Music 55-7

Wow what a busy March so far!
We did our best to transport everyone to South America on Thursday 12 March with a performance by Lunfardia - a strong ensemble led by guitarist/singer/composer Ariel Hernandez (a native of South America now resident in Ireland). The group leans heavily on his skill as a composer and arranger and it is Ariel’s distinctive musical voice combined with the virtuosic playing of the musicians that distinguishes it. They got off to a slow start - grappling a little with a recent break in performing due to some time off - but by the end of the first half had captured the imaginations of all who were present. This is genuine contemporary music bursting out of the envelop of South American traditions - who says we can’t listen to a living composer and have a good time while doing it?

Following hot on the heels of Lunfardia was an explosive day featuring an assortment of Derry’s finest young bands crossing ‘axes’ at the Oxjam Battle of the Bands. Another great advert for the good work that young people do - they had a great time performing and making music and at the same time raised £200 for Oxfam. The event was also an advert for a new record label Practice Makes Perfect - run by young people for young people - worth checking them out on our NUMU network http://www.numu.org.uk/station.asp?lngSiteID=3075. Congratulations to A.E.R who topped the charts that day and who now get put forward to a national competition with the chance of winning a performance slot at this year’s Leeds Festival. Congratulations too to all who took part - Chipzel, The Wondervillains, China White, I Am Cuba and Game Over Retry?

Young music makers are very much part of Music55-7’s annual programme with our Wall2Wall Music Programme giving weekly workshops throughout March. Some terrific work being done in St Cecilia’s College - a local school with specialist performing arts status and we are looking forward to the next performance of new music created by Year 8’s on Monday 06 April.

March wouldn’t be allowed in Ireland if it wasn’t for the Feast of St Patrick. We opted for an alternative celebration on the eve of St Patrick’s day with the group Faduda and had a fantastic time first of all at Foyle Disability Resource Centre and then at the Beech Hill Hotel. The Arts for Health programme invited Faduda and some terrific Irish dancers to perform for a large audience in Foyle Disability Resource Centre at lunchtime and the Beech Hill Hotel hosted a meal and performance in the evening. A big happy birthday to Patricia Roddy, who brought a squad of family and friends to the Beech Hill - thanks for coming. Not everything went according to plan, though, and there were a few challenges with seating and food service - exacerbated by that wonderful Derry tradition of booking and turning up at the last minute! In that great Irish way we all mucked in and the evening was rounded off with a great performance by Faduda....original tunes and songs bringing contemporary music to the fore again.

We’ve just got time to take a breath before we fall happily into April with performances by the Badke Quartet on 2nd April and Carlos Bonell on 26 April - great stuff!

As there is still a chill in the air here are some recommendations to help you retain your inner glow!

Wednesday 18 February
Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny, Co. Donegal @ 8pm

Flute Enchanté: Sarah Murphy & Ruth McGinley

Enjoy an evening of great music in the company of two of Derry’s finest musicians, Sarah Murphy, flute and Ruth McGinley piano. Anyone who has heard this dynamic ensemble before will remember an evening of beautiful music and virtuosic playing. Sarah and Ruth will perform a chocolate box of flute flavours including classical tunes, Latin dances, Hungarian fantasies and romantic melodies.

Tickets are €10 available on 074 9129186 or on the door

Sunday 22 February
The Great Hall, University of Ulster Magee Campus, Derry @ 8pm

The Szigeti Quartet with Christopher King clarinet

This is a rare opportunity to hear one of the finest clarinettists as he nears the end of his professional career. Chris King has been a stalwart of the Ulster Orchestra since its inception over 40 years ago. That in itself is a rare achievement but its for his incredible sense of colour and phrasing that I would urge you to spend a Sunday evening in his company. He is performing Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, which is one of the great works for the instrument. Haydn will also feature as the Szigeti Quartet, featuring more members of the Ulster Orchestra, performs his String Quartet Opus 20 No. 5 in F minor. There’s a complementary glass of wine available just for attending (and of course buying your ticket!) – hope they choose the right year because it promises to be a vintage performance.

Tickets are £8/£6 concession available from the Ulster Orchestra Box Office 028 9066 8798 or the Cultural Development Office 028 7137 5456

Thursday 26 February
The Guildhall, Derry @ 8pm

Soprano Elisabeth Goell presents: Clara Schumann – A Life in Song

Its got to be one of the quirkiest musical stories that one of Clara Schumann’s original pianos made its way to Convoy House in Co. Donegal from Dresden in Germany. 150 years later it is being brought to life again in a performance which looks at the musical legacy of Clara Schumann, one of the world’s leading musicians in the 19th Century. Hats off to Elisabeth for pulling this programme together and the evening should be perfect for aficionados of great songs and historical instruments.

Tickets are £18, £15, £12 available from the Millennium Forum Box Office on 028 7126 4455