Dublin International Gospel Music Festival Programme Announced (www.dublingospelmusicfestival.com)

The programme for Ireland’s first International Gospel Music Festival was launched in Dublin. The one-day festival will take place at The Convention Centre, Spenser Dock, Dublin on Saturday, 25th September, starting with workshops from 10am and music from 7pm.

The aim of the festival is to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Ireland. Gospel music is now being enjoyed by all strands of Irish society and is a great force in bringing people together.

Ireland is now home to some eminent gospel choirs – such as the Dublin and Discovery Gospel Choirs – which will feature among the highlights of our festival programme. In addition there will be plenty of opportunity for visitors to explore the dimensions of gospel music in a range of free-to-public workshops that will be staged throughout the day.

The festival is a new initiative that Metro Éireann – as part of our 10-year celebrations - to provide more information about multicultural Ireland. We believe strongly that the Dublin International Gospel Music Festival will bring greater dialogue and understanding to different communities in Ireland.

Highlights of the festival programme include:

Music
The Dublin Gospel Choir – Ireland’s most successful gospel musicians
The Redeemed Christian Church of God Praise Choir.
The Discovery Gospel Choir – one of Ireland’s most exciting intercultural choral groups, with members from over 12 countries from China and Poland to Zimbabwe.
Gospo Remix with Yves Nahishakiye from Burundi
Alva – a solo singer whose powerful voice will deliver inspirational gospel music.
Sinéad O’Connor (performing songs from her album Theology)
Shaz Oye – a solo singer whose eclectic sound resonates with modern audiences.

Educational Workshops
Free Workshops Time
Religion & Education - 10am - 12noon
Singing & Voice training, & Digital production 10am - 12noon
Gospel Music – a history 10am - 11.30am
Faith and Race – 11.30am - 1pm
Music and integration 12noon - 1.30pm
Choreography 12noon -1.30pm
Online Marketing & Promotion of Gospel Music 12noon - 1.30pm

Intending participants are advised to book in advance by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on www.dublingospelmusicfestival.com

The Dublin International Gospel Music Festival is an initiative of Metro Éireann, Ireland’s first multicultural newspaper. The Festival is being supported by the US Embassy in Ireland; the Integration Centre; Dublin Bus; DHR Communications; The Irish Times; MK Design Studio, and Dublin City Council’s Office for Integration.

Speaking following the launch, United States Ambassador to Ireland, Daniel M. Rooney, said:"I am delighted that the US Embassy is co-sponsoring such an important multicultural event, which promotes understanding through music. I congratulate all the organisers."

Also commenting on the initiative, Josephine Ahern, Chief Executive Officer of the Integration Centre – one of the organisations working in partnership with Metro Éireann on the Festival – said: “The Dublin International Gospel Music Festival offers a unique and wonderful opportunity for people to come together, be they Irish or immigrant, to enjoy gospel music. From our perspective this first of its kind musical and awareness raising event will be an important landmark in Ireland’s cultural life.”

Concert tickets are priced at €28. All workshops are open free of charge to members of the public. Tickets will be on sale now on www.tickets.ie. Further details of the festival’s programme are available at: www.dublingospelmusicfestival.com.