Leman Concert XXXVII

Leman Festival Concert XXXVII

Monday, 23rd January 2023

After a 3 year absence, the ‘Leman’ returned to the National Concert Hall and what a night! It was simply exceptional. Daniel Flannery’s (5th Year) / Chris O’Sullivan’s arrangement of ‘Go Ye Afar’ set the Gold standard from the outset and it never faltered as the 25 acts – the orchestra, choirs, soloists, bands and acapella – brilliantly linked by our MC’s Eoghan Walsh and Max Mullen (both 6th Year) left the packed auditorium amazed, uplifted, mesmerised by the talent on display. There were so many highlights – 25 in fact – but Franz Ezquerras’ piano solo, Fantaisie-Impromptu (Chopin) deserves special mention.

The boys are extremely talented, but it just doesn’t happen. The expertise, indeed genius, attention to detail and tireless commitment of my colleagues was all over this production.

We particularly acknowledge and thank Mr Grumley Traynor and Ms O’Kane who were brilliantly supported by Mr Chris O’Sullivan, Mr Orrock, Mr Duff, Mr Sullivan, Mr Swan and Mr Maher; also we thank our front of house team of Mr Madden and Mr Sheil and our programme editor Mr Herlihy, and not to forget our stage crew.

Finally, of course as with all at Blackrock, it is about the boys, and over 250 took to the stage. In their programme notes Mr Grumley Traynor and Ms O’Kane wrote about “the power of music to unite and bring everyone together”.

Mission Accomplished.