I am really enjoying our performances in The Ark as part of the Concerts for Christmas. Myself, Emer Mayock, Francesco Turrisi and Nick Roth have put together a concert for all ages. We are playing music from Ireland, Turkey, Romania, Syria and many other countries and it feels like we are on a musical road trip across Europe.
Emer and Nick play wind instruments; flute, whistles and saxophone while myself and Francesco play percussion instruments; bodhrán, tamburello and bendir. Francesco also plays the world’s only singing accordion…this is an amazing instrument and has to be seen to be believed.
Because The Ark is a wonderful venue we can present the music close up by introducing instruments and styles to the audience displaying the subtleties of solo playing as well as demonstrating the energy and excitement of ensemble playing. The show is fully interactive so the audience participates throughout the concert, learning rhythm patterns to clap along to the music, learning vocal parts to join in the songs and getting on their feet to dance!
I have been really impressed by the rhythmic and melodic abilities of the groups who have come to see us so far but my favourite part of the show is when we ask everyone to get up and dance. The tune we get everyone to dance to is a 'Horo' Chain Dance from Romania. This dance tune has a slow part and a fast part – it’s a great way to end the show!
Concerts for Christmas comes to an end this weekend, but don't worry there are still some tickets left for the shows on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December .
Brian and his friends taught us about the different types of drums that come from all around the world – from Ireland to Nigeria – and the children had a chance to play the bongos and bougarabous. Then the performers all taught native dances from their own countries and everyone got up to try!
