MY CULTURAL LIFE
Tara Erraught, mezzo-soprano
Irish singing sensation Tara Erraught is now based in Munich, and has made an impressive 33 role debuts as resident principal soloist at Bayerische Staatsoper. Last year she made her debut at New York’s famous Metropolitan Opera House before taking up the lead role of Susanna in the newly-formed Irish National Opera’s production of The Marriage of Figaro. The Dundalk native will perform in recital accompanied by world-renowned Irish pianist and 2017 NCH Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr John O’Conor on April 26 next year. The concert is part of the recently-announced National Concert Hall International Concert Series 2018/19 which features world-class musicians such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with Marin Alsop in an All-Bernstein programme, The London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Emerson String Quartet and Chanticleer. Full details of the 18/19 season can be found on nch.ie.
Film: High Society
I have a particular penchant for movies that have memorable songs, dance routines and are generally upbeat. Forced to name my top three, I would say the American musical comedy High Society (above), starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra; Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg; and Singing in the Rain with Gene Kelly’s fabulous song-and-dance number performed so elegantly.
Design: Pavilion de Musique
I was lucky enough to visit the Irish-owned Chateau La Coste in Provence in the south of France. It is a vineyard that also has an increasing art and sculpture collection. No wonder then it’s been described as ‘a succulent cocktail for the eyes and tastebuds’. Among the wonderful pieces, I discovered the incredible installation Pavilion de Musique by grand nom of architecture Frank Gehry. It is an unbelievably beautiful outdoor performance space; curious and enticing, and most certainly worth a visit!
Music: Adele
I am a huge fan of the English singer/songwriter Adele (left) and her soulful sound that has made her an international success. Her sensitivity, her honesty and her commitment to her fans has endeared her to audiences the world over. When you see her perform so authentically and from the heart, it’s hard to believe she suffers terribly with stage fright! She’s unique.
Book: What a Complete Aisling
I recently read OMGWACA (Oh My God. What a Complete Aisling), the debut novel by young Irish writers Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen. It was brilliant. You laugh, you cry, you miss home, and you can’t put it down. I was delighted to see it achieve the number one best-selling adult fiction title in Ireland for last year. I believe there are plans for it to be made into a film so I will definitely be buying a ticket for that.
TV: The Crown
I really loved The Crown, the biographical story about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II released on Netflix. Claire Foy (right) does an amazing job portraying Queen Elizabeth. It’s fascinating to get an insight into regal life.