RTENationalSymphony OrchestrainDrogheda
TICKETS are selling out fast for the
RTE National Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Gala in Drogheda on Friday, December 15th.
The concert will start at 7.30pm in St Peter’s Church, West Street and the orchestra will be joined by Egyptian soprano Fatima Said and American tenor, William Davenport for a programme that features a mix of well-known operatic arias, works from West Side Story, and a selection of seasonal orchestral and vocal music including the beautiful O Holy Night.
From its foundation in 1948 as the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra has been at the forefront of symphonic music in Ireland providing an unbroken stream of concerts.
Since that time, the orchestra has firmly established itself as a primary force in Irish musical life. Today, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra plays a central role in classical music in Ireland through year-long programmes of live performances, schools and educational projects, broadcasts on RTÉ lyric fm and internationally through the European Broadcasting Union, recordings and new commissions.
Soprano Fatma Said took her first singing lesson aged fourteen and later was awarded a scholarship to study at the Accademia del Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
In 2016, she won the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition and was selected as one of BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists.
Since then, she has performed in concerts, recitals and festivals in many major concert halls and opera houses across the world.
William Davenport is a graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.
He continues to receive attention for his strong yet lyric tenor and Italianate style and was also a finalist in the 2016 Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition.
Leading operatic roles include the title role in Les Contes de Hoffman, Alfredo in La Traviata, Riccardo in Verdi’s Oberto and Un Ballo in Maschera.
Advance tickets are €19 & €17 online / phone or €20 & €18 on the door. Student / children’s tickets are €5. Booking is open through Droichead Arts Centre on 041 9833946 or www.droichead.com
The Series is run in partnership with Droichead Arts Centre and funded by the Arts Council and Louth County Council. Artist accommodation is sponsored by the d Hotel and it receives advertising through RTÉ Supporting the Arts.