Irish Repertory Theatre

Irish Drama.
New York Style.

Musical Event

Allegri Ladies Choir

A One-Night-Only event on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage

Monday, October 30, 2023 at 7pm

We are thrilled to welcome the Allegri Ladies Choir to Irish Repertory Theatre for a very special performance this fall from the vibrant city of Derry, located in the northwest of Ireland, celebrating the significant milestone of the 10th anniversary since their formation.

Their important anniversary coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the historic peace accord which played a pivotal role in the journey to peace, stability, and reconciliation for a fractured nation.

This unique musical evening will showcase the choir’s journey over the past decade featuring a selection of favorites from their repertoire, and celebrate themes of creativity, connection, and resilience. It will include a special musical tribute to Derry peacemaker Pat Hume, written by her close friend, the American author and filmmaker, Mary Pat Kelly, as well as works by internationally renowned Derry composer, Seán Doherty, one with text by Irish poet Paula Meehan.

This event will resonate deeply with a New York audience, fostering understanding and connection, underscoring the immense value of cross-community cooperation and cultural exchange, and celebrating the transformative power of singing together.

Allegri is a community arts organisation founded in 2013 by two friends from opposite sides of the political divide to create an open and inclusive space for singers to come together to learn and perform high-quality repertoire in a safe and inclusive space.

Since formation, Allegri has gone from strength to strength and now comprises Youth and Junior Choirs, a symphony orchestra (Orchestra NorthWest) and an annual singing event, the Every Voice Festival as well as the Ladies Choir. The organisation is committed to raising the standard of arts practice and performance, eliminating all barriers to arts participation and using music to promote social inclusion, good relations, and equality.

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Gregory Harrington and Friends

on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage

Gregory Harrington with Brandon Lewis (drums), Dan Montgomery (bass), Jake Pinto (keyboard) and Ric Molina (guitar)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PERFORMANCES HAS BEEN CANCELLED. FULL PERFORMANCE UPDATES CAN BE FOUND AT IRISHREP.ORG/COVID19

“Harrington is a throwback to the rich lyrical strings sounds that evoke the melodic swing of Stephane Grappelli on an alluring session.” ~  Jazz Weekly

“Spellbinding, world class..” (JazzCorner) and “his musicianship is truly one of a kind” (INK 19) are just some of the accolades that Gregory Harrington received upon the recent debut of his new album, “Without You.”  On April 27th, Harrington returns to Irish Rep to present an eclectic and intimate evening of his unique interpretations of great classics to modern greats.  Joined by highly-acclaimed musicians Brandon Lewis on drums, Dan Montgomery bass, Jake Pinto keyboard and Ric Molina on guitar, the evening will journey from Miles Davis to Django Reinhardt and incorporate incredible jazz standards and bossa nova songs through works by Leonard Cohen, Norah Jones, Dave Brubeck and many in between.

Recent appearances by Gregory Harrington at Irish Rep have sold out in record time! Don’t miss this popular show!

Ticket Price: $25
Member Price: $10

If you enjoy great jazz music with a unique twist, then this is most definitely for you! ~ INK 19  

a blend of passion, power, fragility, and inescapable virtuosity. ~ ICON Magazine

meticulous musicianship ~ Take Effect

Gregory Harrington Bio:

Born in Dublin and based in New York City, violinist Gregory Harrington is redefining the classical virtuoso for the 21st century.  His unique ability to transform popular jazz, rock and pop music into brand new violin concert pieces has enthralled audiences around the world.  As noted by critics, Mr. Harrington juxtaposes Bach and Bob Dylan, Beethoven and Leonard Cohen, Radiohead and Johnny Cash to staggering effect.  As a performer/arranger with orchestra or his performing groups, Harrington’s cross-cultural and wide-reaching appeal has brought him to perform for Presidents and Vice Presidents, celebrities, heads of state, the United Nations and millions of music fans around the globe.

In 2006 he founded a record label, Estile Records, having released 4 critically acclaimed albums to date.  On stage, his transcriptions of iconic songwriters, classical masterworks and film score greats have all received acclaim in performance and on recordings.  His fourth album Without You, was released in June 2019 and comprises 11 emotionally charged tracks of reimagined pop and jazz love songs for jazz quartet.  In November 2020, he will release a recording of Philip Glass’ music with the Janacek Philharmonic and conductor Mark Shapiro.  This CD will include his own arrangement of the “Hours Suite” (based on the Oscar nominated score) and the Violin Concerto No. 2 “American Four Seasons”.

Today, Harrington is one of Ireland’s most recognized artists, having performed all over the world as soloist with many orchestras such as the San Diego Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Mexico City Philharmonic, RTE Concert Orchestra and the Janacek Philharmonic under Thomas Wilkins, Robert Houlihan, Mariusz Smolij and Mark Shapiro amongst others.  He was invited by NBC LIVE to open the St Patricks Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York and has performed anthems for iconic sports teams including the Green Bay Packers to at Lambeau Field and the Irish Rugby team at Soldier Field.

He performs on a 2007 Stefan-Peter Greiner violin.

For more about Gregory Harrington, visit his website: gregoryharrington.com

Photo by Gus Hobbs

Christine Tobin:
Sailing to Byzantium

on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage

Christine Tobin with Lauren Riley Rigby,  Phil Robson, Jim Ridl & Matt Brewer

Tuesday, August 27, 7pm

“Tobin gets the combination just right, giving emphasis to Yeats’ imagery and emotions, highlighting the subtler nuances, and opening the poems up to offer a new experience.” – All About Jazz

**** “There’s a thrilling, dark timbre to Tobin’s voice that moves you like no other singer… there are no weak spots in this excellent collection” – The Guardian

Renowned Irish jazz singer Christine Tobin performs Sailing to Byzantium, a collection of original songs written to twelve poems by W.B Yeats. This live performance will feature the songs from Tobin’s acclaimed 2012 album, which won a 2012 British Composer Award. For this ambitious project, Tobin selected a range of her favorite Yeats poems, from early work through to his final collection, including such beloved works as “When You Are Old” and “The Second Coming.” The broad palette of harmony and color throughout this collection draws on influences from folk, jazz, and twentieth century classical music.

This one night only live performance is the perfect program for music and poetry lovers alike. Don’t miss it!

Ticket Price: $25
Member Price: $10

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“There’s a kind of alchemy at work, particularly in how she uses her warmly distinctive voice,  malleable, poised phrasing and impeccable intonation to get inside the material.” –The Irish Times

**** “In this beautiful collection of songs based on the poetry of WB Yeats, vocalist Christine Tobin has created an unqualified masterpiece.” – Jazzwise Music Magazine

Learn more: www.christine-tobin.com

Christine Tobin Bio:

The Irish born vocalist and composer Christine Tobin is renowned for her unique rich voice and original compositional style. She recently relocated to New York having forged a name for herself in the London jazz world where she lived for some years. With eleven highly acclaimed CDs under her own name and four major awards under her belt, Christine is treasured internationally as one of the leading lights on the contemporary scene.

Her authentic sound was described by The Guardian as ‘Tobin’s 24 carat voice’ while praising her both for the poetry of her compositions and the warmth of her golden voice. Her style, although rooted in jazz, is eclectic and draws on a broad range of influences. MOJO Music Magazine said of her ‘Christine Tobin really transcends glib genre-fication. Her expressive range acknowledges finely acquired folk, jazz and 20th-century classical influences, which already sets her apart. And everything is shot through with an unmistakable refinement, free-spirited earthiness and giddy romanticism, this singer-songwriter is in a field of one.’

She has led various projects and in 2012 ‘Sailing to Byzantium’, her settings of WB Yeats poems, won a British Composer Award. The following year she won a ‘Herald Angel Award’ at the Edinburgh Festival for her show ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’, her imaginative versions of Leonard Cohen classics. In 2014 she won ‘Jazz Vocalist of the Year’ at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Earlier in her career Christine won ‘Best Vocalist’ at the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards.

Her vivid interpretations of Bessie Smith were featured in film director Mike Figgis’ Red White and Blues docu/film in the Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues series. Christine has also presented special features for BBC Radio 3’s cutting edge program Jazz On 3 and appeared regularly on Jazz Library also for BBC Radio 3. She has contributed to programs about Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Joni Mitchell, and Carmen McRae. The special documentary program she presented for RTE Lyric FM ‘Out with Paganism’, was a Silver Radio Winner at the New York Festivals – 2013 World’s Best Radio Programs.

Gregory Harrington & Friends

on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage

Gregory Harrington with Eleanor Norton, Zsaz Rutkowski, and Brandon Lewis

Monday, July 29, 2019 at 7pm

Just off his recent successful debut of his new album, “Without You”, Gregory Harrington presents an eclectic and intimate evening of his unique interpretations of great classics to modern greats.  Joined by two highly-acclaimed cellists: Eleanor Norton and Zsaz Rutkowski, one of Ireland’s leading young tenors David O’Leary, and with Brandon Lewis on drums, the evening will journey from Bach to Dave Brubeck and incorporate songs and works by Andrea Bocelli, John Coltrane, Leonard Cohen and many in between.

Recent appearances by Gregory Harrington at Irish Rep have sold out in record time! Don’t miss this popular show!

Ticket Price: $25
Member Price: $10

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Want to see both Gregory Harrington and Friends and Christine Tobin: Sailing to Byzantium?
Save by booking both now through our Summer Concert Package – only $40! ($10 off single ticket prices!)

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Gregory Harrington Bio:

Born in Dublin and based in New York City, violinist Gregory Harrington is redefining the classical virtuoso for the 21st century.  His unique ability to transform popular jazz, rock and pop music into brand new violin concert pieces has enthralled audiences around the world.  As noted by critics, Mr. Harrington juxtaposes Bach and Bob Dylan, Beethoven and Leonard Cohen, Radiohead and Johnny Cash to staggering effect.  As a performer/arranger with orchestra or his performing groups, Harrington’s cross-cultural and wide-reaching appeal has brought him to perform for Presidents and Vice Presidents, celebrities, heads of state, the United Nations and millions of music fans around the globe.

In 2006 he founded a record label, Estile Records, having released 3 critically acclaimed albums to date.  On stage, his transcriptions of iconic songwriters, classical masterworks and film score greats have all received acclaim in performance and on recordings.  His fourth album Without You, was released in June 2019 and comprises 11 emotionally charged tracks of reimagined pop and jazz love songs for jazz quartet.  In 2020, he will release a recording of Philip Glass’ music with the Janacek Philharmonic and conductor Mark Shapiro.  This CD will include his own arrangement of the “Hours Suite” (based on the Oscar nominated score) and the Violin Concerto No. 2 “American Four Seasons”.

Today, Harrington is one of Ireland’s most recognized artists, having performed all over the world as soloist with many orchestras such as the San Diego Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Mexico City Philharmonic, RTE Concert Orchestra and the Janacek Philharmonic under Thomas Wilkins, Robert Houlihan, Mariusz Smolij and Mark Shapiro amongst others.  He was invited by NBC LIVE to open the St Patricks Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York and has performed anthems for iconic sports teams including the Green Bay Packers to at Lambeau Field and the Irish Rugby team at Soldier Field.

He performs on a 2007 Stefan-Peter Greiner violin.

Set List
Albeniz: Asturias
Bach: Air
Leonard Cohen: Hallelujah
David Brubeck: Blue Rondo Alla Turk
Michel Colombier: Emmanuel
Billy Joel: Air Dublinesque
Glen Hansard : “Falling Slowly”
Damien Rice: The Blowers Daughter
David Brubeck: Take 5
Time to Say Goodbye
Trad: Parting Glass

For more about Gregory Harrington, visit his website: gregoryharrington.com

Photo by Anatole Kanevsky

Sean, Women, and Song: A Musical Tribute

The W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre

Lyrics by Sean O’Casey
Written and Directed by Stephen Kennedy Murphy

Saturday, May 4 at 8pm &
Sunday, May 5 at 3pm

Sean, Women, and Song is a musical celebration of the women who sing the traditional, popular, and classical melodies to which O’Casey wrote lyrics in his plays.

They are powerful women who wage war with prudish clergy, corrupt capitalists, and an array of atrophied patriarchs with their youthful spirit and rebel feminism.

They will give clarion voice to O’Casey’s love of liberty in this concert of songs woven together with a narration written by Stephen Kennedy Murphy, who has arranged music for The O’Casey Reading Series, to which Sean, Women, and Song will offer a lovely, lyrical finale.

Tickets to this special event are available now for $15 ($10 for Irish Rep Members & O’Casey Cycle Subscribers).

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The Sean O’Casey Reading Series:
The Green Crow Caws:
Songs and Sat-Eire from Sean O’Casey’s Autobiography

The W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre

Written by Neil Bradley
Adapted from Writings by Sean O’Casey
Directed by Mark Shanahan

Thursday, April 4 at 7pm
Friday, April 5 at 8pm

“Some Latin writer once said: ‘If a crow would feed in quiet, it would have more meat.’ A thing this Green Crow could never do: it has always and has still to speak and speak while it seeks and finds its food, and so has had less meat than it might have had if only it had kept its big beak shut.” – Sean O’Casey, The Green Crow

Throughout the years, Sean O’Casey dubbed himself “The Green Crow” in several books of fulminations in which he used his caw to skewer hypocrisy and pomposity in a wide range of Irish targets that roused his ire, from W.B. Yeats to the Roman Catholic Church. There is a note of particular relish in the caws he directed against organized religion since he felt churches, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, denied life its simple pleasures.

An original work created for The Sean O’Casey Season at Irish Rep, The Green Crow Caws is an evening  of O’Casey songs and satire drawn from his autobiographical writings in which he employs his wonderfully sardonic wit on a number of topics. Join us to experience O’Casey’s grand, humorous salute to St. Patrick’s Day; uproarious send-up of The Playboy of the Western World riots; and dire meditations on the possibility of Russian paratroopers dropping from the skies onto the Emerald Sod.

Most of O’Casey’s jeremiads against people and institutions were because, in his opinion, they misrepresented life as dismal and hopeless. In his middle eighties he was all for a song and a dance in the robust style of the Elizabethans. The cynicism of his day he described as “sly, mean, and commonplace.”

In 84 years, O’Casey absorbed a lot of pain and disappointment, but he refused to be downhearted. The concluding three lines in one of his essays are:

Caw  Caw  Caw  Caw
A herald angel sings,
An evenin’s full of th’ green crows wings.

The Green Crow wrote like no other man in literature, personal, truthful, cackling – all showing beyond a shadow of a doubt that laughter is, indeed, the best revenge for anger.

All readings are free to attend. Invitations were sent via email. To request an invitation, call the Irish Rep box office at 212-727-2737.

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