ST Columb's Church of Ireland Cathedral crowns the hill encircled by Derry's historic walls. St Eugene's Catholic cathedral faces it over the Bogside. The two cathedrals could stand as a symbol of Derry's divisions, but for the last five years they have instead been working together to promote the remarkable Two Cathedrals Festival, which runs for two weeks beginning today.
The fact that the festival happens at all is remarkable, but its standards are what really give it distinction. It has featured performers such as Victoria de los Angeles, Cecile Ousset, and The Sixteen, all at "prices which are probably the lowest in Europe" - a reflection of the solid financial support provided by local businesses. The aims and the standard of the festival have impressed Yehudi Menuhin, who has agreed to become the festival's honorary patron.
But the festival's backbone is the two cathedrals' choirs. Together they take part in Vespers at St Eugene's and Festival Matins at St Columb's, and also form the basis of the Festival Chorus, which in previous years has given inspired performances of Elgar's Dream Of Gerontius and Tippett's A Child Of Our Time at the festival's opening concert. A neutral venue is preferred for this event, and this year Harry Christophers will conduct the Ulster Orchestra and the Festival Chorus in Mozart's Requiem at the Derry Guildhall.
Next Monday St Columb's hosts Ruggiero Ricci and Daniel Adni, while St Eugene's winds up the festival on Saturday the 25th with a concert of early and contemporary music given by the Hilliard Ensemble. In between there is a semi staged Dido And Aeneas at the Guildhall next Thursday and various lighter, more popular concerts.
There are interesting lunchtime recitals by organist Shane Brennan and pianist Padhraid O Cuinneagain. The latter artist is appearing in First Derry Presbyterian Church, which is obviously not to be outdone. The festival will certainly boost community relations, and it will hopefully entice visitors from further afield, but principally it will be a feast of very good, music for the people of Derry.
Michael Dervan adds: Sligo Choral Festival runs over three days, from next Friday Sunday. The opening evening event, at Summerhill College, features a competition for folk choirs and ensembles, which has attracted entries from Russian, the Ukraine and Norway.
The major competition next Saturday evening is for four part choirs. Competitors will come from Ireland, Britain, and Germany, as well as countries represented in the opening competition.
Among the choirs participating are the Petersburgskie Serenady Chamber Choir, who have set out under their conductor Olga Zakharova to recreate a distinctive St Petersburg performing style, the all female Embla choir from Trondheim in Norway, and the Bath Camerata from England which is conducted by a former member of the King's Singers, Nigel Perrin. The festival closes on Sunday 20th with a cabaret at the Sligo Park Hotel.