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RCC Spring Music Programme 2009
Tickets for films, music and classes may be booked in person at reception or on 074 9129186 during opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 1pm - 5pm.
We accept cash and cheque, but unfortunately we cannot take LASER or credit cards at this time.
Friday 6 February @ 8pm - €15/€12
RACHEL UNTHANKS & THE WINTERSET (UK)
Following a breath taking performance at the Cultural Centre last year the WINTERSET return to Letterkenny for what promises to be one of the gigs of the year. Mercury Award nominated and Winners of the BBC Horizon Folk Award, the all-female Northumbrian quartet have had an amazingly successful few years. Their debut scooped Mojo magazine’s Folk Album of 2005 and their 2007 follow-up THE BAIRNS appeared in many lists as one of the albums of the year. Their set combines impressive self-penned compositions, inimitable versions of traditional Northumbrian songs together with charming interpretations of songs by the likes of Antony &The Johnsons, Robert Wyatt and Bonnie Prince Billy. Presented in partnership with Moving On Music.
‘Intimate, epic, overflowing with feeling and musical intelligence.’
The Independent
’Deeply atmospheric.’ Mojo
‘Glorious!’ Uncut
‘Utterly gorgeous.’ The Guardian
Monday 16 February @ 7pm - FREE
IRISH YOUTH MUSIC AWARDS PREP NIGHT
The Irish Youth Music Awards is a new youth work and music project, which aims to make youth services the natural place for bands, song writing, performing and rehearsing. The Awards, also aim to help and encourage young musicians from the ages of 12 to 19, from all genres of music, in 22 regions around the country. This year's regional winners ASSCRACKS s and FLASHBACK warm up for the National final in Dublin in March with an appearance at the Regional Cultural Centre with the help of former You're a Star Finalists SCUBA DICE and a host of other local young talent.
For more information contact the Youth Information Centre on 074-9129640
Wednesday 18 February @ 8pm - €10
FLUTE ENCHANTE:
Sarh 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. Sarah and Ruth bring you a programme of classical favourites and the evening ends with a chat with the performers. Currently based in Derry, Sarah’s wide and varied musical life has taken her to the world’s leading festivals and venues including, London’s South Bank Centre, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Festival, Dartington International Music Festival, Istanbul Festival. Her musical highlights include: London performance of Vivaldi’s Concerto Il Gardellino with the Kreisler String Orchestra; Gala opera performances in the northern coast of Spain with Placido Domingo; “Transdanubian Swineherd’s Music” a CD release for Hannibal Records with Orbestra Chamber Ensemble; Musica Alhambra with flamenco guitarist Juan Martin; founding member of leading UK flute quartet, Festive Flutes; and The Carnival of the Animals/Rumble in the Jungle at London’s South Bank Centre with Elena Riu and the Brodsky Quartet.
Wednesday 4 March @ 8pm - €15 / €12
FIDIL (IRL)
Winners of Music Network’s Young Musicwide Award and described as simply “Stunning!" and “Mind-blowing”, Fidil are rapidly forging a reputation for exhilarating and challenging music that draws on the rich heritage of Donegal. The trio feature three of the County’s finest young fiddle players - Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Aidan O’Donnell and Damien McGeehan. Their music making is marked by an intricate and intelligent approach, while still maintaining the fiery exuberance of Donegal fiddle music. This is traditional music for the 21st century-mindful of its origins, but breathtakingly exciting in its ambition and delivery. Presented in partnership with Music Network
Friday 6 March @ 8pm - €10
SWEET RESCUE BLUES ALBUM LAUNCH
An Audience with Mark Black and Very Special Guests (IRL)
Over the last number of years Mark Black has become something of a musical phenomenon in Donegal, winning a broad and dedicated following. Along the way he has supported acts such as the Alabama 3, Brian Kennedy, Fionn Regan, Paddy Casey as well as Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford of the Squeeze. In addition to being an exceptional musician— Mark is a natural-born performer, whose tales and anecdotes are woven seamlessly into his song writing. His new album SWEET RESCUE BLUES, is a unique slice of rootsy, blues (imagine a musical spaghetti western; just replace the guns for words and the horses for stories). Mark will be accompanied on the night by a superb 12-piece band. Expect an energetic ball of explosive stops and go's rolled up into one huge lyrically driving expression. It's fast and quirky, punctuated by beautiful acoustics. This special performance to launch the new album, is their first full appearance and is one not to be missed!
Friday 13 March @ 8pm - €10
TOGETHER AGAIN– EVELYN & HUGH MCLEAN (IRL)
Evelyn Gallagher and Hugh McLean, two of Donegal’s best-known country singers have a long musical association going back to The Envoys in the early 70’s. Last year they recorded WE’RE TOGETHER AGAIN, a great country duet CD produced by guitar ace Percy Robinson, that will be performed by a full-band including Percy and John McHugh on piano. The concert also features the blistering Donegal based bluegrass band The Stubble Brothers.
Saturday 14 March @ 8pm - FREE LOGOS
JOSEPH HAYDN BIENTENIAL CHAMBER MUSIC EVENING
To celebrate the bicentenary of the Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), Co. Donegal VEC Music Education Partnership presents an evening of chamber music for various ensembles (including string quartet, trio and duets), by Haydn and Mozart performed by the Donegal Chamber Orchestra. Inaugural concert of the Donegal Chamber Music Society
Wednesday 18 March @ 8pm - €15/€12
TOGETHERNESS & MIKE NIELSEN (IRL)
TOGETHERNESS the brilliant new Dublin based quartet, feature the cream of Irish jazz. Their highly acclaimed debut album demonstrates the strength of their compositions and sheer quality of their playing. This incredible double-bill features a solo performance by one of Ireland’s finest jazz guitarists, Sligo native Mike Nielsen.
‘Aptly named, Togetherness's strengths included Justin Carroll's compositions and playing, a bang-in-form Michael Buckley on tenor and the marvellously assertive but sympathetic drums of Sean Carpio, the ensemble anchored by Simon Jermyn's electric bass.’ Ray Comiskey, The Irish Times
‘Nielson is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s most distinctive and iconoclastic guitar voices, equally innovative on electric and acoustic guitars.’ Sunday Tribune
Wednesday 1 April @ 8pm - €15/€12
IVAN LLIĆ - Solo Piano (USA)
Paris based, American pianist IVAN LLIĆ, has gained international recognition for his “unique blend of Gallic touch, a Slovic soul and a mathematician’s precision”. A disciple of the legendary French pianist Francois Duchable, Ivan has recently won awards from the American Foundation in Paris, the Karić Foundation, the University of Illinois, and the Helen von Ammon Fund. Ivan studied music at Berkeley and Paris and has performed extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. including Carnegie Hall, New York. His most recent recording is a highly acclaimed CD of Debussy’s 24 Préludes.
‘Ivan Ilić has so soaked himself in the idiom of this music that he doubtless dreams extra preludes in his sleep...a memorable disc.’ Music & Vision
Friday 3 April @ 7pm - FREE
SPRING BREAK CONCERT
Letterkenny Youth Information Centre get ready to celebrate the mid-term break with a musical showcase featuring a host of local young musical talent from across Donegal. The Youth Information Centre and Regional Cultural Centre have been working in partnership for some time to help develop young acts and bands from the Northwest and this is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to track their musical progress. For more information on this event you can contact the Youth Information Centre on 074-9129640
Wednesday 29 April @ 8pm - €15/€12
MALINKY (UK)
With their stunning fourth album FLOWER & IRON - MALINKY celebrate their tenth anniversary, introduce a newly revamped line-up and underscore their reputation as one of Scotland’s most distinctive and accomplished folk bands. Whilst retaining their hallmark song-based repertoire, performed by three superb lead vocalists and arrayed with tastefully inventive instrumentation, MALINKY, today, unite seasoned maturity with sparkling freshness. The two founding members – Steve Byrne (vocals/bouzouki/guitar) and Mark Dunlop (vocals/whistles/bodhrán) – are joined by Fiona Hunter (vocals/cello), who replaced original lead singer Karine Polwart in 2005, alongside recent recruits Dave Wood (guitar/bouzouki) and Mike Vass (fiddle).
Should be one of the folk bands of 2009.’ The Guardian
‘The finest young Scottish band since Silly Wizard.’ Boston Globe
Friday 1 May @ 8pm - €15/€12
3 CHOIRS CONCERT (IRL)
A feast of choral singing featuring three diverse Donegal choirs – THE INISHOWEN GOSPEL CHOIR (and band), CÓR THAOBH A LEITHID and DONEGAL YOUTH CHOIR. The Gospel Choir has performed nationally and internationally, including Glastonbury '08. They have collaborated with the likes of Duke Special, Foy Vance, Cara Dillon and The Hothouse Flowers. Cór are one of Ireland’s most distinctive and evocative sean-nós choirs. Recent successes include their exquisite debut CD SIANSAÍ and a wonderful commission project with Donal Lunny. The Youth Choir, conducted by Dr. Shaun Ryan, has performed regularly with the Donegal Youth and Chamber Orchestras.
‘Their tunes range from African to Caribbean to Cajun to Bluegrass to that unmistakeable full-throated gospel ecstasy that comes from America's deepest South...blissful harmonies.... superb singers and amazing musicians.’- The Derry Journal
Wednesday 6 May @ 8pm - €15 / €12
KINCH, EVANS, LYTTLE (UK/IRL)
Known for his passionate and driving approach to jazz that swings hard, 23-year-old drummer DAVID LYTTLE has quickly become one of this island’s most acclaimed performers. He has assembled an exciting trio which features the mammoth talents of British alto saxophone/rap star SOWETO KINCH and Australian bassist DAMIAN EVANS. Kinch’s successful fusion of straight-ahead jazz and hip hop has led to two MOBO awards, three BBC Jazz Awards and a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize. A must see!
“It’s a clever and entertaining juxtapostion of idioms that kicks pure Jazz and authentic rap into a brave new world.” The Guardian
“Mr Kinch demonstrates what England has to teach [the USA] about narrative Hip-Hop. Don’t sleep on Mr Kinch” The New York Times
Wednesday 27 May·8pm·€15/€12
DAVID SCHEEL (AUS)
Scheel, a true Australian success story, is regarded internationally as one of the finest solo musical comedy performers in the world. His one-man show DON’T SHOOT ME, I’M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER, played to sell out audiences in London’s West End and 3 consecutive Edinburgh Festivals. His raconteur-style send-ups of the ridiculous things in everyday life, delivered in a huge range of voices and accents, have led to frequent comparisons with Peter Ustinov and Robin Williams, and his brilliant musical spoofs on the piano saw him dubbed the new Victor Borge. In between the nonsense, David will play music by the old masters and reveal his true quality as a pianist.
‘As funny as any, wittier than most, and, uniquely, a concert pianist of international stature...He stands alone, in a class of his own.’
BBC’s Arts Review
Tickets for films, music and classes may be booked in person at reception or on 074 9129186 during opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 1pm - 5pm.
We accept cash and cheque, but unfortunately we cannot take LASER or credit cards at this time.