The Cecilian Choir’s Tribute to Kevin Veal

The Invercarse Hotel’s grand ballroom was filled to capacity as over 300 guests gathered to mark a truly special occasion: the 50th anniversary of Kevin Veal’s remarkable tenure as conductor of Dundee’s Cecilian Choir. This golden celebration was not only a tribute to Kevin’s extraordinary commitment but also a testament to the lasting impact of choral music in Dundee’s cultural life.

Founded in 1952, the Cecilian Choir has long been a pillar of musical excellence in the city, and Kevin Veal’s association with it spans even further back than his five decades as conductor—he originally sang with the group as a member. This anniversary concert offered a fitting retrospective of popular musical theatre classics, sensitively curated and passionately performed.

The evening’s programme—titled Songs from the Musicals—was directed by Kevin’s daughter, Mary Veal, herself an accomplished conductor. The family baton was passed on with both elegance and energy, as she led the choir and the accomplished Harrison Ensemble through a whirlwind of beloved melodies.

The opening selections from The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady immediately struck a chord with the audience. The warm, lush harmonies of the choir brought a nostalgic charm to these well-known tunes, creating a welcoming and spirited atmosphere. The rich close playing of the Harrison Ensemble added depth and vibrancy to the familiar arrangements.

A standout interlude featured the expressive voice of soloist Jill Harrison, whose renditions of songs from Cabaret, Oh Kay! and Evita brought a dramatic intensity and flair to the stage. Her presence and poise offered a delightful contrast to the choral numbers, and her performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” was particularly moving.

The first half concluded with stirring selections from Les Misérables, where the choir’s full strength came into focus. The dramatic sweep and emotional weight of this score was handled with confidence and clarity, ending the half on a high and powerful note.

After the interval, the journey through musical theatre history continued with a medley from South Pacific, joyfully revisiting the golden age of Broadway. Jill Harrison returned to deliver a trio of classics—“I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Send in the Clowns,” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me”—each rendered with nuance and emotional intelligence.

The choir’s return for the final two sets proved a triumphant conclusion. A choral selection from Oliver! brought rousing energy and a sense of camaraderie, and the grand finale from West Side Story was as thrilling as it was poignant—a fitting end to a night steeped in celebration and song.

Presiding over the evening with warmth and good humour was compere Peter Crawford MBE, who paid heartfelt tribute to Kevin Veal’s half-century of leadership, thanking the Harrison Ensemble, Mary Veal, and the choir for a memorable evening of music-making.

In a packed ballroom overflowing with admiration and applause, the Cecilian Choir’s tribute to Kevin Veal was more than a concert—it was a celebration of legacy, of family, and of the enduring joy that music brings. Fifty years of service is an extraordinary achievement; that it was marked in such fine musical fashion speaks volumes about the man, his community, and the music they share.