Mayo council chamber to host first ever public music event on Culture Night
ORGANISERS of the Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail, which will light up Castlebar town centre on Culture Night (September 19), are delighted to announce an unexpected location for two very special events.
For the first time, Mayo County Council will open the doors of the county chamber (Áras an Chontae, The Mall) to host a public music performance.
The atmospheric setting will be transformed into a vibrant stage for music and community spirit, offering audiences a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the chamber in a whole new way.
From 9 to 10 p.m., the St. Joseph’s Traditional Music Group will set the tone with lively traditional tunes, followed by the uplifting harmonies of the Le Chéile One Town One Voice Choir. Together, they will fill the chamber with energy, rhythm, and song - making this a night to remember.
Speaking about the collaboration, organisers at the Linenhall said: “Our celebration of Margaret Burke Sheridan will bring audiences to significant venues in Castlebar that many have never stepped inside before - including the council chamber and Christ Church. This is what Culture Night is all about: opening doors, sharing creativity, and bringing joy to the entire community.
“Like all our events on Culture night, this is free, no booking is required and first come, first seated.”
In addition to the chamber performance, the Linenhall Arts Centre invites everyone to (re)discover the magic of opera and to celebrate the extraordinary international career of Margaret Burke Sheridan through the many other events along the trail.
This year’s Culture Night promises to be a truly unique celebration, blending history, heritage and music into a spectacular evening that honours Castlebar’s most celebrated soprano.
Programme highlights:
Early Evening | 7 – 7.40 p.m.
Reading | La Sheridan: Adorable Diva (1885 – 1958) with author Anne Chambers in Christ Church, The Mall: A fascinating portrait of the trailblazing Irish soprano by the acclaimed biographer.
Late Night Trail | from 9 p.m. – Choose your own path through Castlebar’s streets and enjoy a series of intimate, inspiring events:
Live opera recitals with Anne Marie Gibbons and Alex Nisse at Christ Church, The Mall, 9.30 - 9.55 p.m. And from 10.15 - 10.40 p.m.
Traditional music and choir performances, Mayo Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, The Mall, F23 WF90:
9 - 9.25 p.m: St. Joseph’s Trad Group
9.30 - 9.50 p.m.: Le Cheile FRC One Town One Voice Choir
Talk by Yvonne McDermott, Castle Books, Main Street:
9 - 9.30 p.m.: Castlebar in Margaret’s Youth
9.50 - 10.20 p.m.: Margaret’s Childhood in Castlebar
Music and storytelling with John Hoban | upstairs at Bridge St., Main Street, 9.30 - 10 p.m. | 10.15 - 10.45 p.m.
Trad session with Ceoltóirí Humbert | Collectors Lane, 9 - 9.30 p.m. | 10 - 10.15 p.m.
Memorabilia display | Tourist Office and Castlebar Chamber, Linenhall Street, 9 - 11.30 p.m.
View some of the Prima Donna’s unique personal and operatice memorabilia made available by author Anne Chambers.
Exhibition | 'To Make a Blessing of My Song', Linenhall Foyer Gallery, Linenhall Street, 9 - 11.30 p.m.
Multimedia | A Diva’s Life in Light | MBS family home, The Mall, from 9 p.m. until late (weather dependent).
Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail
Castlebar will come alive on Friday, September 19, with the Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail - a vibrant evening of music, storytelling, exhibitions, and live performances celebrating Castlebar’s very own international opera star, Margaret Burke Sheridan.
Margaret Burke Sheridan (1889–1958), affectionately known as 'La Sheridan', was one of Ireland’s first great international opera stars and a world renowned interpreter of Puccini.
Born in Castlebar, she studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London before making her operatic debut in Italy, where she became celebrated for her powerful interpretations of Puccini’s heroines. Her performances at La Scala and other renowned opera houses won her worldwide acclaim, making her one of the most remarkable Irish sopranos of the 20th century.
Events will take place across multiple town centre venues, animating Castlebar in a unique celebration of music, creativity, and identity. From intimate opera recitals to traditional sessions, from talks and readings to multimedia projections, the trail promises to surprise and delight audiences of all ages.
“We are delighted that with the support of Culture Night Late we can bring these events to the very heart of our town,” said Fiona Neary, co-director of The Linenhall. “People can dip in and out, spend time at one event and move on, or decide to stay a while longer at a recital or performance. It’s an open invitation for the community to come together in celebration.”
All events are free of charge and no booking is required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Presented by The Linenhall, with thanks to all participating venues and artists, Elaine Mears, Jennifer Cunningham, Sean Reynolds, McDonald AV, Castlebar Library, Mayo County Council, The Arts Council, Mayo Arts Office, An Garda Síochána, all ushers, and Linenhall staff.