Voted ‘World’s Favourite Orchestra’ in an international poll in 2015, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra is all set for a rare visit to the West, when they perform at Knock Basilica at the Concert For Peace, Saturday May 14, under the baton of renowned conductor extraordinaire David Brophy.
The orchestra has been introducing orchestral music to new audiences since 1948 having shared stages with legends like Pavarotti and Lang Lang, and has also collaborated with top Irish acts including Altan and Imelda May. A wide range of film credits includes Brian Byrne’s score to Albert Nobbs, music for Patrick Cassidy’s score to Calvary, Andy O’Callaghan’s score to Mrs Brown’s Boys: D’Movie and Stephen Rennicks’ score to Room. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra has featured as the ‘house orchestra’ on The Late Late Show.
An Elegy Suite for 1916 by distinguished composer Patrick Cassidy, who will attend on the night, will be performed by the orchestra. The concert will commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising and World War One and promises world-class performances, a unique event in the 1916 calendar and for those attending, one that will be remembered indefinitely.
Other highlights include Mezzo Soprano Anne Marie Gibbons, originally from Louisburgh, who will sing the well know aria Vida Cor Meum as a duet with Tenor Owen Gilhooly. Sibéal Ní Chasaide will perform the hauntingly beautiful Mise Eire.
Excerpts from Jenkins’ choral sensation, The Armed Man will also feature. This is a powerful and compelling phenomenon in contemporary music, which brings the audience on an inspirational journey from the disharmony of conflict to a final message of hope and peace.
The unprecedented scale of such a concert in this venue will see 200 performers, including A 120 member Peace Choir consisting of members from the Ballina Chamber Choir, Cór Mhaigh Eo and the Dún Laoghaire Choral Society, all presented by lauded broadcaster, RTÉ Lyric FM’s Liz Nolan.
The concert is hosted by The Mayo International Choral Festival and is produced in association with the Western Development Commission and The Mayo Clinic.
To purchase tickets (€25 and €15 all reserved seating ) and for more information, visit www.mayochoral.com or tickets available in person at Downtown Records, Castlebar and Westport and The Gift Centre, Tone St, Ballina.
