The redevelopment of Ballina Arts Centre launched The Final Push programme last Wednesday. The new state of the art, centre for Ballina has got funding from various sources and those behind the project launched The Final Push in Murphy’s Longnecks during the week. The campaign needs to raise €500,000 locally for the project and they are asking for local support for it. For more information on the redevelopment log on to www.ballinaartscentre.com/redevelopment
RTÉ Vanbrugh quartet for Ballina
Ballina Arts Centre will present a concert by the acclaimed RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, in St Michael’s Church, Ballina, on Sunday November 8, at 8pm.
Now in its 25th concert season, the quartet — Gregory Ellis, Keith Pascoe (violins ), Simon Aspell (viola ), and Christopher Marwood (cello ) – is one of Europe's most successful ensembles, internationally recognised for its beauty of sound, clarity of texture, and integrity of interpretation within an unusually wide and varied range of repertoire.
The quartet enjoys a thriving international career with regular tours of Europe and the United States, and has released numerous recordings. For the Ballina concert they will play works by Haydn and Borodin as well as a selection of pieces by Russian composers including Sokolov and Liadov. This special concert is not to be missed.
Perspectives 4: Ballina Open exhibition 2009
Perspectives, Ballina’s annual exhibition featuring the work of local-based artists, returns to Ballina Arts Centre this month. Perspectives 4: Ballina Open Exhibition 2009 will feature work by a number of locally-based artists in the north Mayo region. The exhibition comprises a wide variety of media and styles. The exhibition is also a wonderful opportunity for early Christmas shopping. Perspectives 4: Ballina Open Exhibition is supported by Ballina Beverages. The official opening will take place on Wednesday November 4, 8pm. Admission is free and the exhibition will run until November 28
Il Divo at Ballina Film Club
Ballina film club’s Autumn/Winter season continues next week with Il Divo, on Tuesday, November 10, at 8pm. Starring Toni Servillo, Anna Bonaiuto, Piera Degli Espoti, and Paolo Graziosi, Paolo Sorrentino’s magisterial Il Divo reaches into the tumultuous political history of post-war Italy to craft a dazzling portrait of one of the period’s most complex and ambiguous figures, Giulio Andreotti (Servillo ). Arguably the most important Italian politician of the last 50 years, Andreotti entered politics in 1946 and led seven governments, turning his Christian Democratic party into a force that ran Italy in what was essentially a one-party system. To do so he clearly required a man of singular abilities – but Andreotti was, and remains, an enigma to his fellow countrymen.
The film eschews the traditional biopic format in favour of a far more claustrophobic, focused look at the man. This concentration of energy and force pays high dividends, especially as Sorrentino has found a perfect vessel in Servillo, an actor who loses himself in the role and effectively becomes Andreotti before our eyes. From the film’s opening moments when we are confronted with Andreotti – in intense close-up, with acupuncture needles covering his face – we are unmistakably in the hands of a master. What is fascinating about Il Divo is the manner by which it hones in on a man who is apparently more interested in obtaining power than actually wielding it. Admission is €7 and seasonal passes are available.
Local author launches book with reading at Ballina Arts Centre
On Thursday November 12, local author Kate Kerrigan (Morag Prunty ) will read from her new novel Ellis Island at its official local launch in Ballina Arts Centre. A Ballina native, Kate has written seven novels to date – four of them under her own name Morag Prunty. Her last two Kate Kerrigan books, Recipes For A Perfect Marriage and The Miracle of Grace – were translated into numerous languages, and both have been optioned for film.
Kate sets much of her work in Mayo, saying: “I am continuously drawn to writing about the lives of my mother’s and grandmother’s generations. Nostalgia aside, I find that their stories and experiences hold great resonance and relevance for me as a woman today. My people are from County Mayo and I feel privileged to live here now. I am constantly inspired by its rugged beauty, traditions and history – and could not imagine living or writing anywhere else.” Ellis Island deals with the subject of emigration and is set in rural Ireland and jazz age in New York. Admission is €5 or €3 with a concession, booking early is advised.
Poetry workshops for adults at Ballina Arts Centre
On three Saturdays in November, 14, 21 and 28 poet Kevin Higgins will conduct a three-day workshop in poetry for adults at Ballina Arts Centre. Kevin Higgins runs poetry workshops in Galway and participated in Ballina Arts Centre’s Edge 07 programme. Kevin will offer advice and critique, as well as tips on getting published and reading in public. Kevin Higgins’ collections are The Boy With No Face (Salmon, 2005 ) and Time Gentlemen, Please (Salmon, 2008 ). Ticket Price €36 for three sessions. Pre-booking for all workshops is essential.
