Airs, Arias and Aris, Roisin and Brian
As promised, it was fitting final concert for the 2018 edition of the Sundays in Spring in Carlingford Heritage in the musical company of soprano, Roisin Toal Bradley, baritone, Aris Nadiran and pianist Brian Connor last Sunday.
To the delight of an almost full house, all three artists combined to deliver a wonderfully warm, emotional and thoroughly professional performance, taking us graciously into the world of opera – Mozart, Bizet, Mascagni, Lehar and Gershwin. For some in the audience, this was a first live (face to face) encounter with the world of Figaro and Don Giovanni or Carmen and the Merry Widow – and certainly not the last, such was the verve, musicality and sheer good humour.
For others, however familiar and cherished, Aris and Roisin’s treatment of the selection of arias and duets went straight to the heart, made new and all the more special by these two wonderful singers in the surrounds of the Heritage Centre.
Even though Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess may be somewhat more familiar to lovers of such classics as ‘Summertime’ or ‘I got plenty o’ nuttin’, once again, they and Brian demonstrated their ease with the repertoire and empathy with the material of everyday life for the downtrodden. To say this was an appreciative audience is something of an understatement. These performers took the place by storm – aesthetically, emotionally and generously. They will be back – that’s for sure!
Once again, our thanks to Create Louth, the artistic arm of Louth County Council for allowing us to bring such talent to the Carlingford Heritage Centre for the enjoyment of all – and to our Artistic Directors, John McIntyre and Zoe Conway for all their support.
This third edition of the Sundays in Spring series demonstrates its growing popularity as a fixture in the annual artistic calendar.
Looking forward
John and Zoe are busy planning and putting together their own Zoe, John and Guests Summer series starting Sunday 29th July. Word is that there are some household names on the guest list for 2018 – like a certain lead singer from the Hothouse Flowers – guess who? And Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, previously of the Bothy Band – and other great names. All will be revealed.
Before then, on Friday 15th June, Carlingford Heritage Centre will host a special one-off concert by the Swedish super traditional and folk group, Väsen. This is a rare chance to witness one of the world’s most celebrated folk groups play a live show within an intimate and magical acoustic space.
Väsen play extensively across the globe and have only come to Ireland for large festivals and significant concert appearances every five years or so. They are on the bill at Doolin Folk Festival this year, so artistic directors Zoë Conway and John Mc Intyre have moved mountains to bring them to the Cooley Peninsula.
The line up is three master musicians – Olov Johansson on nyckelharpa, Roger Tallroth on 12-string guitar (tuned ADADAD) and Mikael Marin on viola. Translated as a ‘key harp’, a nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish string instrument with similarities to a hurdy gurdy and violin. To change the pitch of a string, you press a key and play with a bow, although it is held with a strap, like a guitar. Surely alone worth a trip to Carlingford to see in all it’s glory!
Don’t miss out! Book early and book often! Concert goers live longer! For tickets and more details, see www.vasen.se or www.carlingfordheritagecentre.com. Tickets are €15/€12. Doors at 7.30pm, concert at 8pm. For bookings telephone 042 93 73454. Kindly funded by Create Louth.
