A night to remember for the Sonata Singers and their guests
THE Droichead Arts Centre was the setting as Sonata Singers and guests took to the stage to perform before a packed theatre.
Their compere for the evening was Jim Walsh, a great friend and supporter of the choir, who is simply beyond compare for his professionalism, dedication and depth of knowledge, not only introducing each act, but also background on the pieces being performed, and ensuring the whole show ran smoothly throughout.
The initial buzz of excitement was evident backstage where choirs, instrumentalists, groups and soloists had gathered - as the lights dimmed, showtime!.
Under the inspired leadership of Siobhán Seberry, their Musical Director, Sonata Singers opened their concert with a set of 5 pieces; “Lift Thine Eyes”, “Iona Boat Song”, “Peter Piper”, “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “Wana Baraka”.
All of their guests performed in each concert half and the audience were treated to sublime performances from every one of them.
Soprano Niamh Browne gave superb performances of “I Could Have Danced all Night”, “Porgi Amor” from The Marriage of Figaro, “Vienna, City of my Dreams” and the hauntingly beautiful “Casta Diva”.
Francis Duffy, cornet player extraordinare, treated all to fabulous renditions of Rusalka’s “Song to the Moon”, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere”, Nightingale” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
Pianist Daniela Rooney not only accompanied both Niamh and Francis, but she also gave two stunning performances of Chopin Nocturnes, Op 27 No. 1 and No. 2.
The newly formed Louth Hospitals Choir, under the directorship of Irene Barr, simply wowed the audience with their pieces “Best Days of our Lives”, “Simple Gifts” and “Perfect”.
And newly formed male singing group, A Few Bars More, treated all to beautiful a capella performances of “After the Goldrush”, “O Mary Don’t you Weep, Don’t you Cry”, “Sing your way Home”, “Bright Blue Rose” and “Lullaby (Goodnight my Angel)”.
A man who needs no introduction to Drogheda audiences is the ever popular tenor Timmy Regan.
He may hail from Cork, but he has long been adopted by the people of Drogheda as one of their own.
He gave an amazing rendition of “So Deep is the Night”, and also went among the audience for a sing-a-long medley of well known pieces.
Before the interval the concert goers were treated to a surprise guest. Sonata Singers had the pleasure of performing in Dundalk at the end of December with tenor, David Martin, and as he was in attendance at their concert, was invited to perform. David’s haunting a capella rendition of “Silent Night Christmas 1914” was the perfect end to the first half.
To close the concert, Sonata Singers took to the stage again for 4 pieces; “Only the Rivers Run Free”, “Cuirfimid Dandy”, “Adiemus” and “Super Trouper”.