A free programme of music came to Mountmellick over the weekend and proved to be a big success with those who were in attendance.
World renowned harpist from Mountmellick – Triona Marshall – will perform alongside Martin Tourish, a virtuoso Piano Accordion player from Donegal.
Triona Marshall is well-known for her career with The Chieftains, as well as performing in a solo capacity and in many other notable collaborations.
Triona was principal Harpist with The RTE Concert Orchestra for many years.
Martin Tourish is well-known as accordionist with Donegal Trad Supergroup, Altan.
Martin and Triona have toured regularly together, this is a unique opportunity to hear the duo perform in Laois.
Martin Tourish has worked extensively with Music Generation Laois over the past number of years.
This special concert in Mountmellick included Martin’s recent collaborative composition with the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, ‘The Impossible Dream.’
This suite of music was inspired by the achievements of Portlaoise Aviator, James Fitzmaurice, who was part of the first transatlantic flight from East to West in 1928.
Over 30 musicians took to the stage of The Mountmellick Community Arts Centre to perform ‘The Impossible Dream.’
Also joining this musical feast were The Harpettes, a young harp group from Laois, featuring lots of young Mountmellick harpists.
This programme of music was curated by Siobhan Buckley, Music Generation Laois Harp Tutor and Director of the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra.
As part of the programme of events, outreach music concerts will also take place in local schools.
A very special collaboration with the Mountmellick Yarn Bombers was also on display.
In the Open/Faoin Spéir is a special funding scheme developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis to bring a renewed spirit of optimism and confidence in a fulsome return to the arts.
re: CENTRING is a county wide arts initiative developed by Dunamaise Arts Centre, in partnership Music Generation Laois and Laois Arts Office and is funded by the Arts Council Ireland’s In the Open/Faoin Spéir programme and Laois County Council.
Check out some great Alf Harvey pictures from the event below:
SEE ALSO – Former Kildare great appointed Ballylinan manager
