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Stormont hosts concert
 THE
PARLIAMENT buildings of the North of Ireland known as Stormont takes its
name from the estate on which it was constructed.
Opened on November 16, 1932 on behalf of King George V and built at a
cost of £1.7million, Stormont was a powerful sign of British power
in Ireland and the seat of the Government of the North.
It is therefore a sign of the changed political climate that a group of
traditional Irish musicians, dancers and singers from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí
Éireann gave a concert there last month.
Provincial Council of Britain chairman Vincent Jordan was an invited guest
and recorded his impression of a very auspicious occasion.
He said: “Along with another 100 guests I was invited to Stormont
for the historical concert which took place in the great hall.
“The hall is made from Italian travertine marble crafted by Italian
craftsmen who came to the province in the 1920s.
“In this magnificent setting the Echoes of Erin concert tour group
from Comhaltas gave a stunning performance.
“Eleven musicians, five dancers and three singers were led by Comhaltas
project development officer and musician Siobhán Ní Chonaráin.
“This was a wonderful concert with the superb fiddle playing of
Eibhlín Healy and Katie Cullen, flute playing from Sean Walsh and
singing from Eimer Arkins.
Bruce Scott from Liverpool was the third singer on the tour and he gave
tremendous renditions of The Streams of Bunclody followed by a song he
composed himself.
Cathy Potter from Ard Mhaca was the tour harpist and gave a very talented
performance.
“Two brilliant accordion players on this tour group were Peter Staunton
from Dublin, and John Carroll from Limerick. John is the lead accordion
in the 2007 All-Ireland champion-winning céilí band The
Arrow.
“Cork piper Jimmy Morrison gave a masterly musical display of piping
and the Mayo concertina player Ernestine Healy mesmerised us with reels,
jigs and hornpipes playing of the highest quality.
“The concert group produced several new arrangements including a
commemorative piece the Flight Of The Earls marking the 400 anniversary.
“The music throughout was very tight and organised.
“Comhaltas manages to produce new talent for its concert tours every
year.
“This year the dancers Aiden McLoughlin, Emmet McMorrow, Laura Crossan,
Hannah Longmore and Teresa Donohue were outstanding.
“I am no big fan of the banjo but like all instruments in the right
hands it makes great music — particularly in the hands of Brona
Graham. Brilliant music from this young lady from Co. Antrim.”
The Echoes of Erin concert will be touring Britain during the last week
in February 2008.
Watch out for details in The Irish Post. |
