July: Dublin

It was pouring down rain in Dublin at concert time. The Pipeworks people ( our presenters) were wondering whether the rain and the lengthy Wimbledon final might discourage the walk up traffic at the box office. This worry turned out to be unfounded.

Meanwhile the IRISH TIMES had given us a nice review for the Galway concert:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0706/1224250105008.html

We arrive at St. Mary's Pro Cathedral in the heart of Dublin..

Our performance was taped for broadcast by RTE Lyric FM which has been playing our music a lot, it seems. We heard many audience members say that they've been hearing it and wanted to check it out live.

The Cathedral was packed with a highly enthusiastic audience which was incredibly concentrated during the music (maybe that bodes well for the radio tape...) They gave us a very warm standing ovation at the end.

Composer and arranger Michael McGlynn (under the V for Victory sign) came with members of his group Anuna. We were really thrilled finally to see Michael on his own turf - we've been singing his arrangement of Dulaman for a long time, and he composed the Agnus Dei of the new mass (And On Earth Peace) we commissioned and recorded a few years ago. Our first visit to Ireland seemed long overdue - and we'll probably be really sorry to leave. The audiences so far have been so warm and enthusiastic - we still have a master class tomorrow night with the Mornington Singers, and our run out to Wexford on Tuesday to look forward to.

Fourth of July: Galway, Ireland

It was a lovely day in Galway, until, of course it rained. We had a great day with the friendly population, who all seemed to be aware of our presence, and looked forward to meeting our first Irish audience.

On of the great pleasures of touring Europe in the summer is singing in the fantastic acoustics of historically important churches from centuries we don't have at home. This one, St. Nicholas Collegiate, dates from 1320. Columbus worshipped here in 1477. It is the oldest still functioning parish church in Ireland.

The church was jammed. The audience was completely still and extremely intent - and totally rambunctious at the end.
Seems like they loved us - and vice versa! The co-presenters of our performances in Ireland are Pipeworks of Dublin, and a chorus here in Galway called Cois Cladaigh headed by Brendan O'Connor. They gave us an incredibly warm welcome including a reception afterwards at which they sang for us. This is kind of what we thought (and hoped) Ireland would be like.\\

After the reception, several of us went on to a pub called Tig Neactain owned by Jimmy, a member of the chorus, who kept it open after hours: more memorable festivity was had. The evening ended with a very moving performance by a soprano of a beautiful Irish song which will long remain with us. And we'll be seeing Gabe in this t-shirt probably forever. Here we are on the way to Dublin for the next concert, Sunday.