Ardú in residence in An Tain
THE vocal group Ardú have taken up residency at An Táin Arts Centre becoming the centres first musicians in residence.
The Dublin-based group of six singers have been together for around two years and during that time they have taken part in several festivals and regularly perform in the capital and further afield.
Founded by artistic director Ciaran Kelly and soprano Victoria Warwick, Ardú also includes Leanne Fitzgerald, Laura McCabe, Harry Oulton and Tristan Cauldwell.
Hailing from various parts of Ireland and the UK, all with roots in traditional choral singing, Ardú specialise in arranging well-known popular music for four, five and six voices, exploring the use of the voice as an instrument with percussive sounds as well as melody and harmony.
‘We perform classical and contemporary songs,’ says Leanne.
Last year, the group launched their debut album, NOVA, featuring well-known songs from artists such as Queen and Coldplay.
‘We be starting our residency in Dundalk,’ continues Leanne.’ We will present a series of concerts throughout 2017, in May, September and December, as well as educational and outreach events with various schools and societies.’
‘We will also be working with the music students at DkIT and running an Apprentice-like scheme for singers,’ she explains.
Ardú have already visited the music department at the college and met the talented singers who will work with them projects in Dundalk and beyond.
‘We are also hoping to do outreach work in conjunction with some local schools and will be delighted to hear from schools who would be interested in getting involved with us,’ says Leanne.
The group have given several notable performances including a programme of American based music at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin. America Nova featured music by Samuel Barber, Ola Gjeilo and Eric Whitacre. and performed as special guests of the Cork International Choral Festival in May 2015. Ardú also made an appearance at the UK Voice Festival Showcase at Edinburgh Fringe and completed a mini Dublin Tour on Culture Night.
Ardú were awarded first place in the National Vocal Ensemble competition at the City of Derry International Choral Festival 2015 and placed runners up in the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas competition.
Their awards included winning first prize at the National Vocal Ensemble competition at City of Derry International Choral Festival 2015 and being runners-up in the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas competition 2015.
They perform two concerts in aid of the Simon Community in the run-up to Christmas. They will be joined by soprano Emer Barry and the Holy Child School Choir from Killiney in the National Maritime Museum, Dun Laoghaire on December 22 and will be joined by Suzanne Savage and Capella from the Waterside School, Lisburn for a concert in St George’s Church, Belfast on December 23.
‘We would like to say ‘ thank you’ to Paul Hayes at An Táin Arts Centre and to Adele Commins and Annalisa Monticelli at DkIT for giving us this opportunity,’ says Leanne.
‘We are very much looking forward to bringing our music to Dundalk in 2017.’
Anyone interested in working with Ardú at An Táin or want then to visit their school or choir, should feel free to send them an email at ardumusic@ gmail.com