Experience world class free music at City of Song Festival

Presented by Derry City Council and BBC Radio Three in association with Music 55/7 the festival is a weekend of free music for everyone.

At the core of the festival are four Celebrity Song Recitals entitled Songlines which celebrate music for voice and string quartet as well as music for voice and piano by one of the finest composers of the 20th century, Benjamin Britten.

The Songlines recitals will offer local music fans the opportunity to hear the world class vocal talents of Mezzo Soprano, Anne Murray DBE, Soprano, Joan Rodgers, Tenor James Gilchrist, and Baritone, Roderick Williams, with the young but firmly established Elias Quartet is in residence across the weekend.

All Guildhall concerts are being recorded for the BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert, introduced by Sean Rafferty.

Local communities will also have an opportunity to join in the creativity with the City of Song Festival Chorus on Sunday 3rd October. Led by the young choral conductor Greg Beardsell this event is open to everyone and know musical experience is required.

Last year’s event saw singers from aged 7 to 70 involved and proved a hugely enjoyable experience for all. Greg is recognised as one of the leading choral trainers, and is heavily involved in the development of young singers.

As director of Ulster Youth Choir, Irish Youth Choir and assistant director of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain he brings energy and enthusiasm to the joy of choral singing.

Homegrown talent is represented in the festival by acclaimed local choir Codetta, directed by Donal Doherty. They will renew their collaboration with saxophonist Gerard McChrystal in an event not to be missed in Christ Church at 6pm Saturday 2nd October.

The Mayor Colum Eastwood stated: “These concerts showcasing world class vocalists are giving the opportunity to deliver on the stated pledges of our 2013 City of Culture Bid to make up to 70 per cent of cultural activity free of charge and to engage 100 per cent of all people in our area.

“We would like to also encourage children and young people through our schools and to attend and hear these world-class performers.

“I would also actively encourage those who perhaps have never previously had the opportunity this type of event to come along and sample these world class recitals,” he said.

Mark Chambers , project manager of the festival said: “As a teacher and singer myself, I have no doubt that the festival will deliver world class experiences from both local artists and international stars. Derry is truly lucky to have these events delivered to its doorstep. With all the concerts free of charge this is an amazing opportunity.”

Martin Meehan, chairperson of Music55-7 said: “We are delighted to be involved in these world class events and to continue Music55-7’s long tradition of bringing the best music to the North West”

Complimentary tickets for these free concerts are available from www.bbc.co.uk/ni/tickets or by phoning 0370 901 1227. You can also register for BBC tickets by ringing the City of Culture Office on 028 71 363 558, or by popping in to the Office in Northern Counties Building, Waterloo Place.

Tickets for Codetta Concert and Festival chorus available on the door or at the City of Culture Office.

Festival Programme

Thursday 30th September at the Guildhall, 7.30pm doors, Concert 8pm, Ann Murray DBE mezzo-soprano, Iain Burnside piano, Elias Quartet; Programme: Chausson Chanson Perpetuelle (Op.37) for mezzo and quartet, Britten Cabaret Songs; Britten A Charm of Lullabies, Respighi Il Tramonto, Ravel String Quartet in F

Friday 1st October at the Guildhall, 7.30pm doors, Concert 8pm, James Gilchrist tenor, Anna Tilbrook piano, Elias Quartet; Programme: Britten The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Vaughan Williams On Wenlock Edge; Britten Quartet for strings no. 2 (Op.36) in C major.

Saturday 2nd October at the Guildhall, 7.30pm doors, Concert 8pm, Joan Rodgers soprano, Christopher Glynn piano, Elias Quartet; Programme: Herbert Hughes Selection of Songs, Schoenberg Cabaret Songs, Britten The Poet's Echo (Op.76), Faur La Bonne Chanson (Op.61) arr. for voice, piano and string quartet.

Saturday 2nd October at Christ Church, 5.30pm doors, Concert 6pm, Codetta with Gerard McChrystal

Saturday 2nd October 7.30pm doors, Concert 8pm, Roderick Williams baritone, Christopher Glynn piano, Elias Quartet; Programme: Barber Dover Beach, Britten Songs and Sonnets of William Blake, Schubert Der Tod und das Mdchen (D531), Schubert String Quartet No. 14 in D minor D810 'Death and the Maiden'

Sunday 3rd October at Great Hall, University of Ulster Magee Campus 10-1pm, 2-5pm, Concert at 6pm, Festival Chorus workshop and concert with Greg Beardsell; Programme Improvised choral music.