Month: December 2024

Winter Weekend Trio of Classical Concerts

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Join Michael McHale, his friends and BBC R3 for a Winter Weekend at Portico, Portaferry

Winter weekends in January can be bleak but, for a stunning and heartwarming winter treat, Portico has the answer: Ulster pianist Michael McHale is returning to Portaferry but this time with his friends, oboist Juliana Koch and clarinettist Michael Collins, for three recitals over two days, for BBC Radio 3.

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Come to all three, stay a night, enjoy all that Portaferry has to offer from picturesque shoreside accomodation to the freshest of seafood.

Michael McHale needs no introduction to Ulster audiences – in his stellar career he has given recitals in most of the major concert venues in Europe and much further afield but it is always a joy to welcome him back to Portico in his native Ulster. In his first recital on Friday 31 January, Michael will play Mozart, Barber, Brahms and, to finish, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

On Saturday 1 February at 1pm he will be joined by Juliana Koch, Principal Oboe of the London Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Oboe at the Royal College of Music, London, for a lunchtime recital to include Britten and Prokofiev.

There’s time, then for a good walk along the shores of Strangford Lough and indulgent refreshment before returning in the evening when Michael will be joined by the international clarinettist Michael Collins, fresh from engagements with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. His astounding career has included stints with the Philharmonia, Minnesota, Swedish Chamber, Rheinische Philharmonie, Kyoto Symphony, BBC Concert and Kuopio Symphony Orchestras as well as tours in South Africa, Australia, Japan and Mexico. The two Michaels will play works by Finzi, Ferguson, Brahms and Poulenc.

Tickets are £17 per show or, for all 3 recitals the special price of £34. Portico’s specialist music programme is supported by National Lottery Good Causes through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.porticoards.com

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 2-8 December

 

  1. The Argory Christmas Fair, Moy, County Armagh, 7-8 December: Christmas at The Argory is all about the excitement of reviving festive traditions and sharing precious moments with loved ones. The Christmas Fair will return to The Argory, bigger, better and more festive than ever before, with live music, food and craft stalls and plenty of opportunities to tick off that Christmas gift list with unique locally made finds. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas. Families will also have the chance to meet Santa and his elves in the grotto.
  2. Castlerock Christmas Market at Bertha’s Bar, Castlerock, County Londonderry 7-8 December. The Castlerock Christmas Market returns to Bertha’s Bar. Visitors can stroll through a variety of stalls offering locally crafted gifts, treats, and seasonal décor, perfect for holiday shopping. Set against Castlerock’s scenic coastal backdrop, this market creates a magical opportunity to support local artisans and embrace the Christmas spirit on the Causeway Coast.
  3. Cranfield Alpaca Christmasfest, Kilkeel, County Down, 7, 14 & 21 December. Enjoy a magical Alpaca Christmasfest Experience and revel in the joy of the season with festive crafts, a special visit from Santa in the festive barn, and the chance to meet, walk, and feed adorable alpacas. Capture memorable moments with Santa, who brings gifts for everyone! Savour delicious refreshments, including hot chocolate with fresh cream and marshmallows, festive punch, and sweet treats like mince pies.
  4. Causeway Christmas, Bushmills, County Antrim, 7 & 14 December. See the award-winning Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre beautifully transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Embark on a magical Christmas Trail to discover the secrets hidden around the Visitor Centre and get your face painted before enjoying some traditional family games or creating your very own decoration. The latest addition to the Causeway Christmas 2024 programme is the one and only ‘North Coast Circus’.
  5. A Christmas Sing-Along with Northern Ireland Opera, Belfast, 7 December. Come along for an hour of festive music with Northern Ireland Opera in The Hub, The Custom House in Belfast’s historic Custom House Square. Members of the Northern Ireland Opera Chorus will perform some much-loved Christmas music and then there’ll be an opportunity for the audience to join in with some favourite seasonal tunes and carols.
  6. A Christmas Twilight Tour with Celtic Grace, Strangford, County Down, 7 December. Step into the enchanting world of Georgian Christmas at Castle Ward with an evening tour designed to capture the spirit and splendour of the season. Begin your evening with a drinks reception, then embark on a twilight tour through the festively adorned house. The rooms will be draped in colourful garlands, with tables set with lavish foods and wines, filling the air with the rich scents of Christmas. Our living history performers will guide you through the halls, offering a glimpse into the lively Georgian traditions that once filled these rooms with mirth and jollity.
  7. Mrs Claus’s Cottage, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 7-8 December. Gather around the fire as Mrs Claus shares heartwarming festive stories, bringing the magic of Christmas to life. After story-time, children will join Mrs. Claus’s cheerful elves in their busy workshop to create their very own festive keepsake and decorate a delicious gingerbread man to take home. This enchanting experience is perfect for families looking to embrace the holiday spirit with crafts, sweet treats, and unforgettable memories.
  8. A Very Victorian Crafty Christmas at the Poorhouse, Belfast, 8 December. Escape the hustle and bustle, indulge in creativity, and relive the magic of a classic Victorian Christmas in an event tailored just for grown-ups. Hear more about the Christmas traditions in the house from experienced tour guides and make a traditional Victorian Christmas bauble to take home whilst enjoying some festive refreshments.
  9. Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, 6 December – 3 January. Step into a Christmas past, full of nostalgia and traditions, as you wander the wintry streets of the Folk Park. Take in the Christmas décor, smells and festive flavours as you wander the cobbled streets of olde Ulster and America. On weekends, there’ll be Christmas crafts for kids, mince pies and warmed apple punch from Mrs Claus’ Bakery, plus festive tunes and Christmas storytelling sessions. Mummer characters will entertain you and there are also horse and carriage rides.
  10. December Winter Walks at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 1-4 December. Discover the hidden beauty of winter at Mount Stewart in this enchanting garden walk. Experience a secret world of stunning flowers, intricate bark, and striking stems that will inspire and elevate your own garden. Marvel at winter blooms and see how seasonal flowers like hellebores, snowdrops, and winter aconites bring colour and life to the cold months.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

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