Fedamore’s own Eve Stafford is set to return to her county roots with a special one-night-only performance at St John’s Church, Knockainey.
Following her recent sold-out concerts at Saint Mary’s Cathedral and The Woodlands House Hotel, this highly anticipated event promises an evening of musical elegance and heartfelt storytelling.
Titled Birdsong, the concert will highlight Eve’s signature classical crossover style, blending timeless Irish melodies with contemporary compositions. Audiences can look forward to cherished favourites such as Danny Boy, Red is the Rose, Gortnamona, and Carrickfergus, alongside original works by renowned composer Denis Carey.
A standout moment of the evening will be Eve’s No.1 single The Room Next Door, co-written by Carey and legendary lyricist Brendan Graham – best known for You Raise Me Up, which will also feature in the programme.
Joining Eve on stage is an exceptional line-up of musicians: Denis Carey on piano and accordion, and award-winning violinist Anna Jane Ryan, Deputy Principal of the Limerick School of Music.
“This is a real celebration of Irish song and story,” Eve said. “It’s such a joy to bring these songs to life with two of the best musicians in the country – and audiences can also expect one or two classical pieces along the way.”
Denis Carey
Denis has received many commissions in recent years , most notably An Turas suite for North Tipperary Co Council, The Charter Suite for the Limerick 800 Celebrations and the music for the show Style commissioned by Shannon Heritage. Denis co-wrote the music for the soundtrack of the Canadian movie The Divine Ryans.
In recent years Denis has been collaborating with Brendan Graham on a series of songs, two of these ‘The Coast of Labrador’ and ‘You Take Me There’ were recorded by Seán Keane. Denis regularly works with a wide range of high-profile musicians in both concert and studio settings. Over the years RTÉ has regularly featured Denis’ compositions on various documentaries and on the Nationwide series. He has released two albums of his own music , An Turas in 1999 and Moving On in 2009 and has published a book of his compositions consisting of over seventy tunes including airs, waltzes, reels, jigs, hornpipes and barn dances. He has also published a number of orchestral scores of his music. Denis has just finished recording a new album of his piano compositions which is co-produced by well known cellist and composer Neil Martin from Belfast and is due for release in July 2025.
Anna Jane Ryan
Anna Jane Ryan began her musical tuition at Limerick School of Music where she studied violin with Caroline Ahern. As a student she won many awards, including the first Limerick City Council instrumental Féile Bursary and Bonn Peadar O’ Cillin for achieving the highest result in the country in the Leaving Certificate Music examination.
She continued her studies in MTU Cork School of Music, where she graduated with a first-class honours B.Mus. degree. In 2010 she received her MA in performance (violin), also from MTU Cork School of Music, under the tutelage of Cornelia Zanidache.
Anna Jane also plays traditional music and has won various competitions in Fleadh Ceoil including the Senior Fiddle Slow Air competition in August 2008 in Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann. She maintains an active concert schedule, performing regularly with various orchestras and ensembles and recently completed a tour of the country with Irish guitarist John O’Shea. Anna Jane has a keen interest in conducting and arranging music. She conducts LSOM Senior Orchestra and the orchestra’s most recent ventures, under her direction, include hugely successful collaborations with Cork ETB Youth Orchestra, Galway Youth Orchestra, St. Pius High School Concert Band and a trip to the UK to perform with Cheshire Youth Orchestra. Anna Jane was appointed deputy principal at Limerick School of Music in 2022.
