In 1998 Sperrin Choir, under the direction of the then conductor, Mr George Johnston,
travelled to France as part of a large delegation from the Twinning Committee and representatives
of other community groups.
As part of the Twinning Sperrin Choir joined forces with Plena Voce, a mixed four-part French choir
with approximately 40-50 voices. They generally perform two main concert series annually, at Christmas and in May.
Their repertoire tends to be of a more classical nature with major works such as Faure's Requiem.
Plena Voce were hosted by the Sperrin Choir in 2003. Apart from various excursions taken together a
joint concert was staged in Loughry College main hall.The Sperrin Choir again travelled to Plerin in 2006,
this time under the direction of Sam Cuddy, who is Head of Music at Royal School Dungannon. This trip was again as part of a larger delegation.
Plena Voce were hosted in mid-Ulster in June 2011 and a joint concert was held in Cookstown Primary School.
Most recently there was a concert held in France in May 2014 where the choir was hosted by the members of Plena Voce, a wonderful
way to establish better understanding of our twin-town's community.
Plena Voce Chorale on the steps at Derry's Walls in May 2016
Despite the recent local Government amalgamation, the two choirs have maintained their connection and we were delighted to welcome Plena Voce back to Mid-Ulster in May of 2016. This was a very successful and enjoyable visit for all concerned, and as well as two trips across Northern Ireland, a joint concert was held in the beautiful surroundings of Parkanaur Manor.
We were also delighted to learn that the Mid-Ulster Council decided to maintain the Twinning link with Plerin-sur-Mer for at least one more year. Hopefully that will be extended into the distant future, to the mutual benefit of both regions. Of course the last two years have seen all such visits put on hold, but hopefully they can resume before too much longer.
