Michael Rooney leads the line- up for ‘ Spirit of Sligo’
MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA IN JANUARY TO LAUNCH YEAR OF EUROPEAN VOLUNTEERING CAPITAL
AWARD winning composer Michael Rooney will headline the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ music spectacular in January.
The event takes place on January 27 to launch European Volunteering Capital 2017.
Other artists featuring at the event include Kieran Quinn, Niamh Crowley, Sligo Gospel Choir and the acclaimed Sligo Academy of Sinfonietta Orchestra.
Highlights from Rooney’s rousing compositions Famine, Battle of the Books, De Cuellar and Macalla suites will be performed alongside a new arrangement of his seminal Prince Charles Suite by traditional and classical musicians.
Tickets priced € 10, are now on sale from www. evcsligo. eu, from the Hawk’s Well Theatre’s Box Office on 071 9161518 or in person at their reception area.
There is also a special ticket offer for under 18s: EVC Sligo 2017 has teamed up with Music Generation Sligo to offer ‘ Go See’ half price tickets to children and under 18s.
The evening will also feature the stories and voices of volunteers — the designation of European Volunteering Capital 2017 was bestowed on Sligo earlier this month.
The EVC 2017 designation is a coup for Sligo in that it follows the major European cities of Barcelona, Lisbon and London in being chosen to showcase volunteering and the positive impacts that it has on lives across Europe.
Speaking about the concert, composer Michael Rooney said he was ‘ excited and honoured’ to be asked to take part.
He added: “This is a huge honour for me. As a teacher of music and a volunteer myself, I am very proud to be taking part in the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ and greatly looking forward to performing.”
The Co. Monaghan native now lives in Sligo where he has become part of the musical and cultural bedrock of the region.
Last week he was named as the 2017 Gradam Ceoil TG4 Composer of the Year, in recognition for his magnificent musical achievements.
In a citation, the judges said Rooney had created an important body of new music through his work as Director of the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland.
It added: “His deep knowledge of harp culture within the living tradition means that he can draw on the iconic status of the instrument to act as a creative catalyst in his compositions which often involve community musicians alongside established high- profile players.”
Ciara Herity of Sligo Volunteer Centre said the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ theme for the gala night was a celebration of the many people who every year give to the community through volunteerism.
“The gala night is about honouring those people and fostering the strong sense of volunteerism I in Sligo. The wonderful music and volunteer stories on the night promise to make ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ an event to be proud of.”
Ciaran Hayes, CEO of Sligo County Council said the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ gala event was a wonderful ‘ not to be missed’ show.