WSO to take audience across the pond
For the first time in its 15-season history, the Washington Symphony Orchestra will explore the music and culture of Ireland during its “Irish Eyes” concert at 8 p.m. May 6 at Trinity High School.
“Every May, after our final performance, I find myself saying, ‘Well, how are we going to top this next year?'” said Yugo Ikach, WSO music director. “Well, this year we have done so in spades, or should I say clovers? It will be an evening filled with Irish tunes to make you tap your toes and shed a tear as you think fondly of past loved ones.”
Traditional tunes, including “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Danny Boy” and “The Parting Glass,” will be performed along with Leroy Anderson’s “The Irish Suite” in its entirety and “Vivace” from Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite.
Music from film will be represented by “Prometnory,” also known as “The Gael,” from “Last of the Mohicans.”
One of the guest artists will be fiddler Bob Banerjee. A native of Calcutta, India, Banerjee followed 20 years of classical violin with improvisational performances in country, bluegrass, folk, reggae, jazz, rock and Celtic. Banerjee will be featured on “The Gael” and “The Parting Glass.”
Another guest will be vocalist Sydney Shook, winner of the 2016-17 WSO Young Artist Competition. Shook, a sophomore at Trinity High School, will sing “Per la Gloria d’adoravi” from the opera “Griselda.”
“Irish Eyes” is sure to be visually stimulating as well. Step dancers from the Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance in Pittsburgh will perform “Lord of the Dance” with the WSO.
The Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums also will join “Irish Eyes.” The service band was formed in April 2001 and regularly participates in services honoring public safety workers in and around the City of Pittsburgh.
As pre-concert programming at 7:25p.m., Banerjee will be joined by the Beau Street Players.
“Bring a singing voice for some of your favorite pub songs before the concert,” Ikach said. “By the end of the concert, you will be Irish, at least for a day.”
Tickets for “Irish Eyes” start at $17 and can be purchased online at washsym.org, by calling 888-71-TICKETS, or at the following locations:
Citizens Library in Washington, Peters Township Public Library and the WSO office, 11 S. College St., Washington. Tickets will be sold at the WSO office by appointment only.
For more information, visit www.washsym.org, or connect with the WSO on Facebook at facebook.com/washsymphony and Twitter at twitter.com/washsymphony.