29.07.2013
Christ Church Cathedral, a hub of activity for all ages during Heritage Week
This year’s heritage week is set to be the most exciting yet at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin with an exceptional and diverse programme that features an intimate evening performance by Rónán Ó Snodaigh (Kíla) Ireland’s greatest percussionist, a performance by 3epkano who will join forces with Iarla Ó Lionáird to perform a live score to another spine–tingling classic, Der Golem, and a host of lunchtime recitals, tours and children’s activities.
On Thursday August 22 at 8.00 pm, performing for the first time in Christ Church Cathedral for Heritage Week, eclectic music ensemble 3epkano present live music accompaniment to Der Golem with Iarla Ó Lionáird, Irish singer and producer. 3epkano, a Dublin based, eight piece band/ensemble specialising in producing original and innovative soundtracks for films from the silent movie era was formed in early 2004 by Matthew Nolan and Cameron Doyle.
On Friday August 23 at 8.00 pm, Christ Church Cathedral will host a unique and intimate evening of music with a founding member of one of Ireland’s most celebrated World Music bands, Kíla. Rónán Ó Snodaigh is recognised as one of Ireland’s best and most innovative bodhrán players and a highly original singer songwriter.
Mike O’Toole, photographer and lecturer of photography at IADT will facilitate a Master Class in photography from still life to portraits. This will be a fantastic opportunity to see Christ Church Cathedral in a new light, one of the most prestigious and beautiful cathedrals in Dublin. Take this opportunity to enjoy a day of photography with full tuition from a professional photographer in Dublin’s oldest heritage site. This one day photography master class is based at Christ Church Cathedral and includes lunch in the Crypt Café.
As usual there is a fascinating collection of talks and tours from the cathedral’s resident experts and storytellers, taking place at 12.30 pm daily from August 19 to 23. From Dublin’s horrible history to music and what daily life in the cathedral is really like, there is something to suit everyone. Lunchtime recitals will be taking place on August 20, 21 and 22 at 1.15 pm featuring a range of Dublin’s finest established and upcoming musicians.
Christ Church Cathedral is also running a series of fun activities for children and their families during Heritage Week with a special ‘If Walls Could Talk’ trail, craft workshops and story time. All the activities are organised by the Education Department, known for its outreach work with children, young people and families. Drop–in children’s activities for all ages, will include Repoussé badge making, calligraphy and stained–glass card making.
National Heritage Week is coordinated by the Heritage Council, the agency tasked with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. Speaking at the launch Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council said, “the diversity of events taking place during National Heritage Week is what makes it unique. Each year we are seeing a huge increase in the number of individuals and groups getting involved in the week. Seven years ago just 500 events took place for National Heritage Week, this year the week has hit a record high, with over 1500 events registered. We expect over 600,000 people to attend events across the country, meaning a huge knock–on economic effect for local communities”.