Delectable spring music schedule at Mayo arts centre

THE Linenhall Arts Centre’s spring programme features a vast array of live music performances to charm over the coming season, with offerings to suit all tastes and inclinations.

Classical music takes the helm on Wednesday, January 17, with Solas Quartet from the acclaimed National String Quartet Foundation.

Featuring Katherine Hunka and Marja Gaynor on violin, Cian Ó Dúill on viola and Aoife Nic Athlaoich on cello, the concert opens with Matthew Locke’s curtain raiser to a 1674 London production of ‘The Tempest’, and culminates with the traditional Irish piece ‘The Lark in the Clear Air’ arranged by violinist Hunka.

This genre is a longstanding favourite of Linenhall audiences and the Solas Quartet will be a fine addition to the historic legacy of exceptional classical music performances, in one of Ireland’s oldest arts centres.

Then to the remarkable pairing of musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O'Reilly, as they take to the Linenhall stage on Saturday, January 20, celebrating their second album, The Beautiful Road.

Described as a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover, Ó Snodaigh and O’Reilly have been showcasing their unique sound live to an ever-growing fan-base. Folk Radio UK recently cited their music as 'a sonic balm in times of literal and metaphorical noise, but also a reminder of the verve and the life that can still exist in music'.

Internationally renowned musician and singer-songwriter Andy Irvine returns to the Linenhall on Friday, February 2. A founding member of Sweeney's Men, Planxty, Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and Usher's Island, as well as partnering with Dónal Lunny, Paul Brady, Mick Hanly, Dick Gaughan, Rens van der Zalm and Luke Plumb, Irvine brings his impressive repertoire of Irish traditional songs and dexterous Balkan dance tunes to Castlebar for one night only.

At 81 years of age, the sprightly Irvine continues to showcase his wealth of music experience with aplomb, having most recently completed a nationwide tour of Australia.

The Linehall’s music spring programme also presents Westport’s Brian Duffy alongside the Mayo Concert Orchestra on Friday, February 16, and guitar aficionado Mike Nielson on Thursday, March 7.

Full information on the current programme including theatre, film, visual art, comedy and more can be viewed at www.thelinehall.com or by picking up a print copy from the box office.