DONAGHADEE Male Voice Choir makes a welcome return to the Ardhowen Theatre this month after a gap of 10 years.

The choir last performed at The Ardhowen Theatre in April 2005 and it is really looking forward to returning to the wonderful theatre. The concert, which will feature a wide range of music from the choir’s repertoire, interspersed with piano virtuosity and humour will guarantee an evening of easy listening, enjoyment and craic.

Founded in 1932, Donaghadee Male Voice Choir began as a small local chorus, performing in churches and other local functions.

From those beginnings 83 years ago the choir has developed and flourished.

Its membership currently stands at well over 70, making it the largest male voice choir in Ireland.

The choir’s conductor is Robert Wilson MBE who has been Musical Director since 1968.

The choir has made numerous recordings and regularly performs across the province.

Its most recent performances have included concerts in The Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, The Waterfront Hall Belfast, the Titanic Quarter, and The Ulster Hall Belfast.

Donaghadee Male Voice Choir’s reputation extends far beyond these shores.

Today it is known internationally, having competed in choral festivals as far afield as Bulgaria, Malta, Greece, Italy and Poland, together with concert tours of Canada and the USA where it performed in the Carnegie Hall and St Patrick’s Cathedral on New York.

In October 2014 the choir travelled to Spain to participate in the Barcelona Choir Festival, and is returning in October 2015 for a concert tour of Catalonia and Perpignan in South East France.

Within these islands the choir has been extremely successful in competition, amassing a total of 46 first places in prestigious music festivals. In addition it has also competed at the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales.

Also appearing with the choir will be Ivan Black, who, as well as being the choir’s accompanist, is a very versatile musician in his own right.

He will amaze and entertain with his own unique brand of humour and skills on the piano.

The compere for the evening is Gene Fitzpatrick, one of Ireland’s best loved and highly respected performers, who needs no introduction to audiences in Northern Ireland. All in all it will be a great fun-filled, and entertaining evening.

The concert will be at the Ardhowen Theatre on Saturday, May 23, at 8pm.