Classical Concert Celebrates Tercentenary of Medicine, Chemistry and Botany at TCD

Posted on: 05 April 2011

The Grand Canal Theatre played host to the University of Dublin Choral Society, the Guinness Choir and the Ulster Orchestra on Saturday last (April 2nd) for a performance that was held in celebration of 300 years of Medicine, Chemistry and Botany at Trinity College Dublin.  Guests at the sold out concert were treated to a performance of Overture to Prince Igor by Borodin and Verdi Requiem, conducted by Davide Milne, a TCD graduate, who previously led the University of Dublin Choral Society.

Professor Dermot Kelleher and 4th year student, Anna Feeney welcome guests.

Head of the School of Medicine and Vice Provost of Medical Affairs, Professor Dermot Kelleher welcomed guests on behalf of the Head of the School of Chemistry, Professor David Grayson, and Head of the Discipline of Botany, Professor Fraser Mitchell.  He was joined in his welcome by current School of Medicine student Anna Feeney who is chairperson of Trinity’s Biological Association.   A special acknowledgement was made to the Guinness family who have a long established relationship with the School of Medicine and whose support of the development of the sciences at Trinity, which commenced at the beginning of the 20th century, continues today.

On August 16th 1711 a new building close to the Berkeley Library was opened at TCD.  This building formally constituted the origin of the School of Medicine, encompassing the disciplines of medicine, chemistry and botany at Trinity College.  Speaking on the evening Professor Dermot Kelleher said: “Although the disciplines have separated throughout the School’s 300 year history we are finding new ways to work together.  Botany is no longer taught to medical students but links to drug discovery and development are still as strong as ever.  Our scientists have discovered genes for childhood eczema, have worked together for the identification of genes for autism and schizophrenia, have developed new insights into inflammatory disease like arthritis and celiac disease.  Chemistry has continued to flourish and has developed new drugs with the potential to treat depression, cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases.  Tonight we celebrate a vision for the future, a vision that looks back to our extraordinary heritage but builds on this heritage to create something of relevance and power in this 21st century.”

Representatives of the Guinness Choir and the University of Dublin Choral Society

The Tercentenary celebrations will take place throughout 2011 and will include public lectures, student debates, international conferences and exhibitions.