Easter Concert Announced for Downpatrick Featuring Newry Chamber Music and Ian McElhinney

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce its ongoing collaboration and support of The Newry Chamber Music ensemble, with an Easter concert to be held on Tuesday 19 of March at 7.30pm in the intimate surroundings of St Margaret’s Church of Ireland, Downpatrick.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, "Newry Chamber Music is a collective of some of Europe's most esteemed musicians, dedicated to delivering captivating chamber music experiences to audiences.

"We are delighted that through funding from the Department for Communities, we are able to host this wonderful Easter concert in the centre of Downpatrick.  The Council recognises the challenges faced by its businesses in the aftermath of the recent flooding and remains committed to supporting local traders and town regeneration efforts through initiatives such as this and the Stellar Projects Light Trail. It exemplifies the Council's dedication to help revitalise the town centre and foster ongoing community. We invite everyone to join us for this extraordinary, free event and immerse themselves in Downpatrick's cultural richness."

The concert, named The Passion, will depict the short, final period before Christ’s death and is poised to be a highlight of the season, featuring the esteemed mezzo-soprano, Sharon Carty, alongside accomplished musicians, Joanne Quigley and Tom Jackson on violin, Wenhan Jiang on viola, Tim Lowe on cello, with Dominic Dudley on bass. In addition, award-winning actor, Ian McElhinney, will skilfully deliver the narration.

Established in 2014, Newry Chamber Music was founded to dismantle the idea that classical music is elitist. Since its inception, the organisation has earned widespread acclaim for its dedication to presenting a diverse chamber music repertoire, showcasing an impressive lineup of instrumentalists and vocalists.

The programme at St Margaret’s Church of Ireland promises to be a rich tapestry of musical masterpieces by acclaimed composers. The audience will have the rare opportunity to experience the original version of Boccherini's deeply emotive, Stabat Mater, for solo soprano and strings. This profoundly moving composition delves into Mary's sorrow and anguish during the crucifixion, with exquisite beauty and intimacy.

The second piece is a String Quartet by Joseph Haydn entitled, The Seven Last Words of Christ. This is a sublime portrayal of the emotional journey and ultimate resignation of Jesus in his final moments. It comprises of an introduction and then seven movements (pieces) with seven poems between each movement, which will be beautifully voiced by Ian McElhinney.

The event is free to attend and tickets are available from Ticketsolve using the following link: https://nmd-tickets.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173646020/events