MUSIC Three dates left in Summer Music Series

Three strings left in Summer Music Series bow


July is synonymous with the Mayo Count Council  Summer Music Series. The first four of seven free concerts in the series have taken place to rapturous applause, but the final three have been worth waiting for. 
Audiences in Westport, Achill, Belmullet and Ballina have enjoyed some truly memorable concerts. The amazing Austrian Artis Quartet opened proceedings in Holy Trinity Church, Westport. The lively rhythms of Lunfardia then delighted audiences in Achill, while GrΡda got toes tapping in Belmullet. The Lost Brothers, a ‘smooth as oak-aged whisky’ Irish duo hailing from Navan and the mountains of Omagh, performed a wonderfully intimate concert in Ballina. The Summer Music Series 2010 has already satisfied many different kinds of musical appetites.
There are three concerts remaining in the series and all promise to be wonderful evenings of top-class musical entertainment. On Thursday, July 22, at 8pm, the series moves to Louisburgh Parish Hall with music on the evening from Tarab – an ensemble created by pianist, accordionist, percussionist Francesco Turrisi. Tarab has become eloquent in its linking of modal jazz to traditional music from across Europe, fusing elements of Mediterranean music with the Irish instrumental and vocal tradition.  
The ensemble, which returns to the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Culture in Dublin on the Saturday night, has been devising new music over four incarnations, each with a very special guest artist. The Louisburgh concert will see a very special appearance by Bulgarian virtuoso of the kaval, Theodossii Spassov.   
The following night is the turn of The Friary, Ballyhaunis,  which will this year host the National Chamber Choir at 8pm. Truly a treat for lovers of choral music, this is a great opportunity to spend an evening with what is widely regarded as Ireland’s most distinguished choral ensemble, celebrated both nationally and internationally for its fresh and innovative sound. 
The final event of the series this year takes place in Charlestown Town Hall Arts Centre on Saturday, July 24, with a performance by Cadenza.
As a live act, Cadenza is a musical experience not to be missed, displaying originality, versatility, raw energy and virtuosity on a broad range of instruments including harp, cello, fiddle and guitar.

Although the concerts in the Summer Music Series are free, booking is essential. Book your seats with the Arts Office on 094 9024444, ext 7560, or e-mail mayoarts@mayococo.ie. Please note that there is a limit of six seats (maximum) per booking.