Martin Cullen, TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, today met with the St Patrick's Cathedral Choir at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks before they travel for Roskilde in Denmark. The Choir are travelling to Roskilde to meet the returning ‘Sea Stallion’ Viking Ship, which last year sailed from the Danish Port to Dublin to recreate a Viking voyage. The Viking replica ship is currently on view at Collins Barracks.
St Patrick’s Cathedral choir will be in Roskilde to meet the returning ship on 8 – 11 August 2008. They will sing in Roskilde Cathedral and will be actively involved in opportunities to promote Ireland and Irish choral music. Their tour is supported by Culture Ireland.
An original Viking Longship of that name was built in Dublin in about 1042 AD from Irish oak and reputedly sailed from the Viking settlement at Wood Quay in Dublin to Roskilde after the Battle of Hastings.
Speaking today to the Choir members, Minister Cullen TD said: "I am delighted to meet with the St Patrick's Cathedral Choir before they make their journey to Roskilde to welcome in the ‘Sea Stallion’. Last year's ‘Sea Stallion’ voyage was a momentous occasion for both ourselves and our Danish counterparts. The cultural aspect of such a magnificent project highlights the imagination and innovation of both countries."
Minister Cullen concluded: "Touring has become an increasingly important aspect of the Choir’s activities outside their regular Church service commitments. St Patrick's Cathedral Choir is one of Ireland's leading choirs and this trip provides an important opportunity to promote awareness of Irish choral talent and to further develop stronger cultural links between Ireland and Denmark."
Facts:
St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir school is a co-educational national school. It was founded in 1432 by Archbishop Richard Talbot to provide for the education of the choirboys.