Press Releases18 Apr 11

Omagh-Waterford Peace Choir to Sing at Maize 'n Grace in The Odyssey

It has just been announced that the Omagh - Waterford Peace Choir will perform a number of pieces at the much anticipated Maize n' Grace event in The Odyssey Arena on 27 and 28 May. Angus Buchan, South African farmer and international evangelist will be speaking at this public event to which admission is free.

The Omagh - Waterford Peace Choir promotes the message of peace and reconciliation through music; it was formed in the aftermath of the bomb that killed 31 people in Omagh in 1998. It has performed in many places including Parliament Buildings in Stormont. A number of years ago it also visited Sri Lanka where members sang in orphanages that they had raised funds for in the aftermath of the Tsunami.

Phil Brennan is the Musical Director of the Peace Choir. Talking about its work he says, "A new message needed to come out of something as dark as the atrocity of the bombing - the importance of love and reconciliation, that Protestants and Catholics could work together". He continued, "The message is captured in sound more than word. The different harmonies are a potent symbol that out of difference can come one potent voice. The clear and unambiguous message is that peace is the only way forward".

The involvement of the Omagh - Waterford Peace Choir in Maize n' Grace at The Odyssey all adds to an emphasis the organisers want it to have. Angus Buchan, who will be the keynote speaker, has a message of how the Christian message is able to bring down walls not only between individuals and God, but also between people within communities. The announcement of their involvement coincides with a number of performances they are giving this week, in Omagh and Enniskillen.

The life story of Angus Buchan has been told in the book and film 'Faith Like Potatoes'. It tells of his struggles to establish a livelihood as a farmer, his journey to Christian faith and overcoming personal tragedy. One of the most appealing aspects of Buchan is the realism with which he tells his story and the way he is able to communicate. A major effort is being made by the organizers to make sure that everyone across the community feels a warm welcome.

Maize n' Grace is going to be one of the largest free public events to be held in Northern Ireland this year. It is taking place on the evenings of 27 and 28 May. All tickets for Maize n' Grace are free and are available direct from The Odyssey box office.

For more information visit www.maizengrace.com