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From www.castlebar.ie Music MAYO STRINGS 2003 The Mayo Strings return to Ballintubber Abbey for their annual pre-Christmas concert on Sunday December 7th at 8.00p.m. As in past years they are joined by Soprano Sandra Schalks from Headford and a talented ensemble of readers. The programme will be the customary mixture of Baroque and later music for string orchestra, contrasting solos for our singer and both familiar and unusual readings on the subject of music and Christmas. The final section is dedicated entirely to the coming festive season, ending with well-known carols in which the audience are invited to participate. Highlights of Sandra’s contribution will be the haunting and captivating “Song to the Moon,” sung by Rusalka in Dvořak’s opera of that name, and the ever-inspiring "O Holy Night" with strings and flute accompaniment. Less well-known are the tuneful song "Orpheus with his Lute" by Arthur Sullivan, in serious mood for once, and the simple 17th century carol "Sweet was the song the Virgin Sang", known as the "Lute-book Lullaby". The String Orchestra will play movements from Henry Purcell’s "Golden Sonata" with its bright fanfare-like themes that recall the Court of King Charles II. This is to be followed by the warm and lyrical "Arioso" taken from one of J.S.Bach’s concertos. Still in the Baroque vein the orchestra’s leader, Patrick Early, will then take up his violin and, through the gloom of December, remind us of the exceptional summer we have said farewell to, in the appropriate movement of Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons". The centrepiece of the orchestra’s new programme then follows - "Capriol Suite" by the 20th century English composer Peter Warlock. If "modern" music is not altogether to your taste, fear not. The suite is a set of dance movements adapted from Renaissance France, and the tunes are eminently hummable. The only modern element is a touch of unusual harmony and instrumental colour here and there. The readings will, as always, be a surprise! The setting of Ballintubber Abbey and the flickering candlelight, can be relied on to add their unique touch of magic to this feast. Admission €10, and €5 for the usual categories. © Copyright 2003 by www.castlebar.ie and the author |