It’s going to be classical music heaven as Fesi Ceoil features so many classical styles as it runs from Tuesday March 20th to Friday March 30th with a Gala Concert at the National Concert Hall wrapping things up on the 31st March at 7.30pm.
More than 5,000 classic musicians will take part in Ireland’s largest classical music competition Feis Ceoil. 180 invidiaul music competitions are open to the public at €5 a day. If you are looking to hear some quality classical musicians competition in this competition which has ran for 116 years now.
The two week event is rounded off in style with a selection of the most outstanding competitiors showcasing at a special Gala concert in the National Concert Hall on March 31st 2012. This concert will be hosted by Gráinne Seoige and will be attended by our president, Michael D. Higgins. The below is the festivals self suggested highlights.
Wednesday 21st March
CHOIR DAY at RDS Concert Hall. Choirs perform all day – Final from 7.00pm
All post-primary and primary choir competitions take place, with the winning choir in each competition staying on to compete for the title of ‘Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil Choir of the Year’. The very best Irish school choirs will compete for this prestigious award.
Thursday 22nd March 2012
RDS Concert Hall, 7.30pm. Category: Senior Vocal
The Rathmines and Rathgar Cup – Competitors sing a solo item from a light opera or musical comedy. Costumes and acting encouraged!
Friday 23rd March 2012
RDS Concert Hall,7.30pm. Category: Senior Vocal
Cuisine de France Count John McCormack €8,000 Bursary Final – Finalists selected from an earlier preliminary round will give a 20 minute recital in a variety of languages and styles including opera, oratorio and song.
Saturday 24th March, 2012
RDS Concert Hall, 2.00pm. Category: Senior Solo Strings
Aileen Gore Cup (for recital by Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Concert Harp, Guitar)
Competitors aged 17-24 give a 15-minute recital of works of their own choice on one of the above-named instruments.
Friday 30th March, 2012
RDS Concert Hall, 7.00pm, Category: Senior Vocal
Gervase Elwes Memorial Cup & RTÉ lyric fm €1,500 award – the winners of ten senior singing competitions which take place during the Feis are eligible to compete for this prestigious vocal award on the last night of the Festival. Competitors give a 15 minute recital of pieces of their own choice.
Saturday 31st March
GALA CONCERT at National Concert Hall, Dublin, 7.30pm
Rounding off the two week event in grand style, this gala showcase concert will be hosted by Gráinne Seoige and will feature a selection of outstanding winners from the Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil 2012.
Ticket Prices: (€15, €12.50 conc., or €40 family (2 adults + 2 children)
Bookings: www.nch.ie or Feis Ceoil office at RDS during 2012 event.