Auld Lang Syne - The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin

Auld Lang Syne

Scottish Traditional (arr. Desmond Earley)
Text by Robert Burns

The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin
Solo: Kiri O’Neill
Released on Signum Records

Instagram: @ChoralScholars

For decades, on these islands, the passage from the old to the new year at midnight has been celebrated by singing Robert Burns’ poem. This was first printed in 1788 although the author himself acknowledged that its origins lie in an earlier Scots-language ballad printed in 1711 by James Wilson. In this graceful arrangement, we hear the standard English version of the text set to a traditional Scottish melody. Sopranos and altos predominate in the four verses, sometimes in unison and, at times, underpinned by a Scottish- sounding drone. In contrast, the chorus is richly sung by the full complement of voices.

LYRICS:

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup, and surely I’ll buy mine! And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne ...

We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun ‘till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne ...
And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And gi’es a hand o’ thine! We’ll take a right goodwill draught, for auld lang syne!
For auld lang syne ...

Executive Producer: Desmond Earley
Directed by Matthew Leigh
Director of Photography: Andrew Cummins
Produced by: Nodlag Houlihan
Associate Producer: Gavin Coll
Edited by Emmet Reddy
Make Up Artist: Amanda Conlon
Audio Playback by Kevin Whyms

Ensemble Manager: Aoife Perry
Vocal Coach: Síle McCarthy-Cannon

Recording Producer: Nigel Short
Recording Engineer: Andrew Mellor

Shot in Memorial Hall, Richview under strict COVID19 protection measures.

©℗ The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin, 2020

[joesusevich]

I found this today featured on Steady, Dan Rather's newsletter with his comment: “Auld Lang Syne” has been a tradition and a favorite for decades. I’ve heard dozens of versions over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever found one this beautiful. It’s certainly a reason to smile. The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin chamber choir performance is pure enchantment.

[CalmOrbitingSatellite-ykin]

I've listened to this at least 50 times since I first heard it. I now play it at midnight every New Years Eve. I play it on my best loud clear speakers. I turn it way up and toast champagne with everyone. I always cry. Thank you for this.

[BritishJaguar]

After this song I decided to live this life, to be true to myself, to my ideals and values, to my goals and my mission. I am truly grateful to this world for fact that I can enjoy life in it, I am grateful for every day

[Eibhlin]

Your version of Auld Lang Syne has made it a lot easier to face 2023, also wonderful to find fellow Irish singing so majestically.

[sannebruijn]

My grandmother passed away last December. She was not Scotish herself, but her granddaughter (me) was born in Scotland and she had held an affinity with it ever since. She wanted Scotish music for her service, but due to the service-providers we couldn't. Her ashes will be scattered tomorrow, at the place where she was most happy. I won't be able to be there, but I suggested to my family to play a nice version of Auld Lang Syne. My dad asked me if I could find a nice and appropriate version. This rendition made me cry. It is gorgeous. Thank you for making me feel I could be part of her send off.

[John.]

This is the best Ive ever heard of Auld Lang Syne!

[McRib]

Thank you young folks for this lovely rendition! I lost my wife of forty years. I listen to this to help me understand that it’s not just my best girl that leaves this world but all of us. However with out her I must admit I’m lost. We met in high school so 90% of my time on earth was spent with my best girl. 😊

[francesmeyer]

The older I get the more I appreciate this beautiful song. Old friends and memories.🇺🇸🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🌌

[jrlingerfelt]

This is the best version of Auld Lang Syne I found on YouTube. I was in Dublin in 2015 and loved Ireland.
2023 was the best year of my life, 202; was the worst year of my life. Excited for 2025!

[mikewest]

Remember your friends, and loved ones. Time passes so very quickly and we are here for just a short time. God bless you and help you find your way to Him.

[SisterBrittany]

My 8 month old son loves this song. This version particularly. It's his lullaby. We listen to it on repeat. Thank you for soothing my baby when I can't.

[WilliamCooper-lf]

I'm listening to this from the great Lone Star state of Texas. Very impressive singing. Very clear, true tones, no distortions or competition, but an expert blend and nice harmonies. The closest thing to a Heavenly choir.

[gregorybogdanich]

I've never heard anything so beautiful in all my 75 years. It is angelic. Thank you and bless you all!

[littlebird]

The end of 2023 marked the end of the first full calendar year without my son's presence in this earthly world. When the clock struck midnight, I stood on the walkway in front of my house under the giant old maple trees, and listened to this play quietly as revelers throughout the valley set off fireworks in the distance, and a soft, light snow began to fall.

[AllieOopsTK]

My brother lost his battle with depression on May 18th, 2021. This song is incredibly hard to listen to, but it reminds me to not forget the memories. He won’t be with us on Earth for 2022 but he will in spirit, and I will never forget how awesome he was. He only lived to be 32 but I treasure every year I had with him.

[mountainfarmliving]

Tribute to my dear companion Wallace Li, who passed away on 10/31/2023, gratitude for being able to share our time and love together and all the lessons we went through. Missing you so much

[TheBuch]

Thank you Dan Rather for bringing me here. I cried as I listened... "“Auld Lang Syne” has been a tradition and a favorite for decades. I’ve heard dozens of versions over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever found one this beautiful. It’s certainly a reason to smile. The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin chamber choir performance is pure enchantment." ~Dan Rather

[mikebhuskie]

This is probably the most timeless song in human history and this is by far the best version I've heard or will ever hear. God speed to all in the coming new year.

[alkatraz]

Very touching. As a man entering my " golden " years and all of my elders having passed on, I find this reviving some fond memories of my youth and a time long gone. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all.

[christofferloskold]

This could be the welcoming tune to heaven. This is beyond words, it embraces every fibre of my being.