Jubilee Concert

On Thursday September 28^th the Irish Dominican Province together with the renowned Irish born composer of great distinction and reputation Patrick Cassidy co-sponsored a concert in the National Concert Hall of Ireland to celebrate the Jubilee of the Order. The guest of honor at the concert was the President of Ireland, Dr. Michael D. Higgins, also present was the Tánaiste (Vice-premier). All branches of the Dominican Family were represented as were many of those who worship in our churches or study with us.

Two pieces by Patrick Cassidy, “Elegy Suite for 1916” and “The Children of Lír” were performed by Enchiriadis Chamber Choir with The Orchestra of Ireland both under the direction of David Brophy. The narrator for the evening was the acclaimed actor Patrick Bergin. Sibéal Ní Chasaide sang a haunting rendition of Mise Éire as her father, Odhrán Ó Caside, joined the orchestra playing both the violin and the uilleann pipes. During the performances Fr. Kevin O’Reilly OP gave a short talk on the role art plays in our appreciation of the transcendent.

This was a fitting celebration of the Order’s 800 year tradition of rejoicing in the beauty of creation with the music and songs of Ireland.