Arcadia Ireland

Last night I attended the ESB Feis Ceoil, literal translation “music feast” at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.  Held in the smaller John Field room at the Concert Hall the series showcased some of the most outstanding winners from the 2015 Feis Ceoil. The evening featured soloists, choirs and ensembles from a number of highly talented young musicians from across many disciplines.

I wasn’t too familiar with the history of Feis Ceoil so had to go and do some research before the evening. I learned that it was set up in 1896 to promote excellence in the learning and performance of music across all ages, levels and disciplines. An interesting fact for me was that one of it’s famous competitors over the festival's history included author James Joyce (as a singer).  Feis Ceoil’s purpose has always been to stimulate musical studies in Ireland and encourage native performers and composers.  Over the years it has made an immeasurable contribution to the study and cultivation of music at all levels in Ireland. 

Each performer last night spoke to me in a different way but three stood out as being exceptionally talented. Brendan Ho on the saxophone who performed “Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, Movt. 4” Ava Dodd, Soprano who performed “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”.   I have always loved Titanic the movie but last night the piece “My heart will go on” was brought to a different level when it was performed on the French Horn by Kirsty Ann Moran.

My Monday musical feast cost me only €12, it started at 8 and finished at 10 and was perfect to set the right tone for the week.  Each week the National Concert Hall has something different on. From traditional to Jazz to choirs to musicals. The venue is regarded by performing artists as one of the finest concert halls in Europe. 

It seems appropriate to mention that we are only two weeks from the start of the Arcadia Dublin Centre tin whistle lessons for all Dublin and Maynooth students.  Why not create your own musical feast each week by learning a new instrument and better still, do it for free! Learn the Irish tin whistle and maybe discover a talent you didn’t even know you had!  You just never know where it may take you!