Theatre

Claudia Boyle soprano
Niall O’Sullivan trumpet
Brian Connor piano

April’s tour showcases the lasting appeal of this pairing through the combined talents of a trio made up of some of the country’s most sought-after artists. Leading this line-up is soprano Claudia Boyle, a national treasure whose stellar international career has taken her to the four corners of the globe in collaboration with the likes of Riccardo Muti, Paavo Järvi and Kent Nagano. Equally at home on opera and concert stages—or even in front of a film camera—Boyle’s crystalline voice intertwines with the world-class musicianship of Irish trumpet virtuoso Niall O’Sullivan in an eclectic programme that includes Mozart, Handel and Haydn alongside Donizetti, Kurt Weill and Piazzolla. Weaving together the clarion call of these two trebles is the indefatigable Brian Connor, pianist, producer and arranger, whose impressive collaborative pedigree completes this trio of consummate artists to enthral and enchant audiences everywhere.

The Legend of Luke Kelly is an authentic show celebrating the life and songs of Ireland’s most iconic and greatest folk singer. Created and performed by the renowned Chris Kavanagh the show is not a tribute but a journey through Luke’s life and music. Accompanied by some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, lead singer, Chris Kavanagh, has more than a passing resemblance to Luke, while his singing talent captures the depth and passion of this folk legend. So much so that Chris was invited to tour with The Dubliners on their final European tour, where he received rave reviews across mainland Europe. An overwhelming endorsement of authenticity are the huge amount of followers, regular sell-out performances in Ireland’s most prestigious venues such as Vicar Street, Cork Opera House & The National Opera House, and the fact that Luke’s family are still in regular attendance at his concerts.

Since collaborating, this comic Father and Daughter duo have written and performed two hilarious online shows ‘’ The Wellness hour with Paaah and Sile’’ and ‘’Pat Shortt’s Comedy Heads’’. Now the pair bring their madcap characters to the stage in ‘’Well”. The show follows the unfortunate demise of Dad and Daughter Country and Irish music duo as they attempt to ascend the heights of their local music scene by playing a gig in the town’s hotel.

Liz Knowles fiddle/hardanger fiddle
Niwel Tsumbu guitar/vocals
Niall Vallely concertina

Genre-bending and label-defying, this trio will immerse listeners in the striking melodies, beautiful harmonies, and deep rhythmic grooves that result from their collaborative onstage joie de vivre. Bringing together stellar hardingfele and fiddle player Liz Knowles from Kentucky, masterfully elegant Congolese guitarist-vocalist Niwel Tsumbu, and Irish concertina master and prolific composer Niall Vallely, you can hear the cross-cultural counterpoint that results from their uniquely expressive musicmaking underpinned by the common ground of their shared artistic vision. With a group as musically well-travelled as this, the satisfaction of hearing each performer’s individual contribution is multiplied several times over by their vibrant synchronicity and is sure to get toes tapping and hearts singing!