PLAY Summer Music Festival Held At The Arc
By: Gabrielle Sierra Jun. 02, 2011
This summer, The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, is turning the spotlight onto music. If you've ever wished that you could bring young children to hear great live music, then The Ark's PLAY festival is for you. With five weekends of concerts for families featuring outstanding musicians, and a jam-packed programme of hands-on workshops, PLAY lets you experience all the excitement and fun of making music, even if you've never picked up an instrument before! This special programme of concerts and workshops has been curated by Elaine Agnew and Margaret O'Sullivan, and is specifically designed to engage young audiences.
Alongside the wealth of concerts are MUSIC WORKSHOPS for ages 2 - 12, and a special workshop for parents on how to engage musically with their children. Enjoy Rhythms of the World with Bodhrán player and percussionist Robbie Harris, take part in Nico Brown' Musical Mayhem, join in Musical Games with Naheed Cruickshank, Bring on the Brass with Mary Curran, learn to Sing A Story with traditional vocalist Fiona Kelleher, or for parents, let Nico Brown take you through practical and fun ideas for engaging musically with your children in Playing with your Children. Full schedule at www.ark.ie
Sat 23 July, 2pm & 4pm
Open Arts Community Choir & Messengers with Julie Feeney
A celebration of the joy of singing with two very different, but equally wonderful, choral groups. Open Arts Community Choir features talented singers over the age of 16, while Messengers is made up of gifted young singers from the Irish Youth Choir. Hosted by Julie Feeney, these interactive concerts will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Come with your vocal chords warmed up!
Julie Feeney & Ensemble
The "pop genius" (Hot Press) behind the hit song Impossibly Beautiful, Julie Feeney brings her mesmerizing talent to The Ark, combining music, story and songs two specially- devised performances for children. Julie played no less than eleven musical instruments on her debut album 13 Songs, and composed, orchestrated, sang and conducted a full orchestra on pages, her second album. Her mesmerising voice and performance style have captivated audiences all over the country in her unique sell-out shows.
"[Julie Feeney's ‘3 songs' is]...surely one of the greatest debut records ever made in this country." **** RTÉ Guide
Zoë Conway & friends
Zoë is a dazzling solo fiddle player and violinist who has appeared as a guest soloist with world-renowned orchestras, toured with Riverdance and worked with Rodrigo y Gabriela, Damien Rice, Nick Cave and Lou Reed. Zoë is joined at The Ark by guitar player John McIntyre (The Revs) and dancer Siobhan Manson (Riverdance) to perform an exciting blend of music, from beautiful Irish folk melodies to famous classical pieces and a little bit of jazz and bluegrass thrown in. Zoë and John will also talk about their instruments, showing all the different sounds that can be produced. The audience will also be part of the performance with singing, clapping and dancing all encouraged! "incredible... [Zoë Conway] brought the house down." Gay Byrne, RTÉ
Sun 31 July 2011, 2pm & 4pm
Fidil
Described as "Mind-blowing" (www.allcelticmusic.com), Fidil is a group of three outstanding young traditional fiddle players from Donegal who give high energy performances that are both intimate and exuberant. Fidil's line-up includes no less than two TG4 Young Musicians of the Year, Aidan O'Donnell and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, nephew of Altan's Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, and is completed by Damien McGeehan whose unique talent enchants and wows audiences. Fidil's performances at The ark are guaranteed to have lots of stories about the music, and maybe even the odd dance. This is a gig for the whole family to enjoy. .
Fiona Kelleher & friends:
Concerts for children aged 2 - 6
Fiona Kelleher is one of Ireland's finest singer-songwriters, receiving considerable acclaim for her debut solo album "My Love Lies" in 2009. In addition to her vast experience as a performer, Fiona also works in early years arts practice. Join her for this very special interactive concert, which gives very young children under the age of six a rare opportunity to get up close to musicians and play a key part in a performance packed with improvised storytelling, song, and a little bit of musical magic. Sun 7 August, 2pm & 4pm
Grant/Kelly Family in Concert
RTÉ Lyric fm presenter Evelyn Grant met her husband Gerard Kelly (Cork Pops Orchestra) when they were teenagers on the very first day the Irish Youth Orchestra began. She played the flute and he played the cello. They married and lived happy... well, they lived in a very noisy house with their four children who played all kinds of instruments - lots of banging, plucking, scraping and blowing! They are looking forward to coming together from Cork, New York, Dublin and London to perform some of their favourite music in The Ark - and getting the audience involved too. London-based Jean Kelly, who has played on The Lord of the Rings soundtrack will also perform via video link. Family rehearsals can be tricky, though - too much laughter!
Sat 13 August, 2pm & 4pm
Tarab Ensemble
Tarab Ensemble's flamboyant performances feature music from right across Europe, mixing up and whirling around everything from Irish trad tunes, Moorish dance music and jazz piano to baroque harpsichord and classical. Their concerts at The Ark will transport families to far away places, as they introduce exotic instruments like the furulya (flute), daval (drum) and Sicilian frame drums, to the more recognisable saxophone, cello, accordion, flute and bodhrán. Tarab will also help everyone in the audience to join in by clapping rhythms, singing along and even getting to their feet for Irish, Italian and Balkan folk dancing.
"Some of the most enchanting music I've heard this year." The Irish TimesSun 14 August, 2pm & 4pmBrian Irvine's Melonhead
Brian Irvine's music is a wild untamed concoction of all things, and has involved commissions and collaborations with many International Artists ranging from opera companies and orchestras to filmmakers, choreographers and DJs. Part jazz, punk, classical, trash, country, theatre, and circus, Brian and his Melonhead musicians swoop furiously together. Expect full audience participation and lots of laughter: everyone will be given an instrument to play - no experience necessary! "some of the most exhilarating and imaginative music you'll ever hope to hear... exuberant, spontaneous and irresistibly alive." The Washington Post
Sat 20 August, 2pm & 4pm
Size2shoes: Silly Stocking Stories & Songs
Described by violin super-star Nigel Kennedy as "the best singer songwriters in Ireland", Size2Shoes are Limerick brothers Eoin and Moley Ó Súilleabháin (sons of Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin). Silly Stocking Stories will be an entertaining and interactive concert mixing up dreamy Californian style harmonies, human beatboxing and audience participation, served with a big fresh dollop of humour. Having recently recorded on the soundtrack and performed on the set of Stephen Speilberg's new film War Horse, War Horse's star Russell Crowe is a big fan: "from the inspired mastery of their harmonies, to the streetwise intellect of their humours. Unique, unaffected, awesome". Size2shoes are great for kids (of any age)... and adults!
"puts you in mind of Simon & Garfunkel or Steely Dan unplugged" Sunday IndependentSun 21 August, 2pm & 4pm
Argos Balkan Gypsy Band
Argos is an ensemble of multi-instrumentalists from Lille playing gypsy jazz and dance music from all over Europe. Over two millennia, the music associated with the nomadic Roma or Gypsies has migrated along with its people, taking on the local musical flavours of many host countries. In this concert, we hear the French gypsy music made famous by Django Reinhardt, the raucous dance music played for weddings and funerals in Bulgaria, and many other hypnotic melodies and rhythms from the Balkan countries. Featuring jazz singer Sarah Catteau, her brother Oliver (accordion), Dylan Gully (clarinet) and JB Gurrier (double bass), Argos Balkan Gypsy Band's infectiously energetic music is the perfect way to round off the summer holidays! PLAY WorkshopsWorkshops for 4-12 year olds last 1 hour
Workshop for 2-3 year olds last 45 minutes
Adults accompanying children aged 6 and under are requested to be present for the duration of the workshop.Rhythms of the World
For 7-9 year olds & 10-12 year olds
Wednesdays 20 July, 27 July & 17 August
7-9 year olds: 11am
10-12 year olds: 1:30pm & 3pmBodhrán player and percussionist Robbie Harris has performed with Riverdance on Broadway and has appeared on stage with musicians including Bob Geldof, Brian Kennedy and Clannad. His hands-on drumming workshop will introduce children to rhythms from all over the world, from Ireland to Africa, Latin America and Asia. Percussion instruments will be provided for all participants - earplugs optional!
Nico's musical mayhem
For 2-3 year olds, 4-6 year olds and 7-9 year olds
Thursday 21 July
4-6 year olds: 11am & 1:30pm
7-9 year olds: 3pm
2-3 year olds: 10am & 1:30pm
4-6 year olds: 11.30amMulti-instrumentalist Nico Brown was musician-in-residence at The Ark from 1995-2000 and is one of the country's leading specialists in music for young children and families. With his brilliant array of exciting and unconventional instruments, Nico's fun-packed sessions will give everyone a chance to participate in his fabulous songs, games and stories.Music in the Glen
For 4-6 year olds & 7-9 year olds
Thursdays 28 July & 4 August
4-6 year olds: 11am & 1:30pm
7-9 year olds: 3pmMusic in the Glen was set up by violinist Diane Daly and accordion player Boris Hunka to bring a fresh take on quality music performance and education in Ireland. Join them for a musical storytelling adventure in this fun-filled interactive session, where you can meet the mighty bear with the electric trumpet or even become a member of the Instant Kazoo Orchestra. Expect lots of song, imagination, stories and laughter!
Musical games
For 2-3 year olds & 4-6 year olds
Friday 29 July
2-3 year olds: 10am & 1.30pm
4-6 year olds: 11:30pmNaheed Cruickshank is an early years music specialist and has worked for the London Sinfonietta and Royal Scottish National Orchestra education departments. Her creative workshops introduce children to pitch, rhythm and pulse, through the use of songs, thymes, action games, percussion instruments, movement to music and some very special puppet friends!Bring on the brass
Wednesdays 3 & 10 August
7-9 year olds: 11am
10-12 year olds: 1.30pm & 3pmMary Curran plays French horn with the WhistleBlast Quartet and regularly presents workshops and concerts in schools. Her action-packed sessions will introduce children to brass playing, rhythm, percussion and singing. There'll be an opportunity to play the various instruments involved, and a healthy dose of fun thrown in for good measure!Sing a story
For 2-3 year olds, 4-6 year olds & 7-9 year olds
Thursdays 11 & 18 August
4-6 year olds: 11am
7-9 year olds: 1.30pm & 3pm Fridays 12 & 19 August
2-3 year olds: 10am & 1:30pm
4-6 year olds: 11:30pmFiona Kelleher is one of Ireland's finest traditional vocalists, receiving considerable acclaim for her debut solo album My Love Lies in 2009. Her workshops will encourage even the youngest children to explore how they can use their voices and their imaginations to tell improvised stories with magical twists and unexpected endings!Workshop for parents:
Music with your Children
Saturday 6 August, 10.30am-12.30pmNico Brown guides parents through practical and fun ideas for engaging musically with young children. This enjoyable musical workout includes games, instruments, song, movement and story, as well as opportunities to discuss ideas and ask questions. Open to parents and adult family members.
Make some Noise!
Free foyer Summer Sound Installations
Come and play with fascinating and quirky electronic sound installations created and curated by composer Jonathan Nangle. Create your own surround-sound music and lighting using iPod Touches, play a real drumkit without touching it, discover what a can of baked beans sounds like, and meet a some double pendulums. Children and grown-ups will be equally addicted!
Entry free
(Touch Music and Triple/Double Pendulums originally commissioned by Contemporary Music Centre. Barcodas designed by Leo van der Veen.)
Summer Music Festival
for all the familySchedule 20 July - 21 August 2011Family concertsSat 23 July, 2pm & 4pm Open Arts Community Choir
& Messengers ages 3+
with Julie Feeney ages 3+
Sun 24 July, 2pm & 4pm Julie Feeney & musicians ages 3+
Sat 30 July, 2pm & 4pm Zoë Conway & friends ages 3+
Sun 31 July, 2pm & 4pm Fidil ages 3+
Sat 6 August, 2pm & 4pm Fiona Kelleher & friends:
concerts for ages 0 - 6 ages 0-6
Sun 7 August, 2pm & 4pm Grant/Kelly Family in Concert ages 3+
Sat 13 August, 2pm & 4pm Tarab Ensemble ages 3+
Sun 14 August, 2pm & 4pm Brian Irvine's Melonhead ages 3+
Sat 20 August, 2pm & 4pm Size2Shoes: Silly Stocking
Stories & Songs ages 3+
Sun 21 August, 2pm & 4pm Argos Balkan Gypsy Band ages 3+
Workshops
Thu 21 July, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Nico's musical mayhem ages 2-9
Fri 22 July, 10am, 11.30pm, 1.30pm Nico's musical mayhem ages 2-9
Wed 27 July, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Rhythms of the World ages 7-12
Thu 28 July, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Music in the Glenn ages 4-9
Fri 29 July, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm Musical games ages 2-6
Wed 3 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Bring on the brass ages 7-12
Thu 4 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Diane Daly & Boris Hunka ages 4-9
Fri 5 August, 10am, 1.30pm, 3pm Nico's musical mayhem ages 2-9
Sat 6 August, 10.30am-12.30pm Playing with your Children Parents & adults
Wed 10 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Bring on the brass ages 7-12
Thu 11 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Sing a story ages 4-9
Fri 12 Aug, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Sing a story ages 2-6
Wed 17 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Rhythms of the World ages 7-12
Thu 18 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm Sing a story ages 4-9
Fri 19 Aug, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Sing a story
Comments
Join Team BroadwayWorld
Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.
Videos