plenty of artefacts of opera from going back to the days of Joseph O’Mara and the opera festivals we used to stage in the Limerick of the 1950s and 60s that were hosted by Limerick Choral and Operatic Society.
“This would highlight the history of opera in Limerick and there is loads of memorabilia and related items. I have met with Joseph’s granddaughters who have a lot of material and are interested in sharing it.”
Gerard also wants recitals to take place at community centres and is keen on some sort of performance at Crescent College Comprehensive, alma mater of the venerable Mr O’Mara. Now in Dooradoyle, the school has the hall, the scope, the parking and its own choir and orchestra. What’s not to love?
He has a perpetuating bursary in mind too. Any interested party can reach him by email on grchoral.lim@gmail.com
