RTÉ Concert Orchestra tribute at Noel Kelehan's funeral this morning
Thursday, 9 February 2012The RTÉ Concert Orchestra this morning paid tribute to its long-time colleague Noel Kelehan by playing at his funeral in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Ballyroan, Dublin. Under its Conductor Laureate Proinnsías Ó Duinn, the RTÉ CO played music by Beethoven, Ravel and Barber. Eimear Quinn, one of the five Irish Eurovision winners to have been conducted by Noel , joined the orchestra for Be Not Afraid and Caccini's Ave Maria.
Noel's coffin was carried from the church to the strains of the Largo from Dvorák's 'New World' Symphony, also famous as the song Goin' Home. Perhaps the most moving performance of the ceremony was the RTÉ CO's rendition of Noel's own famous arrangement of Send in the Clowns, featuring orchestra leader Joanne Quigley.
It was an honour to play in memory of such a distinguished musician and friend to the orchestra over so many years.