A piece of music composed by Drogheda’s Michael Holohan some years ago as a birthday gift for his good friend the violinist and music teacher Helen Leahy, is to premiere at a concert called "East Meets West" at the National Concert Hall next Friday, September 13^th.

The piece, Five Fo(u)r Helen, which Michael describes it as his 'Spanish' piece with a nod to de Falla and Albeniz, will be performed by Rachel Du -violin and Didzis Kalnins - piano. Rachel from China and Didzis from Latvia will also perform works by Garuta, Zi Li, Field, Medins and Brahms.

Both Rachel and Didzis have made Ireland their home embracing the culture and opportunity and bringing their own rich musical heritages with them.

Guangyue Du (Rachel) moved to Ireland from China in 2000 following her studies at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music. She graduated with a MA in Classical String Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick and embarked on a successful career as a performer and educator.

Originally from Latvia, pianist Didzis Kalniņš enjoys an advancing career as a soloist, chamber musician, researcher and educator. In 2023, he was conferred with a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Royal Irish Academy of Music & Trinity College Dublin.

Former RTE newsreader, Eileen Dunne, will be the presenter of the concert which is promoted by Dorothy Alioth of KenDu Music.

'East Meets West' Friday 13th September 1.05pm. John Field Room, The National Concert Hall, Dublin Tickets €20 HERE.

New music and arrangements by Michael will also feature in ‘Poems, Bells and Synths’ on Culture Night, Friday 20th of September at 7.30 pm. in the Augustinian Church when he will commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Dominican order in Drogheda (1294-2024) with a new improvisatory piece called ‘Sounds from a Cloister’.