Andrew Irwin
THIS coming Saturday, September 21, St Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen will host a concert by young classical tenor Andrew Irwin.
Andrew, who is from Monea, is currently at specialist music school ‘Chethams’ in Manchester, where he is studying voice alongside his A levels.
“The concert will contain songs from my past as well as new songs I have learnt since taking my place in Chetham’s,” said Andrew, “Thus the title
“Progress and Memories”. Andrew was educated at Derrygonnelly Primary School, where Mrs Gillian Rutherford noticed his talent for singing.
“I was very fortunate to have my primary education in Derrygonnelly and I will be singing some songs that I learnt during that time, alongside others that Gillian taught me when I moved on to Portora. I am delighted that Gillian will also accompany me at the concert, so it will bring back a lot of memories,” he said.
Moving to study in Manchester at the age of 16 was a big step to take for Andrew, but he has really made the most of this, and has taken up opportunities to develop both his talent and his repertoire.
As well as singing in the numerous concerts in the Manchester area, he has featured in productions of Britten’s operas, ‘Noye’s Fludde’ and ‘The Little Sweep’ .
Local organist Nathan Barrett is the special guest at the concert. Nathan is a final year music student at Magee College in Derry, where he also studies piano and organ, as well as having a very busy extra-curricular life as Music Director of Rossorry Parish, where the two young men have been music colleagues for some years. Nathan will open the concert with a flourish of organ pieces from a varied genre of composers.
‘Host’ for the evening Dean Kenny Hallis looking forward to the event: “St Macartin’s is a mother-church of the diocese as well as a prominent building in Enniskillen and it is a great venue for a concert,” he enthused.
“I am delighted to be associated with it and to provide a platform for these talented performers. Although they are young men, they perform to a very high standard, and I am sure that the evening will be most enjoyable – I would warmly encourage everyone to attend.”
The concert begins at 7.30pm, admission is £5 and is payable at the door.
Proceeds in aid of St Macartin’s Fabric Fund.