Through the Years
Founded in 1957, St Agnes’ Choral Society has enriched the lives of generations of those living in Belfast and beyond. This beautiful company has seen the foundation of friendships and some would say has been the catalyst for blooming romances and finding true love.
Angela and Pat Smyth met in 1977 while performing in Orpheus In The Underworld and all their children have trod the board with St Agnes’ with their son Patrick going on to star in the West End shows including Phantom Of The Opera, Hair, We Will Rock You, and his sister Helen’s favourite, singing on Strictly Come Dancing last year. This is testament to the talent and training ground that St Agnes’ offers our members. Throughout our 60 years, the company and its members, including our crème de la crème Larkfield Singers, have won many coveted awards from The Waterford Festival of Light Opera, AIMS, NODA and various other choral festivals across Ireland.
Friendships in St Agnes’ transcend all generations and flourish with the common love of music. As a family, St Agnes’ is there for us all, through our highs and lows in our life and especially during challenging times.
The Mikado 1962
The Mikado 1962
Post Show Celebrations
St. Agnes' Choral Society at Great Victoria Street Station
Earliest Rehearsal Pic
Irish News October 1962
October 1962
Tony Gilmore & Son, Sean
Annual Dance Sunday Independent Jan 1965
Black and white photograph of a lively social gathering with people dressed in vintage clothing, engaging in conversation and dancing.
Two black and white photographs: one depicts a person dressed in traditional attire with hair styled in alligator clips, standing next to a woman; the other is a close-up portrait of a woman with short, curly hair.
Black and white photo of four people in costume, likely musical performers, with a decorative backdrop. The caption mentions Maria Boyle, Tommy McShane, McGlade, and Hugh D. Finnegan. Below the photo is text about a musical opening at St. Mary's Hall in Belfast, featuring a performance of Johann Strauss' "Night in Venice".
Black and white vintage photo of five people, two men standing behind three women sitting. The men are in hospital gowns with signatures on the photo. The women are in dresses, with one wearing a bonnet and the other two with floral headbands. All are posing for the photo.
Four women and a man in a close group, with one woman singing and playing a mandolin, and others smiling and looking at each other.
A woman dressed in vintage attire, sitting on a wooden chair with a gray tiled wall behind her. She is wearing a fancy dress with ruffled sleeves, long white gloves, and a jewelry set including a necklace and earrings.
A black and white vintage photo featuring a group of women and one man in historical costumes, posing outdoors on a street with buildings in the background. The women are wearing dresses with large hats, and the man is dressed in a coat and cravat. The caption indicates it is the St. Agnes (Belfast) Choral Society presenting 'A Night in Venice' at the Waterford Festival of Light Opera, dated 1961.
St. Agnes' Choral Society with Trophies 1962
Photograph of five young women dressed in traditional costumes, posing together indoors. They are part of the 'Grisettes' group in the St. Agnes' Choral Society's presentation of 'The Merry Widow' at the Husband Memorial Hall, Belfast. From front left to right: Nora Kearney, Una Crothers, and Moya McQuillan; in the back: Paula Crummey and Margaret Irwin.
Black and white photo of the Lord Mayor at an event called 'A Night in Venice.' The Lord Mayor, William Jenkins, is on the right wearing glasses and a chain of office, speaking into a microphone. Three women are in the center, including Miss Anne Walsh, a girl from the St. Agnes Choral Society, and Miss May Lowe, a chorus member, while Joseph Tometly, a man in glasses, is on the left.
Photo of six women in costume, called the Grisettes, in a choral group for the St. Agnes Choral Society. They are Nora Kearney, Una Crothers, Moya McQuillan, Pauline Crummey, and Margaret Irwin. The second image shows three people in military and historical costumes, in a conversation.
Black and white photo of seven people, four men and three women, standing in a row, dressed in vintage clothing from the mid-20th century. They are posing in an indoor setting with a patterned wall behind them.
A black and white photograph of a group of women dressed in vintage polka dot dresses, performing on stage as part of a colorful chorus in a city show.
Two black-and-white photographs: the first features Peggy White 'Praskivia' with ladies in a production, and the second shows principals of St. Agnes' Choral Society rehearsing at the Husband Memorial Hall, with a woman in a traditional dress shaking hands with a woman dressed as a soldier.
Newspaper article about Eithne Gallagher, a pioneering choral society founder, with a black and white portrait of her smiling. The article details her career, roles, achievements, and family background.
Black and white photograph of Pat Lundy, a woman with dark hair styled in a vintage fashion, and Liam Bergin, a man with glasses, both dressed nicely, attending an event in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Black and white photo showing two groups of women, one group standing in a line with hands on hips, and another group dressed in elaborate costumes with one woman wearing a wig and crown, possibly from a theatrical performance.
A collage of old newspaper clippings celebrating the achievements of the St. Agnes Choral Society in Belfast, including photos of performers O-Mimosa-San, Molly, Margaret Diamond, and Danilo. Headlines highlight awards won and upcoming performances.
Collection of vintage newspaper clippings from May 2, 1965, including articles about the Waterford Opera Festival, Welsh singers winning a premiere opera award, a choir performance of 'The Geisha,' and a tribute to Margaret Diamond at Waterford.
A newspaper clipping about a choral society performance featuring 'The Mikado' at St. Teresa's Hall in Belfast, highlighting talented performers and the event's significance.
Clipping from a newspaper with articles about St. Agnes Society's success at a festival, upcoming performances, and musical events. Headlines include 'St. Agnes' Society's Success at Festival,' 'St. Agnes' to Perform 'The Arcadians,' 'St. Agnes' Are Tops with A Gilbert and Sullivan,' 'Festival cup for Welsh group,' and 'Top Singers for Belfast Concert.'
Vintage concert program for the 64th festival of The Music Society, performed by The Gondoliers, presented by the St. Agnes Choral Society in Whitla Hall on February 22, 1964, at 7:45 p.m.
Clipped newspaper article with black and white photos of a choir performance, titled 'A Night in Venice' is so spectacular, the article discusses the production by St. Agnes' Choral Society, with captions and text about the event.
Three colorful posters advertising musical events hosted by St. Agnes' Choral Society, including details for performances at Cushendall Golf Club in October and November 2011, with event times, ticket prices, and location.
Collection of vintage documents, including a booklet page with opera and choral society information, a promotional flyer for St. Agnes Musical Society with images and autographs of performers, and a newspaper clipping about a theatrical performance.
A newspaper clipping titled "Premiere of ‘The Music Man’" with a photo of Marie McGlade dressed as a Geisha on the left and a photo of two young women on the right, one dressed in a Geisha costume and the other in a choir or operatic outfit.
A vintage newspaper clipping about a production of 'The Geisha' by St. Agnes State College's choir in Belfast. The article highlights the performance, the cast, and the significance of the event. The text includes headlines like 'St. Agnes Have Another Hit' and 'Brilliant Performance by St. Agnes,' along with details about the show's success and reception.