McCormack songbook to be revisited in Athlone this evening

The former Fr Mathew Hall will be filled with the sounds of Count John McCormack once again this evening.

To celebrate National Music Day, the Luan Gallery is presenting Renditions Remastered: a recital of John McCormack’s repertoire with local baritone Darren O’Hara.

Darren will pay tribute to Ireland’s original tenor in his home town. He will be accompanied by musician Thom O’Neill for this performance of some of McCormack’s greatest songs.

The event will get underway from 5.30pm in the Library Gallery. Familiar songs such as ‘The Tumble-Down Shack in Athlone’ will be among the repertoire.

A most fitting venue for such an event, Luan Gallery’s Library Gallery is housed in the original Father Mathew Hall, where Count John McCormack frequently performed in the past.

Joanna Grobosz Athlone Art and Heritage guide said: 'National Music Day happens to fall one week after the 129th anniversary of Count John McCormack’s birth and we, at Athlone Art and Heritage, have chosen to celebrate this national music day and remember Athlone’s famous musical son in a concert performed at Luan Gallery.'

Darren O’Hara will be singing in the new surroundings of Luan Gallery’s current exhibition REMASTERED: works of original fine art print from Graphic Studio Dublin’s Visiting Artist Programme. On this upcoming celebration of art and music Darren said: 'It is truly an honour to pay tribute to the late Count John McCormack and have the opportunity to perform in the original Fr. Mathew Hall on this National Music Day. This will truly be a humbling experience for me.'

Renditions Remastered is a free musical event in the Luan Gallery at 5.30pm today (Friday). All are welcome.

The REMASTERED exhibition runs until June 29th.