The Academy Chamber Choir and the Academy's Moate Youth Choir inaugurated St. Patrick’s Church, Moate’s new church organ at a concert following a Masterclass with Ireland’s leading choral composer – Colin Mawby on Sunday 3^rd April, 2011.

Both choirs had been preparing pieces of choral work by Colin Mawby and gave the invaluable opportunity to have the internationally renowned composer come to Moate village for a once in a lifetime Masterclass. After the masterclass the people of Moate were treated to a free performance with leading Irish Organist Shane Brennan.

Moate Youth Choir and The Academy Chamber Choir, based in Tullamore, specialize in performing sacred repertoire in inspiring settings and at competition level throughout the country. To celebrate the last festive season both choirs joined forces to stage a magical carol service with the assistance of Professor Gerard Gillen.

Colin Mawby has garnered an international reputation for the spirited and virtuosic manner in which he brings choirs to life with his intricate musical scores. As a conductor, he has worked with the London Mozart Players, the Wren Orchestra, Pro Cantione Antiqua, the Belgian Radio Choir and the BBC Singers. He has been Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, London, Choral Director RTE and artistic director of Ireland’s National Chamber Choir. He has also composed for international acts such as Charlotte Church and The Celtic Tenors.

The Mawbymasterclass were followed by an equally exciting experience for the people of Moate, as their new church organ, the much anticipated – top of the range electric Allen organ (chapel 8), made its debut.