Latest news with #IrishBaroqueOrchestra
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Families embrace fairytale setting of Wicklow gardens on enchanting day of story and song
The event is one of the highlights of the Killruddery programme, and is an enchanting and heartfelt celebration of family, creativity and connection with nature. Young and old embraced the theme and arrived suitably dressed as knights and woodland sprites, Cinderellas and handsome young princes, making it a memorable and imaginative adventure. The gardens and woodlands were transformed into a wonderful setting for storytelling, creativity and playful magic, that included 'The Garden of Hidden Things' mural illustrations with Me + the Moon, 'Fireside Tales' from master storytellers Shane Ibbs and Helena Byrne in the Yarn story tent and 'Musical Moments' with musicians from the Irish Baroque Orchestra in the open air. There were also woodland sculptures to admire by artist Peter Sheehan and for those brave souls, a spot of potion-making. The day ended with the annual procession through the gardens, culminating in a feast of music for the 'Musical Circle' event, with musician Nico Brown. For those who missed out, fear not, but do mark your diaries for the quintessential pirate tale Treasure Island, which takes place in the grounds on Thursday and Friday, August 14 and 15, at 7pm. To book your tickets, go to
San Francisco Chronicle
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale appoints new music director
For only the fourth time in more than four decades, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale is passing the baton to a new music director. Irish conductor Peter Whelan is poised to take the role for a three-year term starting next July for the 2026-27 season, which marks the company's 45th anniversary. He steps in for Richard Egarr, who resigned after four years in 2024 to pursue new opportunities. 'I'm just so excited to be starting this new adventure,' Whelan told the Chronicle. 'I think the most important thing nowadays is building a community around the arts and that community is already there in San Francisco.' Whelan has been highly regarded for the way in which he breathes new life into early music, bringing a vibrant perspective to the works. He made his first appearance with Philharmonia in March, conducting Handel's 'Alceste,' and debuted with the San Francisco Opera in 2022, helming Gluck's ' Orpheus and Eurydice.' The Chronicle's longtime classical music critic, Joshua Kosman, who retired last year, once praised Whelan as 'an artist of delicate but unmistakable mastery.' 'Peter brings a rare combination of historical insight and creative energy that resonates deeply with our mission,' said Emma Moon, Philharmonia's executive director and CEO. 'His work with us on 'Alceste' was both masterful and inspiring. We're excited to embark on this new chapter with him at the artistic helm.' Whelan studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College Dublin, and has an extensive discography as a solo bassoonist in addition to his work as a conductor. In 2022, he won a Laurence Olivier Award for outstanding achievement in opera for a production of Vivaldi's 'Bajazet' with Irish National Opera. Whelan currently serves as artistic director of Irish Baroque Orchestra and founding artistic director of Ensemble Marsyas, both based in the U.K. He plans to initially remain there and travel to San Francisco for rehearsals, concerts and other engagements. He said that he hopes by bringing his expertise to Philharmonia that he'll be able to foster an environment of inclusivity and community. 'Live concerts and live music making is a place where you can confront biases, you can see how other people feel,' he noted. 'I think that that's such an important thing in the world today.' Before heading across the pond, however, Whelan is set to make his conducting debut at BBC Proms, an eight-week classical music festival, in August with a performance of Handel's 'Alexander's Feast' alongside the Irish Baroque Orchestra. The milestone performance will mark the ensemble's first Prom appearance and the second time in more than 100 years that an Irish orchestra has performed during the series. Correction: A previous version of this story misstated where Whelan will be living when he begins his new position. He will remain based in the U.K. and travel to San Francisco regularly for the job.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival: What's still available to book
Understandably, this performance of a mainly Irish cast, supported by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, is completely sold out, but for those who didn't catch the early opera treats, there is still time to dive in to the event, which runs from May 27 to June 2. With 23 events, two full opera productions, and over 100 world-class artists performing in ticketed and free events across 12 unique venues, it is the most ambitious programme in the festival's 15-year history, say organisers. There are performances in a castle, a cathedral and a 19th century farmhouse, as well as in historic homes. The festival will also bring live performances to Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Stradbally, Youghal, and Castlemartyr. So if you haven't yet planned your trip, here are some hidden gems you can still get to see. Opera in the cathedral Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, featuring Paula Murrihy, Dean Murphy, Kelli-Ann Masterson, and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, will showcase the expressive beauty of baroque opera, offering a striking contrast in musical style and atmosphere across the festival. Tuesday, May 27's showing still has limited tickets available. It takes place at St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, Waterford. Tickets €20-€40. Concerts at Dromore Yard A romantic, semi-restored 19th-century farmyard on the banks of the River Blackwater sets the scene for two of the festival's most anticipated performances, headlined by internationally celebrated Irish mezzo-sopranos Paula Murrihy and Niamh O'Sullivan. Ms O'Sullivan's Where Birds Do Sing recital with pianist Gary Beecher from 3pm on Sunday, June 1 promises to be a standout moment – following their acclaimed appearance at Wigmore Hall, London. Some limited €35-€60 tickets are still available, but you will have to be quick. Paula Murrihy returns to the same venue for the festival finale, Baroque Hits, on Monday, June 2 from 8pm, performing with the Irish Baroque Orchestra under the baton of Nicholas McGegan. A handful of €25 tickets remain. ADVERTISEMENT Free outdoor recitals Throughout the week, a series of intimate classical performances will take place in historic homes and venues across the Blackwater Valley. The programme highlights include Shakespeare in Music, The Tinker and the Fairy, and a special poetry and music recital honouring George Bernard Shaw, with tickets starting at €25 for unallocated seating. However, there are also four lunchtime recitals that are free to attend on Tuesday, May 27 at Millenium Park in Lismore, on Friday, May 30 at at Walton Park in Dungarven, on Saturday, May 31 at Green Park in Youghal and on Sunday, June 1 at Castlemartyr Resort. They all start at 12pm and run for one hour, with the exception of Castlematyr, which starts at 1pm. Although there is no charge, attendees do need to book online at Witness the talent of tomorrow The festival supports emerging talent through four bursary awards, recognising exceptional promise in young artists and performers. This year's recipients will appear alongside Irish Heritage award winners in live performances during the week. Tickets for the recital of soprano Aimee Kearney and pianist Georgina Cassidy on Wednesday, May 28 from 1pm at Tourin House in Waterford are still available at €25 plus booking fee. Indulge in fine food – or a picnic Food lovers can look forward to a feast of flavours throughout the week, including a Midsummer-inspired menu created by celebrity TV chef Eunice Power, served in tents on the grounds of Lismore Castle. This three-course Italian-style meal is sold-out on Wednesday, May 28, but you can book for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Dinner starts at 5.15pm and costs €85 per person for the standard menu or €75 for vegan. A booking fee is also added. Pre-show gourmet picnics are also available to order for Lismore Castle on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, or at Dromore Yard on Sunday and Monday. There's also an option at that location to pay a corkage fee of €10 to bring your own picnic. At Lismore Castle the picnic boxes showcase Comeragh lamb, Clare Island salmon and Irish cheeses, with a plant-based option also available. Both cost €55 plus a booking fee. At Dromore Yard, the menu includes either a chicken or falafel mezze costing €45 plus booking fee. Those heading to recitals can avail from some set menu deals at local eateries like The Saucy Hen in Villierstown, Barron's in Cappoquin, and Fuller's Bistro and The Vault Café in Lismore. All menus and prices are on the festival's website, where you can book meals.
Irish Post
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Proms go Baroque with Irish orchestra set to perform rare Dublin Handel piece
IN A LANDMARK moment for Irish classical music, the Irish Baroque Orchestra (IBO) will make its debut at the BBC Proms this summer, performing the 1742 Dublin version of Handel's Alexander's Feast at the Royal Albert Hall on August 30, 2025. It will be only the second time an orchestra from the Republic has performed at the Proms, following the New Irish Chamber Orchestra's appearance in 1979. The performance will be conducted by Peter Whelan, Artistic Director of the IBO, who described the invitation as a 'dream come true.' The version of Alexander's Feast being performed is unique to Ireland, reconstructed by the IBO using manuscripts uncovered at Pearse Street Library in Dublin. 'We made some discoveries… It was a bit like Indiana Jones, dusting off these old manuscripts,' Whelan said. 'There's extra material, and it's distributed in a different way. Even Handel scholars are finding it very exciting.' The IBO's Proms invitation followed a performance with Irish National Opera at the Royal Opera House last year, attended by Proms Director David Pickard. Aliye Cornish Moore, CEO of the IBO, said: 'He was blown away and confirmed almost straight away that he wanted the Irish Baroque Orchestra to appear.' The Proms appearance caps a period of growing international recognition for the IBO. In 2022, they won an Olivier Award for their work on Bajazet with Irish National Opera, and were nominated this year for L'Olimpiade . They have also released a string of recordings on Linn Records highlighting Irish classical music history, including The Hibernian Muse , Rachel Baptist: Ireland's Black Syren , and Welcome Home Mr Dubourg . Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan TD called it 'an important milestone in the history of classical music in Ireland.' Baroque & roll and Irish trad Baroque music is a style of Western classical music that originated around 1600 and lasted until roughly 1750. It's known for its ornamentation, contrast, and expressive intensity, and it laid much of the foundation for modern classical music. Famous Baroque composers, alongside Handel, include Bach and Vivaldi. Baroque music has a footnote in Irish traditional music. In the 18th century, for various reasons, Ireland was home to many European composers. It has been suggested that the rich ornamentation of Irish traditional music owes as much to Baroque music as it does to Celtic motifs. Ornamentation is a defining feature of both Baroque and Irish traditional music. In Irish music, ornamentation includes techniques like rolls, cuts, triplets, and crans, which add expressive nuances to melodies — or in the vernacular, 'they humour a tune.' Similarly, Baroque music is characterised by its elaborate ornamentation, such as trills and mordents, used to embellish musical lines. The shared emphasis on ornamentation suggests a stylistic overlap dating back to the 18th century. Turlough O'Carolan (1670–1738), an Irish harper and composer, also displayed a debt to European Baroque music. Harp playing was not, strictly speaking, folk music — it was written for the Irish aristocracy. But O'Carolan's compositions often combined traditional Irish melodies with the Baroque style, reflecting the influence of composers like Vivaldi. To some extent, he can be seen as a bridge between the native Irish harping tradition and the European Baroque style. Handel's Messiah Alexander's Feast is not one of the best-known Baroque pieces, but it was the success of this composition that allowed Handel to compose more oratorios — including Messiah . This received its world premiere in Dublin on April 13, 1742, at Neal's Music Hall on Fishamble Street. The concert was organised to support local charities and drew a packed audience, with ladies asked to forgo hooped skirts and men to divest themselves of their swords to allow more people in — estimates put the crowd at 700. Handel had been invited to Dublin by the Lord Lieutenant and found the city's musical life vibrant and welcoming. The oratorio, composed in just 24 days, features the 'Hallelujah' chorus. Dubliners were the first to hear a work that would go on to become a global classic. Karen Ní Bhroin Irish conductor Karen Ní Bhroin will also make her Proms debut this year. On July 26, she will conduct the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers in a performance inspired by the BBC's reality show The Traitors . Presented by Claudia Winkleman, it will feature both afternoon and evening performances. Ní Bhroin, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and Kent State University, is the first Irish female conductor to appear at the Proms. She is a recent recipient of the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship and will also work this year with the Welsh National Opera, London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and Irish National Opera. This summer, she makes her debut at the Bregenzer Festspiele with a new opera by Irish composer Éna Brennan.
Irish Independent
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Festivals in Waterford: your guide to summer fun in the Deise
Whether it's dancing in the streets of Ireland's oldest city, listening to classical music while fine dining, or dressing up for the races, here are five summer carnivals to suit every taste in Waterford. International Festival of Time Waterford city is welcoming the return of the International Festival of Time, set to take place on Friday and Saturday, May 23 – 24. This globally celebrated event brings together master watchmakers, horology enthusiasts, collectors, and artisans for an unparalleled celebration of timekeeping excellence. The city is home to Ireland's only dedicated museum of watches and clocks, The Irish Museum of Time in the Viking Triangle, and is just a short distance from New Geneva, where Genevan watchmakers had decided to relocate their entire industry in 1784. The festival highlights for 2025 include Exhibitions of Rare and Exquisite Timepieces, which will showcase a breathtaking collection of handcrafted mechanical watches and antique timepieces. 'The International Festival of Time is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of cutting-edge horology while experiencing the vibrant culture and heritage of Waterford,' said a spokesperson. Tickets at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Black Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) is returning to Waterford from May 27– June 2 for its fifteenth anniversary. Ireland's summer opera festival offers a richly-curated programme of opera and classical music set in 12 historic homes and venues across the Blackwater Valley. 'Join us for a week of 23 special events including full-scale operas, intimate concerts, bespoke dining experiences and free open-air recitals,' said an organiser. 'This year's programme has something for everyone, from opera fans to new audiences, from families to foodies.' The festival has evolved from a 2010 pop-up event into a flagship festival for Waterford, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The festival celebrates opera, classical music events, and dining at venues including Lismore Castle and the semi-restored Dromore Yard. Highlights this year include Benjamin Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream on May 28, 30, 31 and June 1, for which there are limited tickets remaining. Lismore Castle will play host to conductor David Brophy and director Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, while Henry Purcell - Dido and Aeneas are on May 27 and 29 in St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, with Paula Murrihy, Dean Murphy, Kelli-Ann Masterson, the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Nicholas McGegan. The Dromore Yard hosts on Niamh O'Sullivan and Gary Beecher with When Birds Do Sing, on June 1 and on June 2 it is Paula Murrihy, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Nicholas McGegan. Recitals are from May 27 –June 2 in Salterbridge House, Tourin House, Villierstown Church, St Carthage's Cathedral, and Woodhouse Estate, with bespoke dining experiences at Lismore Castle. Final tickets are now on sale. Contact the box office at +353 87 407 9250 or visit Spraoi International Street Arts Festival Spraoi International Street Arts Festival transforms Waterford city from Friday to Sunday, August 1 - 3 into a giant stage where artists from around the world perform for free. The festival attracts audiences of all ages with an exciting programme of street performers, contemporary circus, music, dance, fireworks, and the Spraoi Festival Parade. This year is Spraoi Festival number 33, it began life under the wing of Red Kettle Theatre Company before flying on its own. The name was suggested by Dáithí Kimber. Since then thousands of performers have featured at Spraoi, audiences numbering hundreds of thousands have delighted in the magic, and Waterford is established as Ireland's street performance capital. See events at Tramore Horse Racing Festival The four-day August festival at Tramore Racecourse brings the seaside town alive, with racing each evening leaving days free to explore the coastline or Tramore's many bars and restaurants. Running from August 14-18, the Friday evening will be BBQ night at the racecourse, and on Saturday evening it's all about style as the winners of the lucrative best dressed competitions will be crowned. There is racing over the jumps on Thursday evening too and a final afternoon card of racing, again over jumps, on Sunday. Tickets at Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival Set in one of Waterford's most-loved seaside towns, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival brings together musicians from all over the world to celebrate their take on bluegrass or country music. Headliners last year included young US duo Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small, who hail from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia and singer songwriter Hank Wangford from the UK. The 30th renewal is set for August 22, 24 and 24, with the line-up of acts and events to be revealed soon at
