City of Culture, River Shannon, four floor brick Georgian buildings, and
home of University of Limerick. We spent much of our day at the
University with members of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
Program--the ladies gave a concert at noon, and took part in two workshops with
singers and faculty from their program. The we focused on sean-n'os singing
and chant and we learned a lot from the five masters students from the program
that worked with us. We also worked with two of their faculty, Wolodymyr
Smishkewych (Vlad for short) and Noirin Ni Riain. She is the best
storyteller I have ever heard. She taught the girls a song by call and
response, and she sang with them in their concert on "We Are."
She also loved their arrangement of "Parting Glass," an Irish
folk song arranged by UWEC grad Andrew Steffen. Her singing in the Irish
sean-n'os style (shan-nos) is amazing- I'll never forget this magical
performance.
Still working on uploading the video...
WOCO interacting with singers from UL:
The conductor Vlad is an acquaintance from Indiana University! His wife
also went to IU and though we didn't know each other we share many
acquaintance. They say hello to any of you that they know! Small world...
Into town for bangers and mash and lots of laughs at a group dinner!
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| Mashed potatoes mashed potatoes mashed potatoes everywhere! |
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| So many laughs on a variety of topics from bad drivers' license photos to chiggers to bangers of course! |
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| Selfie!!!! |
Then on to Mount St. Alphonsus Church for a beautiful joint concert with two vocal groups from University of Limerick and "trad" music (traditional). We learned before the concert that it would be livestreamed so I texted as many friends and parents the link as I could, and we were able to share the concert with many people back home. What a magical evening. Earlier in the day when the Wocettes were teaching "We Are" to singers from UL, I learned the alto part from Annie Jackson, so I joined in "We Are" tonight for the first time. I may or may not have cried throughout.
A shared song with members of the other choirs. Ireland is magic folks...
And some random photos for your amusement
LOVE! So happy to hear all the wonderful things you're experiencing - and to see the pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteMitra, your flying hair picture is beautiful Very artistic! I am so glad you are doing the blog, so we can share your trip. The pictures are gorgeous.....wish I was there. Monte got me the link for the concert yesterday in time that I was able to watch the concert. thanks for sending that. I need to check and see if the church recorded it so Grandpa could see/hear it next time he is over. Site says they do have some services available. Keep blogging, Dear. We are enjoying it very much. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteMitra!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, stories and yes, a beautiful and moving lifestream concert. The Wocettes were a wee bit - no a major bit - of magic! Congratulations to all and thank you for sharing the link and your stories. What's next?
Nancy