Chieftains guitarist in opera residency

The Chieftains touring guitarist Redmond O’Toole is set to take up residency in the National Opera House this year, curating a series of concerts at the high-profile venue.

The concerts which will bring a range of Irish and international artists to Wexford between June and November, are part of Music Network’s Artist Residency Programme 2017, a new partnership between Music Network, Wexford County Council and the National Opera House,

As well as his work with the Chieftains, O’Toole is known as one of Ireland’s top classical guitarists, playing the unusual 8-string Brahms guitar in the cello position.

The music series will open on June 24 with O’Toole playing with the Wexford Sinfonia Orchestra and the RTÉ ConTempo Quartet.

Other announced performers include the traditional Irish musicians Zoë Conway and John McIntyre; Iranian-born and Dublin-based brothers Shaháb and Sháyán Coohe.

Performances by the soprano Sinéad Campbell-Wallace, the Italian classical guitarist Oscar Ghiglia and the International Guitar Quartet are also planned.

‘The residency has given me a chance to invite and collaborate with some of the most interesting and inspiring musicians that I have met so far in my career, in one of the best venues in the country,’ said Redmond.

‘There is naturally a strong focus on the guitar but my interest in Irish and world music also feature. I have tried to create a series of concerts that are unique, unusual and exciting for the audience but at the same time helping me develop as a musician’.

Tickets for each concert are €20. Booking information is available at nationaloperahouse.ie.