Mayo council chamber to open up to the sound of music

Mayo's county council chamber will be transformed from a political arena into a vibrant stage for music and community spirit as part of Castlebar's Culture Night celebrations.

Castlebar will come alive on Friday, September 19 with The Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail – a vibrant evening of music, storytelling, exhibitions, and live performances celebrating Castlebar’s very own international opera star, Margaret Burke Sheridan.

For the first time, Mayo County Council will open the doors of Áras an Chontae in The Mall to host a public music performance. The atmospheric setting will be transformed into a vibrant stage for music and community spirit, offering audiences a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the Chamber in a whole new way.

From 9pm to 10pm, the St Joseph’s Traditional Music Group will set the tone with lively traditional tunes, followed by the uplifting harmonies of the Le Chéile One Town One Voice Choir. Together, they will fill the Chamber with energy, rhythm, and song - making this a night to remember.

Events will take place across multiple town centre venues and in unexpected spaces, animating Castlebar in a unique celebration of music, creativity, and identity. From intimate opera recitals to traditional sessions, from talks and readings to multimedia projections, the Trail promises to surprise and delight audiences of all ages.

“We are delighted that with the support of Culture Night Late, we can bring these events to the very heart of our town,” said Fiona Neary, Co-Director of The Linenhall. “People can dip in and out, spend time at one event and move on, or decide to stay a while longer at a recital or performance. It’s an open invitation for the community to come together in celebration.”

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Margaret Burke Sheridan (1889–1958), affectionately known as “La Sheridan”, was one of Ireland’s first great international opera stars and a world renowned interpreter of Puccini. Born in Castlebar, she studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London before making her operatic debut in Italy, where she became celebrated for her powerful interpretations of Puccini’s heroines. Her performances at La Scala and other renowned opera houses won her worldwide acclaim, making her one of the most remarkable Irish sopranos of the 20th century.

In addition to the Chamber performance, the Linenhall Arts Centre invites everyone to discover or rediscover the magic of opera and to celebrate the extraordinary international career of Margaret Burke Sheridan through the many other events along the trail.

This year’s Culture Night promises to be a truly unique celebration -blending history, heritage, and music into a spectacular evening that honours Castlebar’s most celebrated soprano.

All events are free of charge and no booking is required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on events, visit www.thelinenhall.com.