Saturday Strings at the ICO
THE Saturday Strings programme at the Irish Chamber Orchestra Studio (UL) has available places in its September start up term for children. Email instructor Diane Daly on dianehunka@gmail.com for details but essentially the age categories are as young as 4 and right up to school leaving age.
Pre-instrumental is the youngest category (4-6 yrs old), taking place on Saturday mornings at 10.15am.
“These fun-filled classes introduce children to the joy of music making through rhythm games, movement, singing and improvisation,” says Diane. “Come along and see if your child likes the class, no charge if not!”
Beginner Violin – 11.15am: Start your child on the journey of learning an instrument through playing and learning with others. “These sessions increase the effectiveness and fun of learning an instrument whilst reducing the cost”.
Limerick Children’s Orchestra. 12pm: Now in its second year, the Limerick Children’s Orchestra is inviting all children who play an instrument to join in, make friends with other musicians, learn new musical skills and have fun.
Choral strength for mental health
NATIONAL Choral Singing Week runs from Saturday October 8 to coincide with World Mental Health Week to promote the positive mental health benefits of choral singing. Last year’s hosted 105 events nationwide, including a Dáil choir when deputies and senators from across the divide came together to sing a song conducted by Liz Powell. She is based in Limerick as chief executive of the Association of Irish Choirs (AOIC).
“Groups all over the country are finalising their plans and events will take on many forms including public performances in churches, hospitals and day care units, open choral rehearsals and in schools,” says Liz.
Malcolm Green works as a psychotherapist and is conductor of Limerick Choral Union. This man is organising a concert in St. John’s Cathedral, Limerick on Friday October 14 at 7.30pm which will bring under his capability several local choirs.
His is just one of many events taking place for Limerick Mental Week from October 8 on. See www.aoic.ie or www.mentalhealthireland.ie for details of a choral event near you.
McCormack and Kreisler
‘McCormack and Kreisler – Homage’ will be performed in St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 20 next, 8pm. This programme includes duets performed regularly by McCormack and Kreisler together with piano. The pieces were either composed or arranged by Kreisler and songs are those McCormack sang with either Edwin Schneider or Vincent O’Brien at the keyboard.
Scottish tenor Nicky Spence together with Irish violinist Elizabeth Cooney and pianist Fiachra Garvey bring their concert tour to Limerick through Classical Links.
