Si's Sights And Sounds visited St. Columb's Hall to watch Derry's Culture Company provide a glimpse of what's to come in 2013...
In 2013, "the town they love so well" - Derry-Londonderry - officially becomes the UK City Of Culture. And since the city earned that prestigious accolade back in 2010, many interested locals have been wondering not only if Derry can deliver, but exactly what Derry is going to deliver.
It was left to the city's Culture Company to provide some of the answers at a special Programme Preview in St. Columb's Hall today, hosted by the BBC's Gerry Anderson.
From left to right: Jorgie Porter (Hollyoaks), Mark Durkan MP, Martin Bradley (Chairman, Culture Company), Martina Anderson MEP, Ben Kelly (The Voice), Phil Coulter, Shona McCarthy (Chief Executive, Culture Company), Tom Scurr (Hollyoaks)
WELB Head Of Music Dónal Doherty introduced the Musical Pathway To Learning programme, which is, as the title suggests, all about music. Or, to be more specific, a chance for Derry children to sing and play instruments. During 2013, every child between the age of three and eight years old will have the opportunity to participate in this programme, which is closely linked to the musical extra-curricular work carried out at schools. It is hoped that the scheme will develop children's language and literature skills in addition to building their confidence and self-esteem.
To demonstrate the benefits of the scheme, a group of Primary 3 school children from Long Tower and Fountain Primary Schools then took to the stage in front of the St. Columb's Hall audience.
Written by award-winning author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce (Hilary And Jackie, Millions), The Return Of Colm Cille, to take place on June 9, is a story about a "giant of culture", one of the city's founding fathers. Featuring the people of the city as performers and participants, it promises to be a large and epic outdoor spectacle full of "drama, colour, music and performance" - in other words, the best of all cultural worlds.
Hofesh Schechter, described as one of the UK's most exciting contemporary artists, is coming to Derry in 2013. From the start of the year, his musicians will teach and explore his soundtrack to local youths in a bid to prepare them to work and perform with his company. This will, in turn, culminate in a series of special performances from March 9 onwards, entitled Political Mother.
Schechter said he was fascinated by the "emotional history" of Derry, which made the prospect of working in the city quite "powerful" and "interesting" to him. He added that it was really important for him to "engage" with Derry while he worked.
Music City! will call on all amateur and professional musicians to perform on the streets of Derry on June 21. Pianist Barry Douglas commented that events like these play a part in "sharing the great impact music can have on humanity."
A new cantata, At Sixes And Sevens, has been commissioned to mark the 400th anniversary of the relationship between Derry and London. It will receive its world premiere on July 3.
Hollywood actor Stephen Rea took to the stage, along with young playwright Clare Dwyer-Hogg, to discuss Hogg's new play, "Farewell", which will be performed by the Field Day Theatre Company in November 2012 as a prelude to the 2013 celebrations. Preparations are also in place for another new Field Day play to premiere in Derry during the Culture year.
The dates for the largest festival of Irish Culture in the world, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, were also confirmed today; the event will take place from August 11 to August 18. And The Turner Prize, the UK's foremost award for contemporary art, will be presented in Derry near the end of the year.
Bosnian theatre director Haris Pasovic excitedly discussed The Conquest Of Happiness, a unique theatre event which will have its world premiere in the city during the summer of 2013. Through music, dance and drama, an international cast will explore the possibilities of being happy in an increasingly unhappy world. Additionally, the cast and crew of Hollyoaks are working in conjunction with NI Screen to bring "something special" to Derry next year, and RTE's eclectic music show Other Voices will branch out from its traditional home in St. James' Church in Dingle to host a number of performances in the city.
The producer of "Other Voices", Philip King, said: "When you become a capital of culture, you're sending an important, wonderful, unique and creative message to the world. But you're also enhancing your self-esteem and self worth to the point where you become a considerable presence on the world stage. You are creating a renewable, refreshable resource. This is a new beginning for Derry."
Musical performances from The Voice's Ben Kelly, Derry teenager Soak, Barry Douglas and Phil Coulter (above) helped light up the atmosphere in St. Columb's Hall. There was even the unveiling of the new City Of Culture mascot - "Oakey Dokes" (below) - to look forward to.
Culture Company Chief Executive Shona McCarthy said: "Today is a hugely exciting day for all of us. It's time to give the city a taste of culture in a game-changing year."
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