Love at the Lakeside

A VALENTINE’S musical treat is in store this weekend when Boris Hunka brings together two female singers in Killaloe for a concert, counting down the top 20 love songs of all time.

 

Jean McGlynn and Kathleen Turner will showcase their musical talents at It Must Be Love in The Lakeside Hotel on Saturday at 8pm, accompanied by violinist Diane Daly and double bass player Peter Hanagan.

Billed as a concert for the love struck, lonesome, lyrical or cynical, it promises to have something for everyone. The songs will be chosen by a panel, evaluating them by influence, sales and longevity.

Musical director Boris Hunka said, “We all have our own favourites. I’d be surprised not to see some Sinatra, perhaps The Beatles and definitely some Hollywood influences. However I’d also be expecting some surprises from down the years.”

Everyone is invited to have their say by emailing lovesongs@killaloemusic.com with the name of the song and reasons why it should top the poll.

Boris said since moving to the mid-west from London, he found the standard of musicianship “wonderfully high in the region”. Having encountered these two singers, he described them as “on another level from their peers”.

“The initial spur for this concert was to bring these two singers together in a format that would give them the space to let loose their lungs (both individually and in duets). The addition of Irish Chamber Orchestra violinist Diane Daly provided something of a dream team,” Boris said.

He explained the goal is to cater both for couples wanting a romantic evening and single people who can find the annual Valentine’s brouhaha quite tough. “The night will have an emphasis on fun rather than po-faced handholding,” he said.

The exact list of songs is a closely guarded secret according to the musical director but the influence of Hollywood has made itself felt he said. Rom-coms such as Four Weddings, Love Actually, Harry met Sally and even James Bond, as well as the big torch ballads, will also makes an appearance. Style-wise there is a mix of country, soul, pop and light jazz.

“We will have an audience poll running alongside the main top 20 countdown and chat between the songs. Some of the tunes will be surprising in themselves and others will be surprising by the way we’ve mixed different songs together,” Boris added.

Singer Jean McGlynn, born in Limerick, has made her name in London’s West End with roles including Fantine in the award-winning West End production of Les Miserables, as well as runs in South Pacific and the Beautiful Game. Kathleen Turner is a renowned singer/songwriter and community musician, celebrated for her unique jazz and gospel sound. She has featured in a number of recent productions, including the hit cabaret Lola Montez, Bottom Dog Theatre’s Killer Kabaret and Liam O’Brien’s Crooning at Christmas.
Tickets are available at the door on the night.