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The University of Ulster Choir is performing in Newry Cathedral this Thursday the 1st of May at 8.30pm. Admission is Free!
The Choir has gained considerable popular and critical acclaim for its distinctive and dramatic performances presented in beautiful ecclesiastical settings. Shaun Ryan, Lecturer in Music and Choral Director, has been instrumental in developing the reputation of the Choir over the last ten years. He explains “At our public concerts we like to present a programme of music that will be attractive to audiences but may also introduce them to something a little more unusual, ideally, something unknown to them. Hence, we will often perform a well-loved ‘classic’ such as Vivaldi’s Gloria or Fauré’s Requiem, but present it alongside a contemporary work that will be new to the audience. We also feel it is important to perform in a range of settings and to reach out to a wider audience. In recent years the Choir has performed in Londonderry, Belfast, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Dublin and London, and we look forward to expanding both our repertoire and our geographical reach even further over the coming years.”
For this season’s series of concerts the choir is delighted to be joined by its resident repetiteur, Gail Evans (piano), and Shonagh Lyons (soprano) in performances of Poulenc’s wonderful setting of the Gloria text. Also included in the programme is Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs, which features American Violist Julia Beebe.
Gail Evans (repetiteur) from Mid-Ulster, studied piano under both Elizabeth Bicker and Stephanie Hughes, and organ with Desmond Hunter. Having completed her undergraduate degree and PGCE in Music at the University of Ulster, Gail embarked on a teaching career which led to the post of Head of Music in Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt, where Gail particularly enjoyed training the Junior, Senior and Chamber Choirs. In her final year at the school, Gail organised and directed a highly successful school concert in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Playing piano and accompanying others has been Gail's lifelong passion and having moved out of the education sector, she is now developing her skills as an active accompanist and répétiteur throughout the province.
Gail is in her third year as accompanist for Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Phil Kids, Phil Youth Choir and Chamber Choir; all of which she does alongside her ongoing work for the University of Ulster Choir, Tosini, the Ulster Youth Choir, and NI Opera, in addition to performing in masterclasses and workshops with various internationally renowned musicians such as Mary King, Iain Burnside, Paul Farrington and Jonathan Lemalu. Gail also regularly plays for recitals and examinations, accompanies at Music Festivals, and acts as musical co-ordinator for annual events such as Newtownabbey Council's Shoreline Festival concert 'Classics in the Park'.
Shaun Ryan (conductor) is a lecturer at the University of Ulster Music Division, Magee College in Derry. In 1996, as a member of the Dalriada Piano Trio, Shaun won the coveted ‘Overall Exceptional Performance Prize’ at the Belfast Festival. As a result of this win, the trio was selected by the British Federation of Festivals to represent Belfast at the ‘Champion of Champions Festival’ held in Warwick, England later that year. There, the trio won a gold medal and was subsequently invited to perform at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s Southbank.
In 1999, studying as a postgraduate, Shaun became the first student to take directorship of the University of Ulster’s Music Division Choir, a position he has since held. In addition to directing the University’s Choir and Chamber Choir, Shaun was Conductor of Larne Choral Society from 2002 to 2005, has worked with the Chapel Choir of Trinity College Dublin and The Dublin Gospel Choir, and has acted as bass-section coach and rehearsal conductor with the Ulster Youth Choir. In 2006, Shaun was Musical Director for UTV’s opening ceremony of The Special Olympic Games, broadcast from the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, a venue he has returned to annually as Musical Director with Flash Harry, the University of Ulster Choir and the Ulster Orchestra in the show ‘The Music of Queen: Rocked Up and Classical’.
In 2011 Shaun was Musical Director for the show ‘Rumours of Fleetwood Mac’ with Liverpool band, RFM, and the Ulster Orchestra. His work in musical theatre has included conducting Schoenberg and Boublil’s Les Misérables and the Vivian Ellis Prize-winning opera, Ulysses – a Musical Odyssey, which toured Ireland and was subsequently featured on London’s Southbank. Earlier this year, as part of Derry/Londonderry’s UK City of Culture celebrations, Shaun conducted the combined chamber choirs of the Universities of Ulster and Aberdeen together with the London Southbank Sinfonia in performances of Laurence Roman’s new oratorio, Columba Canticles; the work was commissioned by St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry to mark the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the cathedral.
Programme
Jerusalem M McGlynn
Quiquis eris M McGlynn
Five Hebrew Love Songs E Whitacre
The Beatitudes P Mealor
I Am Not Yours Z Randall Stroope
The Seal Lullaby E Whitacre
Interval (10 minutes)
Gloria F Poulenc
i. Gloria
ii. Laudamus te
iii. Domine Deus
iv. Domine fili unigenite
v. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
vi. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris
soprano soloist: Shonagh Lyons
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Just over a week till Newbury Productions present the Reduced Shakespeare Company play The Bible: The Complete word of God (abridged) written by Adam Long, Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor
The Drama begins at Newry Town Hall on Tuesday the 6th of May at 8.00 p.m.
Box Office: 028 3031 3180
email: arts.reception@newryandmourne.gov.uk
The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp comedies.
Since 1981, ‘The Bad Boys of Abridgement’ have created eight stage shows, two television specials, several failed TV pilots and numerous radio pieces – all of which have been performed, seen, heard and translated into Klingon the world over.
The company’s first three shows, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged) and The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) enjoyed a nine-year run at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. Not only were they London’s longest-running comedies, but at one point the Reduced Shakespeare Company had more shows running in the West End than Andrew Lloyd Webber. Some of them were funnier too…
“The RSC put the 'fun' back into fundamentalism" Baltimore Sun
Prior to their 2013 tour the “other RSC” were last seen in the UK with their highly successful Complete World of Sports (abridged) which toured the country before completing a season in London’s West End during the 2012 Olympics.
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A free of charge five-day afternoon lecture series on Irish History in the period from 1912 to 1922 will be held at Newry Museum from the 19th to the 23rd of May.
The lectures are part of the Museum's Heritage Lottery funded First World War Project and they start on Monday the 19th of May and continue to Friday the 23rd May (2pm – 4pm each day). The lecture series will place the First World War in context by considering Irish History in the period 1912–1922.
An excellent line-up of speakers has been arranged.
Dr Jonathan Bardon, historian and author of ‘A History of Ulster’ will give the first talk on Monday 19th in a lecture entitled ‘Ireland 1912–1916: From the brink of civil war to participation in the Great War’.
On Tuesday 20th Dr Fearghal McGarry, Lecturer in Modern Irish History at Queen’s University, Belfast will speak on the Easter Rising and its impact on responses to the War in a lecture entitled ‘”The Soul of the Nation”: Irish republicans, war and rebellion’.
David Fitzpatrick, Professor of Modern History at Trinity College, Dublin will deliver the third lecture on the Wednesday afternoon which will consider “Why did they fight? The mystery of Irish participation in the Great War”.
On Thursday 22nd Dr Rosemary Cullen-Owens, University College, Dublin will focus on ‘Women in Wartime’, including their involvement in the suffrage movement.
The final lecture on the aftermath of the War, ‘From peace to war, from county boundary to land frontier’, will be given by Dr Donal Hall, NUI Maynooth, on Friday 23rd.
In his lecture Dr Hall will examine the experiences of soldiers returning from the great War; the results of the Khaki election of 1918; Frank Aiken, the 4th Northern Division of the IRA and his role in the Civil War; how and why the county boundary was changed into a land frontier after Partition and how that impacted on local people and businesses.
The lectures are FREE to attend and tea/coffee will be provided. As seating is strictly limited booking is essential.
If you require further information or would like to book a place please contact the Museum on 028 3031 3173.
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Red Squirrel Safari on Saturday the 17th of May runs from 2.00pm until 4.00pm at Slieve Gullion Forrest Park.
The event sees Newry and Mourne District Council’s Ring of Gullion team and Ulster Wildlife providing a fun packed afternoon focusing on the Red Squirrel.
Ulster Wildlife will provide some fun activities on the new Red Squirrel Safari. The event is supported by Newry and Mourne District Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and The Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group.
There will also be a chance to speak to members of the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group to find out what is happening to help the red squirrel in the wider area and new members are always welcome!
Therese Hamill, the Ring of Gullion AONB Officer explains, “The trail takes the public on a journey of the red squirrel’s natural habitat. This free, family friendly event will include activities such as arts and crafts, a squirrel quiz with prizes to be won, as well as lots of information on our shy friend the red squirrel.”
The red squirrel is one of the most popular and easily recognisable of our woodland mammals. With their distinctive russet fur, tufted ears and twitching tail, a red squirrel is always a captivating sight in our forests, if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one! They’re agile, cute and furry, and we’re all nuts about them! Yet, these flashes of red are becoming more and more rare. Disease, loss of habitat and increasing numbers of grey squirrels have taken their toll on our red squirrel population, which has fallen rapidly in recent years.
The Red Squirrel is one of the most threatened mammals in the UK and Ireland. The Ring of Gullion is one of the last strong holds for red squirrels in Northern Ireland.
For more information on the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group visit: www.ringofgullion.org, or search for Ring of Gullion on Facebook and Twitter.
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For the second year in a row Newry Rainbow Community in conjunction with Changing Attitude Ireland are hosting a night of Sacred Music and Scripture readings at St Catherine’s Dominican Church in Newry on Friday the 16th of May.
The night is organised to mark IDAHO day on the 17th (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) and the event also forms part of the first Northern Ireland Anti Homophobia and Transphobia Week.
Columba O’Hare, Newry Rainbow Community commented “It is really important for people in our community to feel welcome and have a sense of belonging to whatever religion or church they grew up with. We were all extremely moved by the warm welcome and special atmosphere at last years event in the beautiful Dominican Church and are extremely grateful to all at St Catherine’s especially the Prior Fr Ralph, for helping make this happen again this year. Small gestures really do make a massive difference”
The evening begins at 8.15pm on the 16th at the Dominican and will include songs and readings and a short reflection from Richard O’Leary, Chair, Changing Attitude Ireland followed by a cup of tea in the Dominican Hall.
All are welcome.
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Wonderfully talented Hilltown musician Matt McGinn returns to Newry later this month for what will be a homecoming gig like no other.
Matt will take to the stage of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry on Thursday the 29th of May for what will be a very welcome return to the city.
Matt's concert in Newry Town Hall in 2013 is still remembered as one of the highlights of that year and this time he will be joined “in the round” by Kim Richey and Gareth Dunlop on what promises to be a stunning night with three of the very best singer songwriters on the circuit at present.
Coming from Hilltown, Matt has truly made his stamp on the Northern Irish music scene and further afield with his unique blend of heartfelt and quirky songs.
At the beginning of 2012 Matt shared a stage 'In the Round' with Nanci Griffith with the Belfast Nashville Festival. This led Matt to a trip to Nashville and the beginning of a very successful co-writing partnership with published artist Madeleine Slate. Together they have penned three songs from Matt's forthcoming album, one of which has already featured in several major American TV shows. In 2011, Matt released his debut album 'Livin'' to much acclaim and his second release is due out in July of this year. It features a collection of songs, mostly recorded on a farm studio in the Craigantalet Hills, just outside Belfast.
Over the last few years Matt has been privileged to have spear-headed workshops across the country where he has helped others develop songwriting skills in schools, with people of special needs, and in underprivileged areas. Matt's voice combined with his lovely melodies and songs has got an other-worldly quality that will draw you in like a roaring fire on a cold night… - PBS FM Melbourne, Australia
Two-time Grammy nominated Kim and gifted East Belfast songwriter, and long time friend, Gareth will join Matt on what will be one of their final performances of their acoustic tour on these islands and tickets are already selling fast.
'In the Round' concerts are when three singer songwriters take turn about to perform their songs in an intimate setting. In this case all three songwriters have written with each other and know each others work so well that it there may well be some lovely collaborations to certain songs.
Richey and Dunlop met in early 2013 to write their first song at a co-writing session in Nashville. On writing with the legendary songstress, Dunlop says "The first time I met Kim Richey was to sit down and write a song in Nashville. What came out of that first co write was a great friendship and a song called "Keep Coming Back" that was later featured in the show Nashville. Since that time we’ve written five songs that came together to make an EP.”
When the two of them sat down with Matt to pen 'Let the Long way slow us down, Matt was equally impressed.” I had co-writen many times before but I was amazed at how Kim could twist and shape songs. Everytime I thought we were there, she could shift it in a new direction and add new dimension to the piece. She really is such a gifted songstress..."
The performance at Sean Hollywood Arts Centre will include songs from Dunlop and Richey’s recently released EP which features five songs they wrote together called “The Nashville Sessions.” The EP includes the two songs recently heard on ABC’s Nashville and One in Bones. There will be songs the three have written together and choice picks from Matt's new album due to be released in July.
Kim Richey
Two-time Grammy nominated Kim Richey is a storyteller who tugs at the heartstrings – with a voice so pure, arresting and honest, it literally aches with life’s truths. She transports the listener to a world where words paint pictures and melodies touch the soul, her voice pure, arresting and honest. Over the past two decades Kim has released six critically acclaimed albums, been listed in the ‘Top 10 Albums of 1999’ in Time Magazine for her album Glimmer, plus received 4-stars in Rolling Stone and named ‘Alt- Country Album Of The Year’ in People Magazine for her album Rise. She has written two #1 singles and had four others hit Top 10. Her songs have been recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter, James Morrison and many others. She has contributed backing vocals on albums by Ryan Adams, Shawn Colvin, and Jason Isbell to name a few. Many of her songs have been featured in films and television series over the years ranging from recent placements in NASHVILLE and Bones to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson’s Creek and more.
Kim Richey’s latest LP, “Thorn In My Heart” was named the “Top 10 Best Albums of 2013” - No Depression and The Boston Globe.
Gareth Dunlop
Born and raised in East Belfast, Gareth Dunlop enters the musical landscape as one of the most talked about young artists from Northern Ireland. Dunlop’s personal story has become intertwined with the Nashville music community. Gareth was offered a publishing deal after his first show at famous The Bluebird Café a few years ago and he continues to record in Nashville.
His distinctive voice and captivating songs have lead to Dunlop’s songs being used in numerous television shows and films including “House,” “Cougar Town,” “Private Practice,” “Army Wives,” “NASHVILLE” and the Safe Haven film and soundtrack. Recently, his songs can also be heard in commercials for Subaru, Discover Ireland and Disney. In the last couple years, Gareth has opened for a diverse group of artists including Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, the Stereophonics, Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Nanci Griffith and more.
For ticket information visit www.mattmcginnmusic.com/tickets
Tickets are priced at £12.
Doors open 8:00pm, Show starts at 8.30pm sharp
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Newry Musical Society are ready to go with their upcoming production of the beloved Broadway classic, “Hello, Dolly!” which starts a four night run this Tuesday coming, 21st of May in Newry Town Hall.
“Hello, Dolly!” tells the story of Dolly Levi, a meddlesome widow who works as a matchmaker for one of New York’s richest men. Set in the colourful world of New York City at the beginning of the 20th century, the romantic and funny "Hello, Dolly!" is packed with lively musical numbers such as “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” which has recently been featured in Disney’s Wall-E.
The title character, made famous by Barbara Streisand, will be played by Newry favourite, Veronica Barr. Fresh from her run as Dolly in the Grand Opera House, Belfast, Veronica is no stranger to the role and is sure to give even Babs a run for her money! Martin Morgan will once again take the lead male role playing the wealthy feed store owner Horace Vandergelder who manages to steal Dolly’s heart. Local favourite Damien Lavery takes on the role of the hapless Cornelius Hackl who, together with his gormless friend Barnaby - played by Paddy McGennity, escape to New York to find adventure. Damien will be joined on stage by his wife, Ciara Lavery who plays his love interest Irene Molloy, the widowed owner of a New York hat shop. Most of the action takes place in Irene’s hat shop where she works with her ditsy assistant Minnie Fay, played by Catherine McLoughlin.
The supporting characters include Maeve Bell as Ermengarde, niece of Horace who is desperate to marry artist Ambrose Kemper, played by Newry newcomer Trev O’Connell. Charlie Smyth makes a guest appearance as the judge and Dennis Walsh puts on his dancing shoes to play Rudolf, head waiter at the Harmonia Gardens restaurant.
The show is once again directed by David Cunningham and choreographed by his daughter, Lisa Irvine. This talented duo are joined by Gerry Doherty who returns as musical director.
Newry Musical Society invites you to “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” at performances which run from Tuesday 21st May to Friday the 24th of May in Newry Town Hall at 7.30pm.
The booking office is now open in Buttercrane Shopping Centre or by calling 07707 072010.
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Derek Ryan who has been named the best country performer for 2014 is coming to Armagh City on Saturday 31st May 2014 for an open-air concert and dance at the wonderful Armagh Athletic Grounds stadium.
He will be joined by the amazing Sharon Shannon the multi-platinum award winning accordion player who has enjoyed solo success and with the groundbreaking band The Water Boys. Sharon Shannon and Derek Ryan will make for a perfect musical blend when they take to the purpose built stage in Armagh’s Athletic Grounds to play Ryan’s new single ‘Hold On to Your Hat’ and many many more.
Derek Ryan’s rise to stardom on the country scene has been phenomenal and there are few country stars who can claim to have made such an impact in just over two years. The County Carlow singer/songwriter and heartthrob was well accustomed to playing to sell-out audiences around the world with his former band D-Side and has now brought a distinctive and fresh sound to country music. The Athletic Grounds can host almost 5,000 of an audience for this much-anticipated concert on the 31st May. Derek Ryan and his guests will certainly have the crowd dancing the night away and soaking up the summer vibes in what is now the perfect open-air concert venue with state of the art acoustics.
Expect a full evening’s entertainment with doors opening at 6 pm. Fully licensed bars and a variety of food outlets will be available throughout the stadium grounds. Remember to purchase a draw ticket on your way in as there will be a superb prize up for grabs. MC for the night will be BBC Radio Ulster’s very own Hugo Duncan with supporting group ‘Big Pat and his Band’.
Tickets are available from www.armaghgaa.net/armagh-shop/ or the Armagh County Board Office at The Athletic Grounds and other outlets across Armagh. CONTACT 028 37538647 for further details & tickets
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An Bonnan Buí Folk Club are bringing All Ireland and Ulster champion singers and musicians to the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Folk Club this weekend for a night of Songs and Stories of Ulster.
On Saturday the 31st of May Cathal Lynch, Doiri Farrell, Dylan Pearse and Emmet Mulholland will all take to the stage to give their renditions of their favourite songs and yarns from the Ulster tradition in the intimate venue.
The well established Folk Club An Bonnan Buí has been moved from Crossmaglen to the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre for the foreseeable future.
In the past couple of years, the folk club has managed to attract traditional musicians of the very highest quality having featured names such as Zoe Conway & John Mc Intyre, Beoga, Goitse, Damien O Kane and Four Men and a Dog.
The night starts at 8pm.
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