Classical and Irish music forms at Achill concert

THE Achill Heinrich Böll Association are hosting a summer concert featuring a crossover of classical and Irish music forms and traditions at St. Thomas’ Church, Dugort, Achill Island, next Saturday, August 13, at 8 p.m.

Said Alison Moncreif Kelly, organiser and performer: “The word ‘crossover’ is as overworked as it is inadequate: different areas of music cannot be conflated into one thing with a piece of verbal sticking plaster.

“The idea for this concert came about as a way of bringing together local Achill musicians with those who are lucky enough to call this wonderful place home; and it is an opportunity for those who play in the classical discipline to get close to Irish musical traditions and learn from them.

“As one of the classical musicians performing, it has been a wonderful odyssey for me to learn more about Irish traditional music from the inside, to spend time listening to the vast canon of Irish music, and to learn something of the artists who play it.

“I’m in awe of the skill of those who perform in the traditional style - the mastery of instrument and idiom is something all musicians strive for, whichever side of the musical spectrum we sit on.

The enthusiastic response from everyone involved in this event has been astonishing, and as ever, it’s the love of music that drives things forward. Many thanks to everyone for agreeing to play.”

The performers include Anne-Marie Twomey - violin, Connor Wilcox - piano, David Durham - baritone, Kate Heneghan - harp,Julie Langan - trad fiddle, Kieran O’Malley - pipes/whistle, Diarmuid Gielty - trad fiddle, Alison Moncreif Kelly - cello, and John Hoban - musician.

The programme includes Beethoven Irish Folksongs in the piano trio/baritone arrangement, The Dumky Trio by Dvorak, Songs by Renaldo Hahn, Elegy by Lessenko (Ukrainian composer), and new arrangement by Kieran O'Malley and Alison Moncrief Kelly for all musicians.

Admission is free but tickets are limited and booking essential at www.heinrichboellcottage.com.

This event is supported by Mayo County Council Local Live Performance Programming Scheme 2022.