Tarbert choir in fine voice at Mòd

Tarbert Gaelic Choir joined other Argyll choirs in travelling to Perth to compete in this year's Royal National Mòd, writes Murdo Macdonald.

 

While they did not return with any trophies, the choir members brought back the happy satisfaction of having taken part, thus keeping alive the Kintyre tradition of Gaelic choral singing.

 

After the isolation and turmoil caused by the pandemic, the universal emotion among all those attending the Mòd was one of delight at being together with others again to celebrate the music in person.

 

However, the choir’s enjoyment was tinged with regret at having to bid goodbye to their conductor Susan Rhodes, who has returned to her home in the Netherlands.

 

As a token of their appreciation of her dedication to the choir, often at considerable trouble and expense, both before, during and after the pandemic, Susan was presented with an engraved glass lantern.

 

Also at this year’s Mòd, the choir’s Gaelic adviser, Christine Johnston, was honoured by An Comunn Gaidhealach as a 'Friend of the Mod' (Caraid a Mhoid) with a special commemorative medal, in recognition of her contribution to Gaelic music and culture over many years.

 

Tarbert Gaelic Choir sang in three competitions: the Rural Ladies, the Puirt-a-Beul and the competition for rural choirs competing for the Sheriff Macmaster Campbell Memorial Quaich – a trophy redolent with memories of Kintyre.

 

The silver trophy was donated by the great Campbeltown Gaelic Choir, in memory of John Macmaster Campbell, sheriff in Campbeltown, one of the leading figures in the Gaelic movement in the 20th century.

 

It is modelled on the famous Ardagh Chalice in Ireland, and among the names of winning choirs inscribed on it are those of Carradale and Southend as well as Tarbert.

 

The prescribed song for the Sheriff Macmaster Campbell competition this year was the sad, poignant, but lovely 'Soraidh' (Farewell) which the choir also sang at the Gaelic night of the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival.