Tara Singers Repertoire

Tara Singers is an SATB choir (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).

Although folk songs and ballads constitute a major part of the repertoire, in any program there is a percentage of music in harmonised choral style.

Songs and ballads from Ireland¹s long cultural tradition form the basis of this repertoire. These vary from settings of ancient Irish texts, melodies adapted by Irish poet Thomas Moore, Irish Christmas songs (which differ in their imagery and sentiment from carols of other nations), traditional folk songs and compositions by modern Irish composers such as Phil Coulter.

We also include those songs developed from the Irish diaspora around the world, from America and Australia in particular. While these are often not recognised as Irish music in the true national sense, we see them as part of the expressions from the heart of a people displaced from their homeland and their roots, from the land to which they knew they would never return.

Folk songs and music from other national traditions, and from musicals, are also part of the Tara Singers repertoire.

Programs presented at Tara House, home of the Queensland Irish Association in Brisbane, are often themed. Past presentations have included:

• When Irish Eyes are Smiling
• If You're Irish Come into the Parlour
• Australian Legends in Words and Song (a program commemorating Australian legends such as Francis Jack O'Hagan; Peter Dawson; Alice Guerin Crist; Donald Smith, Kingsford Smith; Peter Allen)
• With a Song in My Heart
• Come to the Fair
• In a Monastery Garden
• The Sounds of Music
• Sentimental Journey
• and annual Christmas programs