Storm chasing and music making at Ballina Arts Centre

This September Ballina Arts Centre is filled of music of all genres, including: a BBC award-winning singer/songwriter; an evening of cheese and wine with a classical quartet; and a new suite of music set to images captured by a storm chaser.

On September 5, Unforeseen, Christine Tobin’s new band, are at the centre. The BBC award-winning songstress is joined by Karen Street (piano accordion), Phil Robson (guitar), and Dave Whitford (double bass). These internationally renowned musicians play an exciting repertoire which ranges from their own original tunes to adaptations of music from Duke Ellington, Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits as well as Tango form the legendry Astor Piazzolla, classic Irish trad ballads such as Cuirt Bhaile Nua, Baroque music from Henry Purcell, Brazilian tunes from Milton Nascimento and many more. The Irish Times described the show as ‘starkly beautiful’, and said ‘Tobin’s voice, filled with humanity and warmth, draws it all together perfectly’.

One of the highlights of the month takes place on September 12, with the arrival of Síon. This mesmerising show combines a new suite of music from members of No Crows, with stunning images of storms, from meteorologist, photographer, and storm chaser Noel Fitzpatrick. This unique event takes its name from an old Irish phrase for changeable weather (lá na seacht síon – the day of seven storms). Three of Ireland’s finest musicians Ray Coen, Anna Houston (No Crows) and Dave McLoughlin, draw on their influences in classical, traditional and contemporary music to create a breathtaking soundscape which compliments Noel’s exciting visuals.

In keeping with the idea of ‘the day of seven storms’, the production is in seven sections, in which the music and visuals combine, rising and falling between serene landscapes and intense, violent storm sequences, and building to a dramatic conclusion. Audiences have described this impactful show as ‘captivating on all levels’, ‘like being in the storm’, ‘made me want to go home and write poetry’. Prior to the show, Noel Fitzpatrick will give a free talk on storm chasing, his background in weather and climate research, and how he captures the images and videos used in the show.

Following closely after, September 19 is the date of the centre’s next, and by now famous, wine and cheese evenings of classical music. This autumn the guest musicians are the internationally renowned Kantos Quartet who will play Beethoven’s String Quartet in B flat Op.18 No.6 [1800], Caroline Shaw’s Blueprint [2016], Swan Hennessy’s String Quartet No.2 [1920], and Janáček’s String Quartet No.1 Kreutzer Sonata [1924]. The quartet features some of Irelands finest and most experienced musicians: Sarah Sew – violin, Hugh Murray – violin, Alexandros Koustas – viola and Aoife Burke – cello. Seating is café-style and capacity is limited, so advance booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Please inform us of any allergies when booking.

All shows are featured on the Ballina Arts Centre website, where you can get more information and book your tickets, or simply call the box office on 096 73593.