Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir Announces New Musical Director
Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir has recently appointed a new musical director, Kerrie Kennedy, succeeding May Brown, who retired after serving in the role for 15 years. Hailing from Ross-Shire and currently residing in Oban with her family, Kerrie is not a stranger to the Gaelic music scene. She achieved the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod in Falkirk back in 2008 alongside her now-husband, Lyle Kennedy.
Kerrie’s musical journey began at a young age as she ventured into solo performances and choral singing at local and national mods. She further honed her skills by singing with the Dingwall Gaelic Choir under the mentorship of the late Hamish and Kirsteen Menzies for 15 years. Kerrie also took on the role of conductor for the male voice choir Coilich a’ Chinn a Tuath and later with the Aberdeen Gaelic Choir until her recent resignation post the Royal National Mod in Oban.
In addition to her conducting roles, Kerrie founded a new Gaelic youth choir named Ceòlach for primary and secondary pupils in the Oban and Lorn area. Embodying a passion for Gaelic culture, Kerrie serves as a Gaelic Teacher in Oban and spearheads the local Gaelic Medium Education unit.
Expressing her enthusiasm for her new appointment, Kerrie stated, “I am absolutely delighted to begin this new chapter with Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir. They are already a fabulous choir, and I am very excited to get cracking.” John Duff, the president of Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir, also shared his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to have secured the very talented Kerrie as our new musical director and look forward to her starting with the choir later this month.”
The choir is gearing up for rehearsals for this year’s National Mod, commencing on Wednesday, January 22, at 7.30 pm in Aberfeldy Town Hall. New members are encouraged to join, with no prerequisite knowledge of Gaelic or music reading skills.
In summary, Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir welcomes a new chapter under the guidance of Kerrie Kennedy, a seasoned Gaelic singer and conductor with a rich musical background. The choir anticipates reaching new heights under her leadership, maintaining its legacy of excellence in Gaelic choral music.