by Fiona O’Connell
Transition Year student, Laurel Hill
UNIVERSITY Concert Hall launched its Autumn/ Winter Programme 2013 in the elegant environs of partner venue, The Hunt Museum. There Arts page bagged an interview with UCH’s Emma Foote, who ‘fessed up to pride in the September to January 2014 schedule of 32 acts flagged: “There is an exceptional diversity of shows on this year, catering for all genres.”
She means it: showbands and comedy mix up classics such as Ellen Kent’s ‘Aida’ and Royal Moscow Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’.
“There are exciting individual shows like a live cooking demonstration by TV chef Donal Skehan. And no, there will be no naked flames!”
Comedy is strong this year with a new play called ’51 Shades of Maggie’ among Callan and Carr dates. “It’s a spoof of ’50 Shades of Grey’ of course and it is very, very, very naughty!” she smiles, “Definitely not for the squeamish”.
“Of course, we have the panto again this year and it really is for all ages. Whether it’s school kids or an Active Retirement group or even a group of teenagers, everyone will enjoy it. We have a great cast this year too, including the super attractive Kamal Ibrahim who is definitely there for the Mammies.”
Referencing the team at the concert hall, “We have been working on the programme since last January,” she states, “so we are delighted to have such an exceptionally full line up”
On top of this, UCH will showcase its Culture Night, Friday 20 in the city at Hunt Museum. Opera singers will give us arias and duets from some of the most popular operas; tickets are free to collect on arrival. Performances at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm will be punctuated by interactive tours of the museum and preceded by the Polish Arts Festival’s pianist and cellist, 4-6pm.
