The TribeTones, Galway’s Contemporary Choir, have released an original Christmas song to raise funds for charity.
The single, A Winter’s Tale, was born out of tragic events, with a tale interwoven with strength and inspiration both in Ireland and the north of England.
Written by TribeTones Director and Leeds native, Sean Rowland, who made Galway his home in 2007, A Winter’s Tale is a nativity song dedicated to Ann Maguire, Sean’s teacher and mentor who was tragically killed in 2014 by a pupil while teaching at the school in Leeds.
An entire community were shocked and felt the loss of an inspirational teacher, an encouraging mentor and a wonderful friend.
Intrinsically linked to the West of Ireland, Sean, whose father hails from Mayo, explains, “I’m extremely proud to have shared my Irish roots with Ann who has family in Clare, Galway and Mayo and to highlight the strong connection between the Leeds Irish and the West of Ireland.
“A Winter’s Tale was a huge favourite of Ann’s whose influence and energy shines through. She loved music, Christmas and teaching so I felt that this was the perfect way to pay tribute to Ann.
“So with the hard work of The TribeTones we wanted to connect with others through music, offer an educational & enjoyable experience for the children involved and spread the joy of Christmas whilst raising funds for charity.”
The 55 member TribeTones were joined by Scoil íde Children’s Choir to give A Winter’s Tale a new lease of life. The choirs recorded the charity single in the Augustinian Church accompanied by well known local musicians Daniel Vignoles, James Doonan and Levi O’Brien.
The TribeTones have also produced a magical video featuring all who took part on the day.
A Winter’s Tale CD will raise funds for Rosabel’s Rooms set up by Gary Monroe and Suzanne McClean in memory of their beloved daughter, Rosabel, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in April 2017 aged 16 months and in conjunction with the Irish Hospice Foundation, now provide support and assistance to other families who have suffered child loss. In essence, two sad stories are uniting to bring help to families who
suffer loss.
The TribeTones, performed A Winter’s Tale at the opening of the Galway Christmas Market on 16 November. The choir were thrilled to be headlining the musical entertainment in Eyre Square as part of “Light Up Galway” and charity CD is now available for purchase.
The CD also features ‘O Holy Night’ by Scoil íde Children’s Choir and a beautiful piano instrumental of the Christmas Carol and is just €8. Supporters can pick up a CD at choir performances, and in local stockists.
You can purchase the CD online via www.thetribetones.com website or their facebook page where you can also view the video and list of local stockists.The track is available on iTunes and spotify.
