Madam, - On arrival at the opening day of the Feis Ceoil in the RDS, I wondered if the legendary Pied Piper had left Hamelin and come to Ballsbridge. Hundreds of schoolchildren were arriving in bus-loads from all around the country to sing their hearts out at the choral competitions. It was heart-warming to witness how high-spirited and nervously excited young people could be transformed into angelic choristers, fully focused on the music and their conductor. One can only guess at the work and preparation needed to produce such beautiful results, from both wonderful teachers and dedicated parents.
For young children to learn and perform music by great composers, such as Pergolesi, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Fauré and Stanford, will surely be an enriching experience for the rest of their lives. All this music-making could not take place without the immense amount of voluntary work, planning and organisation of the Feis Ceoil committee. Would it not be a tragedy if, after 112 years, the Feis Ceoil should die for lack of funds, now that it lacks a title sponsor?.- Yours, etc,
MÁIRE LARCHET,
Cherryfield Ave,
Dublin 6.