Excitement builds for Fáinne Óir premiere

COMPOSER Belcarra native Kathy Fahey.

The first public performance of Mayo composer Kathy Fahey’s much-anticipated musical ‘FΡinne Óir’ takes place at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, this Friday, September 20. With both Mayo Concert Orchestra and choreographer and Riverdance performer Ciara Sexton on board, those attending the contemporary dance musical’s premiere are in for a real treat.
‘FΡinne Óir’ beautifully relates the story of the struggles and triumphs of the O’Malley family during the Great Irish Famine through orchestral music, vocals, visual art, narration and dance. It also includes a special voice-over introduction by much-loved Galway singer SeΡn Keane.
Special guests will attend a pre-show VIP reception at the glamourous event before the lights go down and the 15-piece musical work opens with the captivating FΡinne Óir Overture.
Mayo Concert Orchestra member Finola Reilly explained: “County Mayo proudly hosts the premiere of FΡinne Óir: a music and dance extravaganza created by local talent Kathy Fahey. This moving journey into the desolation of the Irish Famine and hope offered through emigration demonstrates how love and community triumph even in the hardest of times.
“The ambitious project features a creative partnership between two outstanding women: local composer/director Kathy Fahey and Ciara Sexton, lead dancer from Riverdance; supported by Mayo Concert Orchestra and local choir group, Vox Fusion. Acclaimed actress Sarah Lafferty narrates the emotional story. Bespoke hand-painted backdrops are provided by fêted artist Padraig McCaul, while the contemporary music is beautifully enhanced by traditional musicians Stephen Doherty, David Doocey and Diarmaid Moynihan.”
In advance of the premier, composer and Belcarra native, Kathy Fahey, paid special tribute to everyone involved in the show. “I am overwhelmed by the support and sheer dedication of Mayo Concert Orchestra, Voxfusion, Padraig McCaul, Ciara Sexton and her troupe, Sarah Maria Lafferty, the whole production team, cast and crew,” she said.
“We’ve all been working so hard to make this an outstanding production. Thank you so very much to all involved, and of course to the main man behind the scenes, Mike Hannon. Thank you also to our many sponsors, patrons and investors. Without all of those people this would not be possible.”

For tickets, visit www.fainneoir.com, www.royaltheatrecastlebar.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie, or  or contact the TF Royal Theatre directly.