WITH broadcaster RTE lyric fm located on Cornmarket Row, the loss of experienced presenters Donald Helme (jazz), Tim Thurston (Sunday morn’s ‘Gloria’) and Eamonn Lenihan (‘Blue of the Night’; musician, producer and a published author at www.nobetterman.ie) raised eyebrows and some BP points.
Station head Aodán Ó Dubhghaill responded to query on the 2016 schedule with specifics. He underlined regular change since 1999 and that yes, many listeners will miss certain presenters.
This year’s broom is the most vigorous yet.
“The aim is to increase, not diminish, the variety of popular classical and specialist music on lyric. There is an increased emphasis on the live experience, so we will continue to carry an as-live concert each weekday morning as well as focusing on a nightly lyric concert, curated by Paul Herriot”.
“..choral and sacred music will still be a vital element of the Sunday morning schedule, with Dr Vlad Smishkewych”.
Documentary making to chart the evolution/ emergence of music continues as central.
There are weekend introductions: Ellen Cranitch’s ‘The Purple Vespertine’ takes over from 10pm to 1am with her mix of classical, jazz, roots and contemporary. Limerick’s Ian McGlynn produces. Cranitch has been with the station for ten years and has a history of performance and composition with theatre and dance.
On Saturday mornings, Evonne Ferguson explores ‘contemporary classical’ for her hours in the day. Familiar presenters with their long history of music and themed shows, plus their intimacy with the listener, continue – Carl Carcoran, Liz Nolan, John Kelly, Evelyn Grant and more.
