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June was an eventful month. On 20th June we flew to Rome to meet Monsignor Pablo Colino. Monsignor Colino is a Canon of St Peterâs Basilica. For many years he was director of the Choir of the Cappella Giulia in St Peterâs. He now directs the Choir of the Academia Filarmonica Romana which will be singing with us on the forthcoming album. Mike Hedges (producer) and Sally Hedges (arranger) arrived before us at the Hotel Columbus on the Via Conciliazione and were there to meet us. Sony was represented by Nick Raphael and Ricardo who providentially happens to be a personal friend of the Monsignor and was instrumental in setting up the meeting.



It was interesting for us to visit the Hotel Columbus since this was where the Earls of Ulster, Hugh OâNeill (Earl of Tyrone) and Rory OâDonnell (Earl of Tyrconnell) lived when they arrived in Rome in 1608.



We met Monsignor Collino at the Vatican on Saturday morning. A most charming man, with the energy and joie de vivre of someone half his age! He took us via the Sacristy to visit the Cappella Giulia in St Peterâs â a possible venue for our recording with the choir at the end of September. You will soon be able to see us testing the acoustic in the Cappella Giulia on youtube.



After that we visited his apartment and we talked through some of the music we plan to record with the choir. (cf. youtube) We were fascinated to learn that the apartment was originally built for the artist Michelangelo so that he could oversee the construction of the dome of St Peterâs which he had designed. The Monsignor was very enthusiastic about the recording project and we look forward very much to working with him later in the year.



While in Rome we were delighted to learn from our manager, that a PBS Special has been arranged for broadcast in the U.S. on 29th November 2008. That is quite a coup for three untested artists such as ourselves!



Before lunch there was time to do a little shopping for new surplices for the three of us and then, after a lovely lunch, we were whisked away to the airport for our return flight to Dublin. What a contrast in weather awaited us â dark skies and a torrential downpour compared to the heat and bright sunshine of Rome. I couldnât help but think of the apostles, Peter, James and John making their way down from the mountain top after the transfiguration of the Lord. A reminder to us, if any were needed, that normal life goes on and it mostly isnât glamorous.



25th and 26th June found us back in the recording studio in Belfast with the ITV film crew there to record the action and catch up with the latest developments. It still feels very disconcerting having the camera following our every move. People say, âjust be yourselfâ. Itâs hard, though, not to be a little self-conscious and awkward.



On the 29th June I celebrated an outdoor mass for Lamh Deargh, my local Gaelic Athletic Club, as part of their Family Fest celebrations. It was gratifying to see the mass so well attended by people of all ages, including many children and young people. Well done organisers!



That same afternoon we had the privilege and pleasure of singing at the ordination of our new Bishop, Mgr Noel Treanor, in St Peterâs Cathedral, Belfast. It was quite an occasion with five cardinals, a whole host of bishops, priests and laity from the dioceses of Down and Connor and Clogher as well as representatives from various European countries and other churches and ecclesial communities. The sun shone and everyone was in high spirits. We wish our former bishop, Bishop Patrick Walsh, every happiness in his retirement after 25 years as bishop â 17 of them as Ordinary of the diocese.



Meanwhile parish life continues as usual with weddings, baptisms, funerals, masses, visitation of the sick. I attended a graduation ceremony in the Waterfront Hall for my friend, Marisol from Venezuela, who was awarded a Ph.D. Congratulations â Felicidades! Marisol and her husband Cesar are very kindly helping us with our Spanish pronunciation for some of the songs that will eventually appear on our album.



Up to now weâve been singing along in the studio to a synthesised backing track. This week, however, we will be travelling to Dublin to sing along with the orchestra. It will be great to hear the orchestral arrangements for the first time. Perhaps singing to live music and a live audience will help raise our performance to a higher level. Who knows?



Donât forget to log on later to find out how we got on. Bye for now.