Come sing with us!
Còisir Dhùn Èideann (Edinburgh Gaelic Choir) meets for rehearsals:
When: Wednesday evenings 19:15 – 21:15
Where: Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL
Who? Anyone!
We welcome anyone with an interest in Gaelic and/or singing. Members have access to resources such as sound files for words and music as well as translations.
For more information please contact Coisir-DhunEideann@hotmail.co.uk or just come along! You are welcome to join at any point in the term.
Spring term starts January 8th, 2025!
About Còisir Dhùn Èideann
ABout uS
Còisir Dhùn Èideann is one of Scotland’s longest established Gaelic choirs, being a combination of two choirs, one of which was formed at the turn of the 20th century. We have taken part in the National Mòd, a yearly celebration of Scottish Gaelic music and culture, established in 1891 that takes place across various parts of Scotland. We also take part in local mòds, striving to protect and promote the Scottish Gaelic language and music.
We are always extremely happy to welcome new members into the fold. There is never any pressure to take part in performances and there is no audition process, so whether you are completely new to Gaelic, returning, or fluent, Còisir Dhùn Èideann is a fantastic starting point
Our Conductor
Things have changed at Còisir Dhùn Èideann. Unhappily we have recently lost our leader, Niall Tracey, who has had to give up due to ill health. He has been our conductor since September 2023. We are very sorry to lose him and wish him well.
However, we have been lucky in that our previous conductor, John Mortimer, who left us in June 2023, also due to ill health, has been able to return to lead us.
As some will know, during lockdown John had written a cantata, Ceòl Na Mara, based on original poems by Miles Campbell for the choir. We are now mainly rehearsing this in preparation for a performance on Saturday 21st June in St Vincent's Chapel, Stockbridge at 7:30 pm. For those interested in participating, there will be a warm-up at 6pm and a full rehearsal at 7pm on Friday 20th June.
Whether you wish to join the performance or not, rehearsals remain open to all! We are continuing to sing other songs from our repertoire—a mixture of those we did with Niall, those we have done previously with John and others suggested by choir members.
Why Sing in Gaelic?
An oppressed language, Gaelic was forcibly removed from the people of Scotland along with their culture and way of life. Until as recently as the early 20th century, children were beaten in schools for using the Gaelic language. By singing in Gaelic you can contribute to the reclamation of this beautiful and ancient Scottish language, preserving our culture and heritage.
Learning a second language also gives your brain a great mental workout; It can help to delay dementia and improve memory and concentration. Joining a Choir can aslo help to foster a sense of inclusion, helping with mental health issues, widening social circles and reducing loneliness.