Washington Symphony Orchestra Takes Audience Across the Pond with “Irish Eyes”

Last Updated on Thursday, 27 April 2017 21:30

The Washington Symphony Orchestra’s final concert of the 15th anniversary season is scheduled for May 6. For the first time in its 15-season history, the Washington Symphony Orchestra will explore the music and culture of Ireland.

“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.”

“Irish Eyes” will begin at 8 p.m. at Trinity High School in Washington on Saturday, May 6. 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 to be featured is 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 is the winner of the 2016-2017 WSO Young Artist Competition, vocalist Sydney Shook. Shook is a sophomore at Trinity High School and she will be singing “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 Shovlin Academy offers solo and figure dancing instruction to students ages 5 and up.

Also joining in “Irish Eyes” will be the Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. 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 7:25 p.m., Banerjee will be joined by the Beau Street Players.

“Bring a singing voice for some of your favorite pub songs before the concert,” said Ikach. “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 1-888-71-TICKETS, or at the following locations: Citizens Library, the Peters Township Public Library, and the WSO Office at 11 South College Street in Washington (WSO Office by appointment only). For further information about the symphony, visit www.washsym.org or connect with the WSO on Facebook (facebook.com/washsymphony) and Twitter (twitter.com/washsymphony).