Favourite Pieces of the Past

Join us next Saturday, the 9 May, for a captivating illustrated talk led by Michael McDermott, in which he guides us through twenty carefully chosen pieces drawn from the great operatic repertoire, the concert hall, and the broader world of classical and popular song. The talk also pays tribute to the legendary Irish tenor John McCormack, two of whose celebrated recordings feature prominently in the programme.

The programme ranges widely: from the drama of Bizet’s Carmen and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, to the wit of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, the lyricism of Massenet and Verdi, and the warmth of beloved Irish and Welsh song. Celebrated performers including Luciano Pavarotti, Renata Tebaldi, Renée Fleming, Jussi Björling, and Nicola Benedetti feature alongside orchestral giants such as the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmoniker.

The talk concludes on a warm and nostalgic note with Bob Hope and Shirley Ross’s “Thanks for the Memories”, a fitting farewell to a richly varied musical journey.

Nicola Benedetti plays the beautiful Méditation from the opera Thaïs by Jules Massenet (1842-1912)

The talk will take place in our usual venue, Buswells Hotel and will commence at 11am. All are welcome.

Published by John McCormack Society

Founded in 1960, the John McCormack Society was set up to celebrate the life and legacy of the great Irish tenor. A global superstar in his day, McCormack first found success on the opera stage and later became a legendary concert recitalist. It is reckoned that McCormack recordings have sold in excess of 200 million

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