THE acclaimed Donegal Chamber Orchestra will play a concert in the Playhouse in Derry this evening, Saturday, May 27, at 8 pm – their first performance in the city.
The orchestra is conducted by Spanish musician Victor Yélamo and its leader and director is the Hungarian violinist Orsolya Szabó-Yélamo.
Both do most of their playing and teaching in the North-West, but continue to perform with the Concerto Málaga in Spain and with the Donegal Camerata in Ireland.
Other players in the DCO include leading string students from across Donegal, and highly-experienced players such as Vyvyan Howard on cello and Peter Doherty on double bass.
The programme will includes works by Vivaldi, Pachelbel, Handel, Grieg, Elgar, Toselli and Bartok.
The DCO is one of the ensembles organised by the outstanding Donegal music project, the Donegal Music Education Partnership.
The music development manager with the DMEP is former ‘Derry Journal’ editor Martin McGinley, who’s also a musician.
“I’m delighted the DCO is getting this opportunity to bring its music to Derry,” Martin said.
“This orchestra has been a great success since it was set up more than 10 years ago. As well as their regular concerts across Donegal, they’ve had tours in Spain and Italy.
“It’s a lovely programme they’ve got lined up for the Playhouse, lots of variety.
“We have great favourites such as Pachelbel’s Canon, we have the ‘Concerto Alla Rustica’ from Vivaldi and there are Romanian folk dances from Bartok.
“And we’re fortunate to have top-class professionals in there to perform these great works along with outstanding young players.”
This is the first of three concerts coming up for the DCO in the North-West.
On Sunday afternoon at 3pm they’re guests of the National Trust for what promises to be a special performance at Mussenden Temple, high on the cliffs near Castlerock.
Then on Saturday 3rd June at 8pm they’re back in action in Donegal with a return to the Church of Ireland in Leitirmacward, where they had a sell-out concert last year.
Tickets, at £14 / £12, are available at the Playhouse tel 02871 268027 and online at www.derryplayhouse.co.uk Or pay at the door.
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