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The Irish Spectacular

By Kelly Skinner
State Theatre presents the U.S. Premiere of
The Irish Spectacular
with the
Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra
Featuring Ireland’s Leading Pop Stars
Derek Gleeson, music director
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8pm; $65, $55, $45, $30
In Sprit: Overture(Jonathan Casey); Aughrim Suite (Patrick Cassidy); Deirdre of the Sorrows Aria from Oratorio (Patrick Cassidy); Inishlacken, Concerto for two violins and orchestra (Bill Whelan, composer of Riverdance): three movements; and Gala Celebration of Celtic Music
Ticket Office: 732-246-SHOW (7469)
 
New Brunswick, NJ (February 11, 2009)—State Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of The Irish Spectacular with the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO) with Music Director Derek Gleeson andfeaturing some of Ireland’s leading Pop starson Saturday, February 21 at 8pm. The Irish Spectacularis part of the theater’s winter festival, Hub City Carnivale, three weeks of performances, activities, and attractions for children 1-100. KIDS GO FREE!* Patrons purchasing The Irish Spectacular tickets via phone or at the Ticket Office window will receive one child’s Irish Spectacular ticket free with every adult ticket purchased.Tickets range from $30-65 (student, senior, and group discounts apply).
This special performance will feature some of Ireland’s leading Pop stars including: Frankie Gavin (violin), Athena Tergis (violin), Cora Venus Lunny (violin), Aidan O’Brien (Uilleann Pipes, Irish Flute and Whistles, and Banjo), Eric Cunningham (Bodhrán/Percussion), Peadar Townsend (Bodhrán/Percussion), Michelle Lally (vocals), Carmel Conway (vocals), Ingrid Madsen (vocals),  and traditional Irish dancer Sinead McCafferty with the full orchestra in a performance of Irish and Celtic traditional music.
DPO’s program includes Jonathan Casey’s In Spirit: Overture, Aughrim Suite, and Dierdre of the Sorrows Aria from OratorioRiverdance) Inishlacken, Concerto for two violins and orchestraGala Celebration of Celtic Music.
Founded in the mid 1800’s, The Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra represented the pillars of Irish classical music life at a time when Dublin, after London, was considered the most vibrant and distinctive city in the British Isles. Led by one of Dublin’s most prominent Jewish musical families, The Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra and Vice-Regal Orchestra presented regular classical concerts in the city, now famed for its premier of Handel’s “Messiah.”
In 1997, the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra was reconstituted, drawing its members from the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and international musicians from throughout Europe. Since then, the reconstituted orchestra has performed throughout Ireland, including a premier concert at the 1997 Kilkenny Arts Festival at the great 13th century Norman Cathedral and performances for Her Excellency President Mary McAlese at “Aras an Uachtaran.” In addition to standard classical music repertoire, the orchestra has also premiered the works of contemporary composers and recorded classical and modern repertoire for Albany Records, BMG/Windham Hill Records, Contemporary Music Centre of Ireland Record Productions, and film scores for motion pictures and television.
*Other events do not apply. Discounts are not retroactive. Additional fees may apply. Valid for all seats for children under age 16
For tickets (or a brochure), call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm and at least one hour prior to curtain on performance dates. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 536.
The State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatre’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Continental Airlines is the official airline of the State Theatre. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre. William Grant & Sons, our season spirits’ sponsor.
 
The Irish Spectacular
with the
Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra
Featuring Ireland’s Leading Pop Stars
Derek Gleeson, music director
Sat, February 21 at 8pm
$65, $55, $45, $30
 
STATE THEATRE
15 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Ticket Office – 732-246-SHOW (7469)
Online – www.StateTheatreNJ.org
PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS FURNISHED UPON REQUEST
Please contact Kelly Skinner at
732-247-7200, ext. 542 or by email at [email protected].
Information in this release is current as of February 11, 2009.
For up-to-the-minute information on events and State Theatre news,
visit the State Theatre online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org.