An enchanted evening at historic castle in Offaly remembered

“AN Enchanted Evening at Charleville Castle” was a very special occasion, presented by Tullamore Gramophone Society on the 5th May, 2012, as a fundraiser in aid of the proposed new Arts Centre in Tullamore. This is now the popular Esker Arts Centre in High Street.

Fortunately a video recording was made by Michael Dunne of the splendid concert in Charleville Castle.

This video was the choice of Kathleen Power for her presentation at the recent meeting of Tullamore Gramophone Society. The performers were Antonia Sotgiu, Mezzo Soprano, (granddaughter of Granny Mahon, who was a well-known member of Tullamore Golf Club) Emily Alexander, Soprano, Helen Smith, Soprano, Pascal Kennedy, Baritone, with wonderful piano accompaniment by Bethan Lee, all of whom received no fee as agreed and for which Tullamore Gramophone is very grateful. Des Doyle was M.C. For the occasion.

The programme included arias from Carmen, L’Italiana in Algeri, Gianni Schicci, My Fair Lady, Porgy and Bess, Lakme, Die Zauberflote, Les Contes D’Hoffmann, Faust, The Merry Widow, La Boheme, Kismet, The Marriage of Figaro, La Wally.

The occasion was described by Tullamore Tribune Reporter as one of the loveliest evenings of music ever in Tullamore. Wonderful to have the video recording.

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