Mary Barry launches debut album at Dolan’s Warehouse


 

I Knew You, the debut album by Mary Barry, will be launched at Dolan’s Warehouse at 8pm on November 1.

Limerick Lady Mary, is a singer songwriter who, after many years of thinking about it, finally put pen to paper and composed nine original songs over the last year and a half.

“My inspiration comes from a combination of my two loves which, apart from the people in my life, are music and philosophy, and also learning from songwriters I admire, and writing what’s true to me,” said Mary.

The seed of this album began when Mary finally used a gift she had received, an hour in a recording studio in Dublin, three days before the voucher was due to expire. There she recorded her first song, accompanying herself on guitar. That was the start of her creative journey that eventually led her to Red Door productions in Limerick, where she met Dave Keary.

“Luckily for me, Dave has a very busy schedule, which meant there was time between meetings to write more songs. So, what started out as one song became nine. It has been an amazing journey, and a privilege to work with Dave and the amazing calibre of musicians he brought together in the making of this album,” added Mary.

Having always loved singing, Mary originally took guitar lessons so she could accompany herself as a hobby. Inspired by song writers such as Kris Kristofferson and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary’s main influences are folk and country music. She writes philosophically about her life experiences and hopes she is conveying thoughtful and uplifting messages through her songs.

“When I’m singing I think about the lyrics and what they mean to me. I love the way music brings out feelings and helps summarise otherwise complicated scenarios. I also feel deeply grateful and spiritual. The songs mean all I’ve ever felt but never thought I would have or need to explain, if that makes sense,” said Mary.

On the night Mary will be accompanied by Dave Keary on guitar, Danny Byrt on Drums, Eoghan O’Neill on Bass and James Hanley on Keyboards.

“Other than singing a couple of songs in a pub the odd time, I’ve never done anything like this. In one way, I can’t wait. In another way, I’m terrified,” added Mary.

Tickets are €5.00 and can be bought from

https://www.dolans.ie/gigs-events-live-music-listings/2017/11/1/mary-barry

https://www.facebook.com/mary.barry.9655806

Ancór Christmas Concert


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The award winning Limerick chamber choir, Ancór’s eighth Christmas concert will take place at 8pm, in St Mary’s Cathedral on December 15.

“Our partnership with St Mary’s Cathedral has proved very successful indeed. The concerts are always sold out, and it seems to have become an essential part of Christmas, to come to the Ancór Christmas concert for many in Limerick.

“I’m sure the fact that we serve up seasonal treats such as mulled wine and mince pies at the interval has nothing to do with this,” smiled Ancór choir director Cecilia Madden.

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Cecilia Madded Ancór musical Director

As well as the 35 member mixed voice choir, the concert will feature well known Limerick solo singers, Emma English, Sarah-Ellen Murphy, Kevin Neville, Vlad Smishkewych, and a guest orchestra.

The programme consists of, “The Magnificat, a fabulous work by CPE Bach who was one of Johann Sebastian’s more famous and talented children.

“In addition we will perform a beautiful Christmas cantata by an Italian composer called Ottorino Respighi which was written in 1930. There will be a few familiar carols too,” said Cecilia.

This year Ancór celebrated their tenth anniversary with the launch of their CD Sing Joyfully, and added more trophies to their collection when they won the Early Music competition and Best Limerick Choir in the Limerick Choral Festival.

In preparation for a trip to Slovenia in the summer of 2017, the choir will be staging a number of concerts throughout the country over the coming months.

Cecilia, who is enjoying her role as Deputy Principal at The Limerick School of Music, said the sound of the choir has evolved over time.

“We have always called ourselves a chamber choir but we are nearly too big to say that now. We aim to have that kind of pure sound that may be heard in smaller, tightly blended ensembles, but with the slightly larger numbers we have now, we have the scope to vary the dynamic levels dramatically for expressive purposes,” Cecilia added.

Tickets are €18 (€15 for Seniors and Students) available from St Mary’s Cathedral or online at Ticketsolve – LIT Millennium Theatre

The Ancór CD Sing Joyfully is available from the Hunt Museum

https://www.facebook.com/ancor.ie/

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Musician Martin Baker performs at the Limerick Pipe Organ Festival


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Martin Baker

The Limerick Pipe Organ Festival (LPOF) will conclude with a performance by the highly esteemed organist Martin Baker, at 7:30pm in St John’s Cathedral, September 30.

Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, Martin directs the world renowned Cathedral choir in its daily choral programme and busy schedule of concerts, tours and recordings.

Winner of the Improvisation Competition at the St Albans International Organ Festival in 1997, Martin is also renowned for his skill in organ improvisation, and frequently performs international solo organ concerts.

“One of the things about the festival is the focus on improvisation. The musicians were selected because of their improvisational skills, being a unique aspect of our festival. The highlight of our final concert will surely be the 12 minute improvisation on a theme to be given to Martin Baker on the night,” said LPOF Artistic Director Bernadette Kiely.

As well as the highly anticipated improvisation section, Martin’s programme will include music by Dietrich Buxtehude, César Franck, Max Reger, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

The last week of the LPOF will begin with a free lunchtime recital in St Mary’s Cathedral by organist Peter Barley at 1:15pm on September 28. Followed by an organ improvisation masterclass by Martin Baker from 2pm to 5:15pm in St John’s Cathedral September 29.

To finish the festival on October 1, there will be an organ building and maintenance workshop in Mary Immaculate College, at 2pm by expert organ builder Trevor Crowe.

“Trevor Crowe is currently the most premium organ builder in Ireland. The festival is not just about organ music, or the art of improvisation, but it is also because we recognise the heritage of the unique hand-built instruments that we have in Limerick,” said Bernadette.

All tickets are available on the door at each event.

Tickets for Martin Baker masterclass September 29 are €5

Tickets for Martin Baker concert September 30 €10

Tickets for Trevor Crowe workshop €5

For more information see

www.lpof.ie

www.facebook.com/LimerickPipeOrganFestival/

https://twitter.com/lpof2016