A Night at the Proms is another new event in this year’s Ballina Salmon Festival programme, and promises to be a unique and memorable occasion for the town. On Monday, July 8 at 8pm in the Great National Hotel, for one night, guests can expect a musical extravaganza that will awe and delight, as a number choirs of Ballina will unite in song to put on one magnificent performance.
Under the direction of Lavinia Gilmartin, over 200 singers from seven different musical groups will unite for one spectacular show, including performing a mix of classical and contemporary and pieces. Acting as MC for the night will be RTÉ’s George Lee, and the audience can also expect some surprise special guests on the night.
It was the very fact that there were so many different musical groups operating in the town, each with their own areas of specialisation, that prompted the idea of a collective, collaborative effort. Choirs featured on the night include St. Muredach’s Cathedral Choir under the direction of Regina Deacy, Rejoice Gospel Choir under the direction of Tara Doherty, Ev’ry Voice Choir under the direction of Kathy Fahy, The Moy Singers under the direction of Jonathan Carter, Something to Sing About Choir under the direction of Mary Faughnan, The Centre Stage Vocal Academy under the direction of Maureen Lawlor Ginty and St. Muredach's Schola Cantorum under the direction of Regina Deacy.
Director Lavinia Gilmartin said: “This will be a truly unique event that sees the joining together in once voice of all the talent this town has to offer, and in addition to the advertised line-up, people can expect some extra special surprises on the night. It will also be an honour to welcome George Lee as MC for this event and I am sure his presence will add an extra edge of excitement to the glitz and glamour of the occasion.”
Proudly sponsored by Dunnes Stores and generously supported by the Great National Hotel, Ballina the event will certainly not be lacking in glitz or glamour, with a pre-show piano reception - complete with prosecco and canapés - included in the ticket price. Guests are advised to arrive early dress to impress, as there will be prizes on the red carpet for the best dressed man and lady."
PRO of Ballina Salmon Festival, Anne-Marie Flynn said: “This year, the Ballina Salmon Festival committee sought some new ideas that would showcase our incredible local talent, and the choirs of the town under Lavinia’s professional direction have duly delivered with this top-class collaborative event. We’re delighted to have an event of this calibre in this year’s festival programme, which is set to be an unforgettable night of music and the spirit of which epitomises the sense of community that Ballina Salmon Festival has long been renowned for.”
Tickets are priced €15 and are available to buy now from Ballina Tourist Office on Pearse Street. More information is available on www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie
