Classical Thursday kicks off for summer

QUIN singer Helen Houlihan has organised a series of summer lunchtime recitals, which will be held at St Columba’s Church on Bindon Street in Ennis, on Thursdays.

They will take place fortnightly, with the first on June 6 and the final one on August 15.
A soprano, Helen has enjoyed a busy career in the singing world, performing regularly in concert, recital, opera and oratorio.

On the concert and recital platform, she has performed at the Belfast Festival at Queen’s, the Galway Arts Festival, London’s Fortune Theatre, the Bank of Ireland Concert Series and the John Field Room Recital Series.

She has worked with Opera Ireland, Wexford Opera, Opera Theatre Company and in London at the Holland Park Opera Festival.
She has been a guest soloist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on a number of occasions, both in live performances and in studio broadcasts. She recorded the soundtrack for the Frank McGuinness play The Carthaginians and has appeared as a guest soloist on several TV shows.

She trained in Limerick with Jean Holmes and in London with Paul Hamburger, James Lockhart and David Harper.
The series is called Classical Thursday and each show will run from 1.05 to 1.40pm.

Speaking about the recitals, Helen said, “The impetus for this series was two-fold. Firstly, it is an opportunity to offer a platform to established artists and to showcase emerging young talent. Secondly, it is an opportunity to bring more vibrancy and diversity to the cultural life of the town.

“My aspiration is to grow this event and to make it an annual happening. St Columba’s, with its beautiful acoustics and central location, offers the perfect 35-minute calm oasis from the bustle of town life. The Reverend Bob Hanna has warmly supported and welcomed this project.”

The first recital features Helen and piano player Irina Dernova. On June 20, Edel O’Brien and Irina Dernova will perform. July 4 will feature Elena McLeod (soprano) and Michael Hennessy (piano), while Ruth Kelly (soprano) and Michael Hennessy will perform on July 18. On August 1, it will be the turn of Owen Gilhooly (baritone) and Irina Dermova, while the final show will feature Helen Houlihan, Edel O’Brien and Michael Hennessy.
Tickets are available at the door.