Si's Sights And Sounds recently experienced something a little different at Derry's only purpose built Irish language arts and cultural centre
In a small but beautiful building in Derry (or should that be "Doire"?), an acoustic guitar and accordion are strumming away right beside the stage in the auditorium. I don't quite know what the sound is, but it's undeniably reminiscent of the sort of thing we should be Riverdancing to. All around Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, couples chat, teachers confer, and young people knock down a drink (or two), but the youngest people of all - in fact, they're as young as the age of two - are dancing and buzzing around. They cannot wait for the occasion to start, and rightly so. Because, more than anyone else, this is their moment.
A book of Irish country songs lies in front of me but I resist the temptation to peruse it, lest I ruin the surprises in store. The first of these "surprises" is two young women and a group of even younger ladies - and gentleman - taking to the stage for a mix of acrobatics, fancy footwork and consistent rhythm that show off the versatility of these performers both as individuals and as groups. It's a highly impressive combination of easy going Irish dance, the perfect warm up for what's to follow. The highlight here is Riverdance's "Distant Thunder", performed without music - the only noise heard here is the aptly thunderous sound of the dancers' gifted, tippy tappy feet.
It's especially interesting to contrast the performance levels of the various youngsters of differing ages, and such a contrast is maintained when it comes to the singers. Under the tutelage of Derry soprano Rionach McGlinchey, these up and coming stars, these kids, are more than alright. Their diction, confidence, rhythm, vibrance, and dedication is both admirable and endearing. Watching them is like judging Junior X-Factor in Ireland, except here, it's always pleasant on the ear. The undisputed highlight is McGlinchey's nephew Tigernán and his fully costumed, Bugsy Malone-esque rendition of "Little People" from Les Miserables, though "Path To Moon" and "Fill fil a run" are also memorable, both for the assured nature and particularly strong vocals of the young performers.
This sort of assurance and vocal strength comes naturally to McGlinchey herself, who delivers three traditional pieces with what's becoming her usual panache. Of course, these are the kind of pieces that suit her operatic range best, but what's especially notable here is that the manner of her delivery does not overshadow the efforts of her "children". This is very much a "we're all in this together" occasion, and what we've seen so far exemplifies this.
And even after that, there's still time for more dancing, drama, instrumentals and solos. Forget The "X" Factor... a staggering, youthful rendition of another Les Miserables* tune, "Bring Him Home", has the "wow" factor about it. It is the sound of the tin whistle, however, that really gets the feet tapping in the crowd, leaving everyone in the Cultúrlann with a feeling of communal warmth.
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*Songs from "Les Mis" are becoming pretty common nowadays… maybe that's no surprise with the film version of the musical set for release very soon.
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