Natalie Clein in New Ross

I heard Natalie Clein interviewed on Pat Kenny on Wednesday and was delighted to catch this celebrated cellist in New Ross last night. We arrived just time after a little trouble finding the right church. (New Ross has two churches bearing the name of Mary and our one was on top of a hill). The solo Bach was wonderful and the Piazzola numbers accompanied by guitar worked very well. The words 'specially commissioned ' can strike dread into the heart of many listeners accustomed to linking the term with 'squeaky gate' music, but at least the information that it was twelve minutes long was useful. Good programme notes had lots of interesting information on the pieces.

There was a very good turnout, but the performance was somewhat marred by some rather loud,uninhibited, raspy coughing from a young man who I think might have done better to stay out at home out of the cold for the night.

Virtuoso guitarist Gerry Power and anchor man of Powers Bar Sessions the from Dunmore East was in audience. We also met soprano, Roisin O Grady from Tramore, herself a touring artist with Music Network

Soltice Serenade

On Tuesday 15th December the students of the Cathy Desmond Stringschool gave a concert to showcase their skills acquired over their first term of work at Willsgrove Ennis. The programme was as follows

Twinkle Twinkle Theme and Variations

Lightly Row

Clown Dance

Ode To Joy

Jingle Bells

The audience of family members were most impressed the progress made by the fledgeling ensemble . The ensemble members on the day were Grainne Kelly, Emily and Chloe Ryan, Naoise and Aoife MacMahon. The group were joined by Jessica Ryan on bells for the closing number. Cathy Desmond commended the students on their hard work . She said she was very proud of the strides the group had made and she thanked accompanist Alice Foley in her first professional engagement.