Renowned classical music series returns with sensational performances of Mozart and Tchaikovsky from Barry Douglas and Camerata Ireland

Drogheda Classical Music returned to its hallowed home of St Peter’s Church of Ireland last Saturday night with pianist Barry Douglas and his world-renowned ensemble Camerata Ireland. Drogheda man and now internationally acclaimed tenor, Seán Tester was also unveiled  as Drogheda Classical Music’s new Series Ambassador.

Fresh from a critically-acclaimed tour of the USA, Douglas and his troupe gave a scintillating performance of Mozart’s 12^th and 14^th piano concertos plus an enthralling rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.

Douglas was in his usual fine form, serving up a performance of supreme energy and musical sincerity for the Mozart concerti. Camerata Ireland really showed off their romantic chops in the Tchaikovsky – clearly revelling in the luscious melodies of the serenade.

Drogheda Classical Music’s supremo Dr Gavan Ring was also in buoyant and joyous mood as the evening’s ‘maître d’, telling the audience of the ‘gift that is Drogheda Classical Music’ and that all people in provincial and regional areas such as Drogheda and the northeast of Ireland should have the ‘same access to the quality of classical music you would expect in Paris, Vienna and London.’

Local Drogheda boy and now internationally acclaimed tenor Seán Tester was also unveiled to the audience on the night as Drogheda Classical Music’s new Series Ambassador, a role designed for a local classical star to enhance and promote the connections and local stake holding of the series.

Seán recently made his international operatic début in Rossini’s William Tell in Switzerland said he is ‘beyond excited’ to become the Drogheda Classical Music Series Ambassador.

“As a classical tenor and a proud Drogheda man, I think it is so wonderful to have a classical music series in my hometown that brings outstanding international artists right to our doorstep” he added.

As well as giving his solo début at this year’s Drogheda Classical Music series on 24 January next year with Ireland’s most famous soprano Celine Byrne, Seán will also be joining Dr Gavan Ring for a Drogheda Classical Music/Droichead Arts Centre special for Culture Night at Il Forno in Drogheda this Friday (20 September) entitled Night Moves! Tickets available from Droichead Arts Centre.

The Drogheda Classical Music series continues on October 17 when the northeast welcomes Wicklow and international pianist Fiachra Garvey and the Ficino ensemble for a sumptuous programme of Dvořák and Shostakovich! Tickets are €20 (€18 conc.) and booking is available through Droichead Arts Centre. U-18 tickets (€8), Student tickets (€10) and a Family Ticket for two adults and two children also available (€50).

Call 041 9833946 or visit www.droichead.com

Drogheda Classical Music is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Louth County Council and run in partnership with Droichead Arts Centre with sponsorship from Whitelight Events and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.