13th March, 2026 - NIKRF Charity Concert in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Stormont
The Clare Chorale has enjoyed very successful charity concerts in the wonderful surroundings of the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings in the past few seasons and this evening’s event, supporting the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF), was yet another very enjoyable evening. This year the choir was joined by the superb 1st Old Boys Silver Band and the audience was thoroughly entertained throughout the evening with superb music from an excellent band and by the choir’s usual wide repertoire of songs.
Compere for the evening was BBC NI sports presenter Stephen Watson. Stephen is one of the charity’s ambassadors and on introducing the concert he described the superb work that the charity does in Northern Ireland and the obvious benefits that he personally has enjoyed having been a recipient of a donated kidney twice in his lifetime. Rev. Jim McCaughan, chairman of NIKRF, then spoke of the incredible work that is done by the charity and the fundraising campaign that has been ongoing for many years. He stressed that all the money raised for the charity in Northern Ireland stays in Northern Ireland with the charity’s main aims being as follows;
To raise funds for life saving research into the causes, prevention and possible cures for kidney disease.
To provide specialised equipment for research and advances in treatment of kidney diseases not yet available from the National Health Service.
To be the voice for public awareness of kidney disease and its consequences.
To promote organ donation.
Dr Steve Aiken OBE, MLA also took to the podium to welcome everyone to what he knew would be a very good evening of music and importantly a very successful fundraising event. He was delighted to be able to act as sponsor for the event once again in his position as MLA for South Antrim. In the second half of the concert Rev. Jim McCaughan was very pleased to introduce the charity’s new patron, Professor Sir Michael McBride. This honorary appointment was announced at an event at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast only yesterday on World Kidney Day. Sir Michael said how deeply honoured he was to accept the role of Patron of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund and that he is extremely proud to support its vital work. He is looking forward to helping advance research which brings hope, progress, and better outcomes for patients and families.
For more details about the NI Kidney Research Fund, a very important local charity, please visit its website at NIKRF
Visit the band’s Facebook page for more information - 1st OB Band
28th February, 2026 - Ballymena Festival
The Clare Chorale made its first appearance at the Ballymena Festival of Music, Speech and Dance in the Braid Arts Centre this evening, presenting two brand new pieces that were added to its repertoire late last year. The choir members have been working hard over the past few months in an effort to perfect two very contrasting pieces of music, and to be ready to sing them at this festival and Sheelagh Greer was confident of a good performance in the Choirs and Choral Groups class. There were some extremely complimentary comments from the adjudicator, Gaynor Keeble, highlighting the complexity of one song in particular and how well it was performed. She also gave a few ideas on how the choir might improve even more before she announced the result of the class - the winner was The Clare Chorale!
The cup was presented to Paula Spence, Choir Chairperson, and she is pictured above with Darren Day, Accompanist, Sheelagh Greer BEM, Director of Music, and Anne Demick, Choir Secretary.
The next event in the choir calendar is the charity concert in the Great Hall, Stormont on 13th March. The charity being supported is NI Kidney Research Fund. Visit the Engagements page for more details and to buy tickets.
13th December, 2025 - Ballyclare Town Hall Christmas Sing-in
The Clare Chorale hosted a Christmas sing-in this morning in Ballyclare Town Hall in aid of the charity Hope + Light. There was a wonderful attendance throughout the morning as local people took a break from their Christmas shopping to come into the town hall to enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie while listening to Christmas music. A thoroughly enjoyable morning, helping to set a very seasonal atmosphere in the lead-up to Christmas. The generous shoppers donated £450 for this very worthy charity. Sincere thanks to everyone who attended and made a contribution.
10th November, 2025 - Tribute to Kathleen Campbell
Kathleen Campbell
It was with a great sense of sadness and loss that choir members heard the news of the passing of Kathleen Campbell today after a long illness. Kathleen joined The Clare Chorale a short time after the choir was formed and had been an enthusiastic and talented member of the soprano section ever since, until illness forced her reluctant withdrawal earlier this year. Kathleen rarely missed a practice or an engagement throughout her long membership of the choir, making many new friends along the way. Her quiet demeanour, warm personality and wonderful sense of humour endeared her to everyone and she will be greatly missed by all her choir family. The heartfelt sympathy of everyone associated with The Clare Chorale is extended to her husband Colin, son Ian, daughters Gillian and Heather, and her wider family circle.
4th October, 2025 - Christ Church, Lisburn: Harvest Concert and Afternoon Tea
The Clare Chorale returned to Christ Church, Lisburn for a special harvest fund-raising event in the church hall. The hall was full to capacity as the choir made its way on to the stage and everyone was made very welcome by the Rector of the Church, Archdeacon Paul Dundas. The church catering group swung into action serving food to everyone in the packed hall and the choir provided some entertaining music as afternoon tea was enjoyed by all. Following the first session the choir left the stage and the singers were treated to their own delicious tea in a separate hall.
Tea over and tables cleared the audience sat back to enjoy more music in the second half of the concert. Sheelagh Greer sang a number of solos before the choir returned to sing another batch of its most popular sacred and secular pieces to the now completely engaged and appreciative audience. A very successful and enjoyable afternoon of music and good food!
For more photographs of the event please visit the Gallery page (2025- 2026).
2nd October, 2025 - Cheques Presentation to the Samaritans
Fiona McClelland from the Samaritans was delighted to come along to the choir practice this evening to receive a cheque from The Clare Chorale. £1,700 was raised in a number of fund-raising events during last year’s season and Fiona was invited along this evening accept the much-needed funds for this very important charity. Fiona, on the left of the photograph, is pictured with Paula Spence, Choir Chairperson, and Robin Butler, Choir Treasurer.