What’s On in Donegal

In the summer of 2020 Douglas Carnes and his wife Taryn relocated to Donegal, Ireland. Having traveled all over Ireland before but never to Donegal they thought, ‘how different could it be?’ A resounding ‘VERY’ everyone in Donegal soon taught them. When Douglas was accepted into his doctorate degree at The Royal Irish Academy of Music he had just left his position as Artistic and Interim Executive Director of Sing Out Loud where he experienced first-hand the powerful and beautiful experience that is conducting a young women’s choir. After searching far and wide Carnes soon realized (realised for all of our Irish friends) that a young women’s choir outside of church and school in need of a director did not exist. He knew what he had to do. Two years after his initial research he had finally made connection with local music educators, numerous students, principals and community members thanks to the music teachers and principal of Colaiste Ailigh Secondary School and Colmcille Gospel Choir members. Danu Young Women’s Choir was born. With over 40 auditions from all over Donegal, a hand-full of amazing female volunteers and a beautiful rehearsal space Danu Young Women’s Choir kicked off their first season with a free Christmas concert dedicated to their community. Over 500 guests in attendance came to hear them sing, and over 500 people left with a smile on their face. A beautiful evening of musical gifts dedicated to our loved one and every one who has supported them. Now going into their third season Danu Young Women’s Choir is expanding! Their ‘little sisters’ will be singing in two choirs, Danín (ages 10-13) and Faíthín (ages 9 and under.) They will travel to NYC in 2024 to compete at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international youth festival, as well as perform to further concerts and take part in community outreach throughout the year.