Meet Carla, member of Fermoy International Choir!
Busy with volunteering, her church, and raising a family, music lover Carla didn’t join the Fermoy International Choir at first… In fact it took many nudges from her neighbour before Carla would give it a try, and we’re so glad she did!
From Portugal to Fermoy, here’s Carla’s story.
Hi Carla! Anything you’d like us to know about yourself? 
I am Portuguese, and I arrived in Ireland/Fermoy 19 years ago. My husband arrived first 20 years ago. We were thinking about staying here for only 5/6 years to improve our life and return to Portugal. But this idea quickly fell apart…during the first 2 years adapting to a new life, new language, new culture were not easy (although we felt very welcomed here), but we had left a whole life behind (family, home, friends, everything)… Ireland as our new country and Fermoy as our new city where we would start again, we would educate our children and build a better life!!!
What do you enjoy most about being in the international choir? 
What I like the most, besides the musical moments, is the good atmosphere, meeting new people from different countries and cultures, the conviviality and friendships that are created.
How does singing with the choir make you feel?
Singing with the choir makes me feel lighter, I relax and I feel happier… (my family says that even my mood gets better too)!!!
Does being in the choir help you feel more connected to your town or community?
Yes, being part of the choir makes me feel closer to the community, it’s true, but for me it’s more than that, it works as a therapy too… The invitation [to join the group] had already been made by my neighbour, but she never gave up because she knew that we as a family really like music, so 3/4 years ago I decided to accept the neighbour’s invitation!!
And yes it helped a lot, as I said before the family says that even my mood changed and that I was happier so I recommend everyone to try it !!
Thank you, Carla! 🎼🎶🎵
We are looking to help more towns bring people together via multicultural, local COMMUNITY singing groups. Drop us a message or email info@onetownonevoice.ie to get involved!