The walls of the 16th century Craggaunowen Castle will reverberate to the sound of medieval and traditional Irish music tomorrow (Friday) as the first in a series of concerts is hosted at the County Clare visitor attraction.
The first ever concert series to be held at Craggaunowen coincides with National Heritage Week, which features a range of other events at the site including demonstrations of the crafts and traditions of old, including spinning and weaving, blacksmithing, log splitting, bread and butter making, candle making, wool dyeing and bagpipe playing.
Resident musician Arno Kilhoffer will get the evening’s entertainment underway by performing medieval era music through the Irish bouzouki, bagpipes and low whistle, while singer Annika Hammar will perform timeless songs from the 16th century.
The second half of the concert will feature the sounds of traditional Irish music with Jennifer Lenihan and Mark Donnellan, two esteemed musicians from the legendary Tulla Céilí Band, who will be accompanied by guitarist and singer Michael Landers.
Pauline Lenihan, Manager of Craggaunowen said, “The concert series is a new departure for us, but it is very much in keeping with the attraction’s role of celebrating Ireland’s ancient history, of which our musical heritage is an integral part of. This Friday and over the coming weeks, we are very much looking forward to welcoming talented singers and musicians from across County Clare and further afield to fill Craggaunowen Castle with soulful songs, beautiful melodies and vibrant music.”
In the first half of Friday’s concert, Arno Kilhoffer will enchant the audience with the haunting melodies of the medieval bagpipes, the resonant tones of the low whistle, and the rich sounds of the Irish bouzouki. Having begun his musical journey at the age of 10, Arno’s passion for music led him to explore its rich history and master over 20 different instruments. Specialising in pagan and medieval music, Arno is a key member of the pagan celt band Fianna Bán.
Annika Hammar will bring her enchanting voice to a selection of timeless songs from the 16th century, including “Now Oh Now I Needs Must Part” and “Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes”. Annika is a former singer with the renowned Bunratty Entertainers with whom she performed at the iconic medieval banquets, and she is currently a proud member of the Limerick Choral Union, lending her voice to both folk music and classical masterpieces.
Jennifer Lenihan on flute and Mark Donnellan on fiddle will be joined in the second half of the evening by local guitarist and singer Michael Landers. The trio will showcase the traditional music of County Clare.
This Friday’s (August 23rd) concert commences with light refreshments at 6.30pm before the first performance begins at 7.00pm. Booking is essential. See www.craggaunowen.ie.
