The Midnight Court at the Linenhall
Melodious, hilarious, boisterous, risqué and irreverent, singer/songwriter Seán Tyrrell brings his legendary musical adaptation of The Midnight Court to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Monday November 17 at 8pm. A poet dreaming he is being put on trial by the women of Ireland for his sexual inadequacy, The Midnight Court is a potent musical adaptation presenting Brian Merriman’s 18th-century classic poem “Cúirt an Mhean Oiche” in a contemporary setting by veteran folk/trad singer/songwriter Seán Tyrrell. The result is a heady mix of Celtic blues comprising a litany of sexual scenarios sung in styles veering from traditional to calypso. Tyrrell’s musical adaptation has achieved something of a legendary status since its sell-out premiere in 1992 at the Galway Arts Festival. This latest incarnation of Tyrrell’s “musical narrative” features the man himself together with fellow musician Johnny Mullins. Brace yourselves for a night of bawdy fun and great music. Seán Tyrrell presents The Midnight Court at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Monday November 17 at 8pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 9023733
Emilie Conway’s No Regrets comes to the Linenhall
Stunning young chanteuse and rising star Emilie Conway brings her new show No Regrets to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday November 20 at 8pm. “No Regrets” is a captivating evening of music which celebrates great female vocalists from across the decades and continents, showcasing the legendary talents of Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Abbey Lincoln, Elis Regina and Edith Piaf.
Over the past five years Emilie Conway’s distinctive voice and inimitable style has earned her much acclaim on the Dublin jazz scene, as well as further afield in Europe and the States. A fine and versatile vocalist of extraordinary sensitivity, Emilie possesses the ability to distill the very essence of song and lyric and express it in a beautifully natural and minimalist way. Emilie is accompanied for this concert by Francesco Turrisi (piano ), Claus Kaarsgaard (bass ) and Conor Murray (drums ). If you saw Emilie Conway on her last visit to the Linenhall, you won’t need convincing. Come and celebrate the wonderful melodic heritage of a host of vocal legends, in the company of a young star in the ascendant. Emilie Conway presents No Regrets at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Thursday November 20 at 8pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 902 3733.
Flook bring their dazziling show to Castlebar
Dazzling contemporary trad group Flook performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Monday November 24 at 8pm. The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking band Flook. Comprising four exceptional musical talents, Flook possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination, as witnessed on a string of acclaimed CDs. Exuberant and exhilarating, and with a justifiable reputation for brilliant live performances, be prepared to be blown away. Flook performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Monday November 24 at 8pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 9023 733.
Internationally accliamed pianist lines up special show
Recognised as one of the outstanding pianists of his generation, Antti Siirala appears at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Monday December 1 at 8pm as part of a Music Network tour. Helsinki-born Antti Siirala made his debut with an orchestra at the age of seven, and by 24 the multi-award-winning pianist had won the prestigious Leeds International and AXA Dublin International Piano competitions. Praised by critics for his breathtaking technique, instinctive musicality and “wonderfully sustained intensity”, Siirala has performed solo recitals at most of Europe’s finest concert halls with many top conductors. Best known for his interpretations of works by Beethoven and Brahms, his recording of works by Brahms received Gramophone Magazine’s Editor’s Choice award in 2003. Concert Programme: Bach’s Partita No.1 in B flat major BWV 825; Brahms’ Rhapsody in B minor Op. 79/1; Brahms’ Variations on an Original Theme in D major Op. 21/1; Deirdre McKay’s Time, Shining; Chopin’s Sonata No. 3 in B minor Op. 58. Antti Siirala performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Monday December 1 at 8pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 902 3733.
Intimate ground exhibition continues
Currently on show at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar intimate Ground is an exhibition of atmospheric paintings by artist Stephen Rinn. Living near the sea at Howth has given Stephen an intimate knowledge of natural elements, out of which emerged an abstract dialogue concerning themes of open and closed spaces relating to the sea/shore geography. “There is a landscape narrative in the work which relies on impressions received during these visits. I am not interested in describing a literal sense of landscape and so I rely more on abstract values which would be evocative of the area visited. They are not specific to time and place as a photograph would be, I think of them more as painted spaces. The finished paintings are a vocabulary of gestures and markmaking that hint at or give a nod to these areas visited.” The exhibition runs until November 29. The Linenhall Gallery is open to the general public Monday-Friday from 10am to 5pm; Saturday from 11am to 5.30pm. Admission to exhibitions is free. Further details from the Linenhall. Tel: 094 902 3733. Website: www.thelinenhall.com
The Violin next up on the silver screen
The next screening at Linenhall Film Club is Francisco Vargas Quevedo's debut feature, The Violin, a tender and exceptionally poignant drama set in a small Mexican village during the uprisings of the 1970s. Beautifully filmed in black and white, while the film depicts the tensions between the peasants and the brutal federales in the Guerrero region, it transcends traditional social commentary to present a compelling and beautiful story about a father's love for his family.
Full details about the Linenhall Film Club and its forthcoming programme from the Linenhall Arts Centre. Tel: 094 902 3733. Linenhall Film Club is a member of access>CINEMA, promoting the development of regional cultural cinema in Ireland. access>CINEMA is a member of the International Federation of Film Societies.
