Christmas cheer in Mayo town with festive harmony concerts

After performing at 14 sold out concerts internationally renowned vocalist Anne Marie Gibbons is back for the highly anticipated Festive Harmony concerts at Westport Town Hall Theatre, on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13.

She will be joined by Tenor Hugh Francis, The Cresham Academy of Irish Dancing, Castlebar Primary School Choir, Voices for Us Choir, The Music West Big Band, pianist Richard Lewis and some very special guests, to present a varied programme of music, dance, popular songs, musical theatre favourites, carols and Christmas cheer.

Mayo-born and based Anne Marie Gibbons, has performed all over the world in some of the most renowned theatres and concert halls. Such international credits include performances in Covent Garden London, Paris, Madrid, Adelaide, Lausanne, New York and Sydney. In Ireland she has appeared with orchestras including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Irish Baroque Orchestra and the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Born in Australia, Tenor Hugh Francis sings in many of the world’s major opera houses and concert halls across four continents, including Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, Tel Aviv and Sydney.

No night would be complete without pianist Richard Lewis who performs an eclectic mix of song selections that can range from the cheesy to the inspired!

Not only is Lewis’ patter quick-fire and knowledgeable, his piano playing is sublime, with selections that can range from The Lion King and Queen right through to Beethoven.

The Cresham Academy of Irish Dancing has a strong presence around Louisburgh, Westport and Castlebar, catering for children and adults at all levels. Directors Bernadine and Louise Cresham are vastly experienced, and their names are synonymous with success in the world of Irish Dancing. The Cresham Academy is renowned not only for producing award-winning dancers, but also for teaching and nurturing every dancer to the best of their individual ability.

Award winning choir Voices for Us, led by their Musical Director Paula Walsh, will perform on Friday, December 12 and the Castlebar Primary School Choir will perform on Saturday, December 13 led by their Musical Directors Catherine O’Driscoll and Nicole Scott. Joining them on the Saturday (only) will be The Music West Big Band, the west of Ireland's newest big band. Based at Music West in Castlebar, they play a varied repertoire of big band jazz, swing, Latin, rhythm and blues. They also perform songs from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald , Van Morrison, Caro Emerald and Kirsty McColl. Also, all of your Christmas big band favourites will be included.

The above artists will be joined each night by the following very special guests, all of whom have an affiliation with Westport and the surrounding areas: Anú, Róisin Quinn, Cera Maloney, Emma Mongey, Fia Murphy, Kara Gibbons Murray and Grace O’Malley.

For more information and booking details contact 098 28459 or visit here www.westporttheatre.com.