We’re hitting the right note with sponsorship of The Guinness Choir

Research shows that choir singing is a great way to have a happier, healthier life – so Spry is definitely hitting the right note with our new sponsorship of The Guinness Choir.

The Guinness Choir is one of Dublin’s oldest mixed-voice choirs. It has more than 100 members and attracts amateur singers from all over the capital and beyond. They rehearse every week and perform beautiful choral works from the traditional great composers, as well as contemporary compositions, at two gala performances each year.

Our three-year sponsorship is part of Spry’s commitment to encourage older people to stay active and live a greater life in later life. Studies have shown that choir singing is good for your body and mind. It can improve cognitive functioning among the elderly, and offers physical benefits including improved breathing, posture and muscle tension.

Spry Finance sponsorship of The Guinness Choir

Listening to and participating in music has even been shown to be effective in pain relief, most likely due to the release of natural pain-killing neurochemicals such as β-endorphin.

Founded in 1951 by employees of the Guinness brewery, the choir was one of the first workplace choirs in Ireland. While no longer having any links to Diageo, it retains a strong relationship with the Guinness family through Lord Iveagh, Edward Guinness, who is the choir’s honorary patron.

Launching the sponsorship at a rehearsal in the Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines, Spry Finance CEO John Moriarty said: “The Guinness Choir has been delivering wonderful performances for more than 70 years – but it is much more than just a choir. It is a thriving community of people who are passionate about music and the joy that singing brings to their lives and to those who watch them perform.

“Singing is an inclusive way for people to have fun and live a happier, healthier life. The Guinness Choir embodies this through its members, including some who have been singing in the choir for 50 years. Spry is committed to encouraging older people to stay active, championing a greater life in later life, and we’re proud to support an organisation that provides people with such wonderful cultural and social opportunities.”

John Healy, Chair of The Guinness Choir, said: “We are delighted to welcome Spry Finance as our new sponsor. Over the years, the choir has given many hundreds of amateur singers the opportunity to perform great works with professional orchestras and soloists in major venues in Ireland and abroad. With Spry’s support, we look forward to enhancing our musical programme and reaching even more people who can benefit from the joy that choral music brings.”

Spry’s sponsorship will go towards the cost of running The Guinness Choir. The choir’s first public performance of 2024 will take place on May 11th at St Andrew’s Church in Dublin, while there will also be a major Christmas Concert in the RDS, Dublin in December.

Find out more about The Guinness Choir »