There was craic agus ceol, and birthday cake too, at St. Peter’s Church of Ireland last Thursday night when celebrated Irish pianist Michael McHale took to the stage in what was an evening of stupendous music and storytelling.
Described as a musician with ‘bravura, gusto and skill’ by the Washington Post, Belfast-born Michael McHale has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading pianists and has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician.
He has performed as a soloist with the Minnesota, Hallé, Moscow Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, City of London Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and all five of the major Irish orchestras, and performed at the Tanglewood and Tokyo Spring Festivals, Wigmore Hall, London, Berlin Konzerthaus, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Lincoln Center, New York, Symphony Hall, Boston and Pesti Vigadó in Budapest.
And he was full value for his money! After a wonderfully entertaining preconcert talk with Michael and Dr Gavan Ring, Michael rattled off a whirlwind performance of the romantic greats; gliding effortlessly from Beethoven to Chopin to Liszt. Right from the outset he had the Drogheda audience eating out of his hand!
With stories of romance and heartbreak, from Romeo and Juliet to the Greek myth of Hero and Leander, from love song arrangements by Clara and Robert Schumann to more contemporary takes on love and loss, Michael told us, “As I turn 40 this year, I have also included music that has played an important part in my musical life, from my childhood through to the present day, and composers with whom I have a special connection.”
In a surprise move, just after the interval, Dr Gavan Ring commandeered the piano for a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday for Michael (which the crowd sang in full voice!) followed by the presentation of a birthday cake to the evening’s star performer!
Drogheda Classical Music continues on 10 November with a performance from the award-winning Kahlo Piano Quartet led by Ireland’s very own virtuoso violinist David Tobin. . Full of passion and beautiful melodies, this concert wil represent the best of French and German romanticism.
Tickets for The Kahlo Piano Quartet are €20 (€18 conc.) and are available to purchase over the phone by calling 041 9833946 or in person at the Droichead Arts Centre or by visiting www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com.
There is also an under-18s ticket rate of €5 and a student rate of €10 (valid student ID essential) which can be purchased at St Peters Church of Ireland on the evening of performances, subject to availability.
