North Strand Opera

Thursday 19th April 8pm, Liberty Hall

Catriona McKay and Chris Stout mark their upcoming groundbreaking collaboration with playwright Niamh Gleeson and singer Cliona Cassidy in a concert to launch the North Strand Opera – a new music collaboration based on the 1941 bombing of Dublin's North Strand by the German army.

Having gigged, explored and sculpted their musical identities together for 15 years now, Catriona McKay (Scottish Harp) and Chris Stout (Shetland Fiddle) continue to evolve and create a sound and style “operating at a rarefied level of expertise” (The Herald). They recorded their first duo cd “Laebrack” in 2005 and have been part of many other projects together over the years as trustworthy collaborators.

I Draw Slow

Friday 20th April 2012, Venue TBC

“Captivating” (Irish Times), “achingly beautiful” (Hot Press), “polished and gutsy” (Sunday Times).

Dublin roots band I Draw Slow have been drumming up enthusiastic reviews in Ireland since the release of their top 10 selling second album, Redhills. Irish national broadcaster RTE made Redhills album of the week and Redhills has been welcomed to the playlists of stations across the country. However, their impact abroad is redrawing the map for these Irish/Americana songwriters.

Flautist Julie Maisel

Tuesday 24th April 2012, Custom House

Dr. Julie Maisel (originally from Pensacola, Florida) received her Doctorate of Music and Masters of Music in Flute Performance from Florida State University and her Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Maisel has participated in masterclasses with Paula Robison, Louise Moyse, and William Bennett, and has worked privately with Charles Delaney, Patricia George and Albert Tipton. She currently teaches flute in the Conservatory of Music and Drama at the Dublin Institute of Technology, at Leeson Park School of Music, and maintains a private studio in Chapelizod. She coaches the flute section of the Young Orchestral Pops (YOPS) and has also taught in Newpark Music Center, Blackrock.

I’ll Live Till I Die

Friday 27th April 2012, The Sean O'Casey Theatre

A celebration in TALK, STORY AND SONG of the iconic DELIA MURPHY.

Renowned singer of her day who gave the Irish ballad international recognition and ensured its everlasting appeal.

Well known songs of Delia include, If I Were a Blackbird, The Spinning Wheel and Three Lovely Lassies but she is known and loved for many more and had a repertoire of hundreds.

A commemoration of a family member – by her niece Carmen Cullen.