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| Rev Bob Hanna Irina Dernova and Helen Houlihan at Bindon Street |
'Larks high overhead lost in light, and singing; That's the way of June'. With these lovely lines from Quilter's art song, June, soprano Helen Houlihan drew the first Summer recital at St Columba's, Ennis to a close, a project initiated by the singer to enhance the Clare Classical music scene and to provide a platform for emerging talent alongside experienced professional artists.
Opening with standard repertoire by Schubert, the soprano moved on to a less often heard trio of songs by Brahms. The serene mood of the opening Sonntag, contrasting with the playful mood of Vergebliches Standchen - a futile serenade. The whiff of exotic far flung lands was evoked in a piano piece by Spanish composer Granados played by Irina Dernova. Houlihan was perhaps at her best in the French chansons d'amour by Reynaldo Hahn, clearly relishing the expressive French lines.
With the summer sunshine illuminating the stained glass windows of the Victorian church, this sunny Romantic repertoire was a very suitable and welcome musical offering to the Ennis Summer music scene. Helen Houlihan has worked harder and more consistently than most to promote bel canto singing in Clare. She brings her artistry, a remarkable enthusiasm and a degree of glamour to the platforms she has carved out for herself and new emerging talents over recent years. We say brava and thank you to her .
The series continues with further recital by Owen Gilhooly, Edel O'Brien, Elena McLeod, Ruth Kelly and Helen Houlihan . The next recital will be by Edel O Brien on 20th June.
Set List
Fruhlingsglaube Schubert
An Die Musik "
Sonntag Brahms
Dein Blaues Auge "
Vergebliches Standchen "
Piano Solo Oriental from 12 Spanish Dances Granados
A Chloris Hahn
A'Enamourée Hahn
Tyndaris Hahn
The Fuschia Tree Quilter
Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal Quilter
June Quilter
Related articles Soltice Day Carols at St Columbas'
Songs for a Summer Evening
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