Munster Express Online

In straitened times of recession, major sponsorship is difficult to attract. So it is with great excitement, relief and gratitude, that the Association of Irish Musical Societies can announce that a new Sponsor for the annual Awards Scheme has emerged.

For the past several years the Scheme has been generously sponsored by the Volkswagen Motor Group. Due to the drastic downturn in the Motor Industry, VW reluctantly withdrew its support. AIMS, grateful for the great generosity of VW over the years, was left in a quandary. Running the Awards Scheme for over a hundred Musical Societies, spread over the thirty two Counties, is an expensive business.

With so many Societies participating, AIMS divided the Scheme into two sections, Gilbert and Sullivan, necessitating two Adjudicators, each having to travel to the four corners of the Country to see Productions, access them and write their reviews, and nominate contenders for the Annual Awards Ceremony, held in June.

It is the highlight of the year for AIMS. Without the support of a major Sponsor, it was possible, if not probable, that the Awards Scheme would be put in jeopardy, which would be a major calamity. But AIMS has been successful in attracting a White Knight, HB Ices, riding to the rescue in the nick of time. Let’s hope that a gynormous amount of H B products will be consumed during all Productions, all over the Country, during the coming Season. Hughes Brothers are supporting AIMS, let’s make sure that we in AIMS, like our own Musical Society in Carrick-on-Suir, support them, and that the HB Sponsorship will be to mutual benefit. The wonderful HB Ices will taste twice as nice in future.

Back on the home front, the Christmas break is over, and it’s back to rehearsal for ‘Sweeney Todd’. Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer had the Cast busy with warm-ups and scales, before embarking on the challenging choral work, refreshing what was learned before Christmas, and starting into new material before Director Tony Finnegan returns this Sunday.

The Cast shook off the turkey and ham as they settled into rehearsal on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Busy times ahead.