Today, Friday 10th July 2020, the National Concert Hall is announcing a special live stream concert on Friday 17th July at 8pm ‘ELEGY’ will be an evening of reflection and remembrance through music dedicated to those who have passed away during the Covid-19 crisis.
The concert will stream live from NCH’s Youtube and Facebook as well as IrishTimes.com, RTE.ie and Culture Ireland’s social media channels.
This special concert will see Ireland’s leading choral ensemble, Chamber Choir Ireland and the Chamber Ensemble perform one of the most sublime works in the sacred classical canon, Fauré’s Requiem. The event takes place just before the final phase of reopening the country on July 20th, an apt moment to reflect on those we have lost. Presented live on the NCH stage and conducted by Andrew Synnott, they will perform the 1893 version, in its intended chamber form (first published by John Rutter in 1989). An agnostic, Fauré’s music aimed to offer comfort, much of which can be found in the transcendental beauty of his Requiem.
The evening will also include performances by lauded Sean-nos singer and Gloaming member Iarla O’Lionaird who will add to the evening’s magic with the powerful lament ‘Eistigh Liomsa Sealad’; recent Irish resident the Grammy Award-winning Rhiannon Giddens and jazz and classical pianist Francesco Turrisi who joins forces on the courageous ballad ‘Wayfaring Stranger‘ and baroque violinist Claire Duff who performs Biber’s Passacaglia in G minor.
Catherine Martin, T. D. Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht said:
“I welcome this initiative by the National Concert Hall. This has been a profoundly difficult time for the country and it is important that we take time to remember those who have been lost and those who are in mourning. Music provides an opportunity to express that grief and loss without the necessity of words. It also provides a space of time for us to reflect on the last number of months.”
Maura McGrath, Chair of the National Concert Hall said:
“At a time of loss and reflection music has the special power to comfort and provide solace and also helps us endure and recover. We at the NCH especially wish to take time to remember those who have sadly passed away and also to reflect on all who are experiencing loss at this time. As the national centre for music, we at the NCH have gathered musicians of various genres to come together for this unique performance which we hope provides hope and comfort during this time”.
The event continues the ‘NCH at HOME’ series, designed to engage audiences with live performances providing comfort, inspiration and solidarity and enriching cultural content online at this time.
ELEGY is supported by The Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Davy as Innovation Partner, Culture Ireland, RTE.ie and The Irish Times the concert will be available to view from NCH YouTube channel and Facebook.
PROGRAMME
Wayfaring Stranger (Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi)
Biber Passacaglia in G minor (Claire Duff, baroque violin)
Traditional Eistigh liomsa sealad (Iarla O’Lionaird)
Fauré Requiem (1893 version) (Chamber Choir Ireland)
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