“Erin go Bragh — Ireland Forever” concert
The Donald Brinegar Singers and the JPL Chorus will celebrate the spirit of Ireland in music during a special St. Patrick’s Day–themed concert titled Erin go Bragh — Ireland Forever on Sunday, March 15, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at St. James Episcopal Church.
By News Desk
The program offers audiences a musical journey through centuries of Irish tradition, blending ancient Gaelic love songs, folk ballads of the Irish diaspora, and contemporary works inspired by Celtic culture. The concert provides a festive way to mark St. Patrick’s Day with choral music that has moved and delighted listeners around the world.
The performance will be directed by Donald Brinegar, Professor Emeritus of Music at Pasadena City College and longtime director of choruses for the Pasadena Symphony and Pasadena POPS. Brinegar is a renowned choral educator and the author of five books on choral music.
The repertoire ranges from the haunting beauty of traditional songs such as “She Moved Through the Fair” to the lyrical poetry of “Down by the Salley Gardens,” based on work by Irish poet W. B. Yeats. The program also includes the lively modern favorite “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran.
A centerpiece of the performance is *Letters from Ireland*, a choral suite arranged by Mark Brymer. The work weaves together beloved Celtic folk songs—including “Molly Malone,” “Skibbereen,” and “Lanigan’s Ball”—with authentic letters and diary excerpts from Irish immigrants of the 1700s and 1800s. Moving between humor and heartbreak, the piece reflects the emotional depth of Irish folk tradition and tells a poignant story of migration and identity. The Donald Brinegar Singers were selected as the ensemble to perform on the work’s official CD recording.
Other selections on the program include “My Own Dear Galway Bay,” a nostalgic ballad by poet Francis Fahy written during his years in exile in London, and the Gaelic love song “A Stór, A Stór, A Ghrá,” whose title translates as “My Treasure, My Treasure, My Love.”
Additional highlights include the folk favorite “Wild Mountain Thyme,” the spirited original composition *Riversong* by Roger Emerson, and “Killeagh,” a contemporary tribute to the landscape and sporting heritage of County Cork.
The concert will be offered with a free-will offering, with a suggested donation of $20 at the door. All are welcome regardless of donation, and guests are encouraged to wear green in honor of the celebration.
Erin Go Bragh! Irish Music Concert Sunday, March 15, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Location St. James Episcopal Church 1325 Monterey Rd. South Pasadena, CA 91030 Free
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