The Board of the National Chamber Choir is very pleased to announce the appointment of Celso Antunes as the Choir's Artistic Director designate. He will take over the role in May 2002 and will succeed Colin Mawby, who as the Choir's Artistic Director has built up its considerable reputation both nationally and internationally.

For the last ten years, the Cologne-based conductor Celso Antunes has been highly active on the European concert scene. He also makes regular visits as guest conductor to his native Brazil. His recent engagements have included appearances at the Flanders Festival, the Düsseldorf Altstadtherbst Festival and Cologne Musik Triennale. Working regularly with choirs and orchestras all over Europe, Mr Antunes has attained success with his interpretations of a wide musical repertoire, stretching from the choral music of Monteverdi, Gesualdo and Orazio Vecchi, through 18th- and 19th-century orchestral classics to the music of the present day, of which he is a devoted advocate.

The National Chamber Choir is one of Ireland's premier chamber music ensembles. The 17 singers that make up this highly motivated professional choir are some of the finest young voices in the country. In 1995 the National Chamber Choir became Choir-in-Residence at Dublin City University, a move that has made a very significant impact on the security and future development of the group. The Choir gives upwards of 60 live concerts a year both nationally and internationally. The NCC dedicates over twenty five percent of its time to educational projects working regularly with both Primary School and Second Level students. During the summer the NCC performs a series of concerts in the National Gallery, Dublin and during the autumn and spring the Choir tours throughout Ireland. The National Chamber Choir is funded through a most innovative and beneficial contract with RTÉ, grant aid from the Arts Council, funding from the Department of Education, a contract with Opera Ireland and continuing support from loyal sponsors.

The National Chamber Choir looks forward to Mr. Antunes' term as Artistic Director.

Ends.

For further information and a full biography for Celso Antunes please contact

Karina Lundström:01-700 8090