If You're Irish...
Elaine and I had orchestra seats for the performance of "If You're Irish..." at the Benedum courtesy of Kelly M. The show included Derek Moloney (tenor), Deirdre Shannon (soprano), Cora Smyth (fiddle), the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, an orchestra with harp, and Frank McNamara (conductor, producer, and pianist), who brought us the Irish Tenors. The featured performers were superb, with the solid tenor voice of Derek; Deirdre's soaring, lilting trills (or is it trilling lilts?); the infectious, foot-tapping energy of Cora Smyth's fiddle; and the talented accompaniment by Frank, and the orchestra and the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. The performance consisted of both traditional Irish songs ("Fields of Athenry") and dance tunes ("Irish Washerwoman," "Rakes of Mallow," reels), as well as Irish-American tunes ("Toora Loora Looral" and "Love's Old Sweet Song").
The audience was moved to a standing ovation, which brought forth an encore rendition of "Danny Boy" by Derek and a second encore by Derek and Deirdre, accompanied by the audience and orchestra, of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." Yes, there was audience participation!
Elaine and I ran into various folk from our neighborhood and church after the performance. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon!
Labels: dance, friends, international culture, Ireland, music, singing
posted by Grace @ 3/09/2008 06:32:00 PM
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