LIAM LAWTON, the Roman Catholic priest, vocalist, and internationally acclaimed songwriter and performer will play this year’s Croí Christmas Cabaret at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Wednesday December 3 at 7pm.
This year’s cabaret will be different from previous years in that Fr Lawton’s show will be a full concert with supporting acts. The night will begin with hymns and carols from the Galway Chamber Choir under director Mark Keane; music from the Guinness Dance Band, and tango dancing from Marion and Enrique of Caminos de Dance. Then Fr Lawton and his band will take to the stage for the main part of the concert.
Fr Lawton has enjoyed enormous success and acclaim for his songs and shows in both Ireland and the USA over the past 10 years.
In 2000 he was invited to compose a work for the Irish American community in Chicago under the patronage of Mayor Richard Daley and his wife Maggie. This work was performed in Chicago Symphony Hall with narrator screen veteran Gregory Peck.
In the 10 years of the events existence Fr Lawton is the only composer who has been invited to return at least four times and has had such guest artists as Joan Cusack and John Malkovitch narrate his work. Over this time he has also toured Sweden and Norway achieving top 10 status in the Norwegian charts.
In March 2004, Fr Lawton was signed by EMI and his debut for the label, Another World, featured guest artists Brian Kennedy, The Celtic Tenors, Fionnuala Sherry of Secret Garden, Moya Brennan, and Eimear Quinn.
This was followed by Time, which was recorded with the National Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague with arrangements by Chicago Symphony arranger Gary Fry. Fr Lawton’s third album Christmas Song includes a collection the artist’s own favourite Christmas pieces alongside original music.
Fr Lawton’s poetic lyrics are inspired by many sources including the ancient Irish texts and the landscape of Ireland. His music has been performed at September 11 memorial services, The Vatican, and The White House, as well as at weddings, and by choral groups across the English speaking world.
Tickets are €25 and proceeds will go to Croí and are available from Zhivagos in Shop Street.
