Concert celebrates global connections and local integration

This year, proceeds from the concert are in aid of The Birches Alzheimers Daycare Centre and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre and it has received support from the Communities Integration Fund.

The concert commemorates the centenary of the death of Irish-born composer, Charles Villiers Stanford, with special guests from around the world who have made this region their home. Special guests include Francesca de Nardi, Davide Forti and Giammaria Tesei who will perform music by Stanford including his Cello Sontata and Piano Trio number 3.

Italian-born Francesca and Davide are tutors with Music Generation Louth and regularly perform with a variety of Ensembles including the National Concert Orchestra of Ireland, the Ennio Morricone Experience and Sonas Duo.

Italian-Paraguayan violin and viola player Giammaria has performed with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, National Symphony of Paraguay, Irish Baroque Orchestra and Irish National Opera among others.

The OTO will also be joined by Ukranian domra player Hanna Shchokina with her Monaghan-based ensemble NASHI.

Music teacher Hanna is a concert performer and conductor of the orchestra of folk instruments, has a Masters from Kharkiv National I.P. Kotlyarevsky University of Arts. She has been to the fore in recent events in Monaghan that recognize the talents of the Ukranian community there.

The OTO will perform new arrangements of music collected by George Petrie in Oriel and edited for publication by Stanford, as well as songs from the border region found in the collection of John Hannon of Crossmaglen.

These Irish-language songs were written down phonetically by Hannon, and these phonetics aid in the sharing of the songs with people who have limited experience with the Irish language but want to engage more with local culture. Singers Colleen Savage, Ciara Hall and Patricia McCrink will perform a selection of songs with new orchestral arrangements.

The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre provides support for people living with cancer, their families, friends and those who care for them. The centre offers holistic and complementary therapies, education and psychological support which is now largely regarded as part of standard support for people with cancer. All therapies and supports are free of charge.

The Birches Alzheimer Day Centre is an integral and much-loved part of Dundalk’s community. The team deliver specialist day care services for people suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease or Alzheimer related Dementia. All of its branch members work in a totally voluntary capacity, working hard to create an atmosphere of welcome, relaxation and respect for all.

To book tickets please visit www.antain.ie or call 042 9332332