17 & 18  HIS*STORY (Tribute Music) SOLD OUT !

Fri 18     Seminar with Music Composer Ciaran Hope

Mon 21   Eimear Quinn (Music)

Tues       Noah’s Ark Toddler Group

Thur       Jo Jingles Jamboree Group

Sat         The Gaiety School of Acting

(Click on the event for further information)

IN THE GALLERY                                                             Your Hair Blows the Same Way As Mine                  Artist Suzy O’Mullane (Exhibition) until Sat 6 March

Wednesday  03  FEBRUARY                                            Beaufort College Variety Concert

Friday  05  FEBRUARY                                                Neil Delamere’s - Bookmark’s (Comedy)                  SOLD OUT !!

Saturday 06 FEBRUARY                                                  RTE Vanbrugh Quartet (Classical Music )                         Performing Mozart, Shostakovich and Beethoven

Thursday 11 FEBRUARY                                                 Bacon’s Arena (Film)                                                        A docu-film about the life of artist Francis Bacon

Friday 12 FEBRUARY                                                Forgotten by Fishamble: The New Play Co (Theatre)     A captivating portrayal of four elderly characters

Wednesday 17 FEBRUARY                                             Portico Quartet (UK) (Jazz)                                           A jazz combo that’s ground-breaking and wildly popular

Friday 19 FEBRUARY                                                  2010: A Space Oddity (Theatre)                                      A play that takes us into a world of science fiction and spoof

Saturday 20 FEBRUARY                                                Ardal O’Hanlon - Stands Up Tour (Comedy)

Monday  22 FEBRUARY                                                Nanci Griffith - The Lovin’ Kind Tour  (Music)                             SOLD OUT

Thursday 25 FEBRUARY                                                 Script Club                                                                       Like a book club but with plays

Friday 26 FEBRUARY                                                    HIS*STORY ( Music)                                                         Michael Jackson Tribute Show. Back by popular demand

Tuesdays                                                                    Noah’s Ark Toddler Group

Thursdays                                                                      Jo Jingles Jamboree Group

Saturdays                                                                   The Gaiety School of Acting

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IN THE GALLERY                                                             Your Hair Blows the Same Way As Mine                  Artist Suzy O’Mullane (Exhibition) until Sat 6 March

Thursday 04 MARCH                                            National Dance Company Wales (Dance)               Exhilarating dance from the company known as Diversions

Friday 05 MARCH                                                           Jack L and his band  (Music)

Saturday 06 & Sunday 07 MARCH                         Lighting a Show Workshop                                             A two day introduction to the art of stage lighting

Monday 08 MARCH                                                       International Women’s Day

Thursday 11 & Friday 12 MARCH                                 An Triail (Schools)                                                  Leaving Cert play in Irish by Mairéad Ní Ghráda

Satursday 13 MARCH                                                  Cooney & Blumina (Classical)                                  Violinist and pianist perform a delectable programme

Friday 19 - Saturday 27                                           Copacabana (Musical)                                                     St Mary’s present the new Barry Manilow musical

Friday 26 MARCH                                                        Pile(give or take) (Visual Arts)                                       Artist Catherine Delaney converts the gallery into a clothes recycling centre

Tuesdays                                                                    Noah’s Ark Toddler Group

Saturdays                                                                   The Gaiety School of Acting

Next Script Club: Wednesday 23rd June @ 7pm. Discussing Deirdre Kinahan’s new play Bogboy.

SCRIPT CLUB is a new venture being launched by Tall Tales Theatre Company and Solstice Arts Centre in association with the Meath County Council Arts Office.

What is it?
SCRIPT CLUB works along the same lines as a book club. Tall Tales have picked out various different types of plays that members of SCRIPT CLUB read during the month and then everyone gets together in The Solstice for a cuppa or maybe a glass of wine to discuss the play in question. That’s it, simple! Aswell as monthly get togethers we will also be organising for the odd cheap tickets trip to the theatre to coincide with plays we are reading at the time as well as getting speakers down every now and then to give us some ‘insight’ into the plays.

How do I join and how much is it?
All you have to do email Tracy at info@talltales.ie to say you’d like to attend. Then you buy your copy of that months play in Bookwise in Navan town centre. Read the play and come along to see what everyone else thought of it. Apart from the price of the play membership of SCRIPT CLUB is free!!

What plays will we be reading?
The following plays have been picked out by Tall Tales Artistic Director Deirdre Kinahan.

Do I have to speak at the meetings and do I have to attend each one?
Absolutely not! You can come and go as you please and if your preference is to just come and listen to others wax lyrical then that’s perfectly allright.

< go back to February events

Dowload the season brochure April - June 2010

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Monday 26 APRIL  - Saturday 8 MAY                   Inbetween (Exhibition)                                         Presented in association with Meath Arts Group this short exhibition features the works of Peter McKenna, Loreta Reilly and Marysia Harasimowicz

Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 APRIL                       Musical Extravaganza/Meath VEC                                 A concert showcasing the range, diversity and quality of young talent in Co. Meath schools

To help us continue nurturing and developing the arts in Meath and  reach new audiences, we are calling on you – our supporters, our customers to become a Patron of Solstice.

Being a Patron of Solstice your contribution will help us to develop our artistic programme, bringing top quality national and international works of artistic and cultural importance to Co. Meath while also helping us assist with local arts development.  As a Patron you will, at first hand, experience this worthwhile and valuable development while also benefiting from your contribution in a number of meaningful ways.

There are three levels to our  Patronage scheme. Click on the Patronages below to purchase.

Single Patronage       € 60

Double Patronage     €100

Gold Patronage        €150

We have made a conscious move from our existing Membership scheme to this new Patronage scheme as we feel our supporters will not only benefit more from such scheme, but play a vital role in the development and growth of the organisation.

Choose from one of our Patronage schemes and your benefits will include;

A Special Patrons Evening, includes ticket(s) to a performance and hospitality (1 ticket for Single Patrons, 2 tickets for Double and Gold Patrons)

Priority Booking (Book for popular events before they go on general release)

Discounted Patron Ticket Rates (Based on 1 ticket for Single Patrons, 2 tickets for Double and Gold Patrons

10% discount on gallery sales

Recruit a new Patron and receive extra benefits

Regular 2 for 1 offers

…….Exclusive to Gold Patrons

Entertain guests or simply enjoy 4 complimentary tickets to use at your leisure.

Please contact Áine Kiernan if you wish to pursue with becoming a Patron of Solstice or if you have any further questions..  T: 046 909 2300| E: aine.kiernan@solsticeartscentre.ie

We look forward to welcoming you to Solstice on your future visits to the centre.
Registered in Ireland No. 387313/ Charity No. CHY 17588

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(Click on the event for further information.)

IN THE GALLERY                                                    Thursday 20 MAY  - Saturday 03 JULY                    Noughties but Nice: 21st Century Irish Art               This exciting exhibition surveys the extensive terrain of art made in Ireland during the first decade of this millennium

> go to JULY events

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Thursday  15 - Saturday 31 JULY                                 Navan Camera Club Exhibition ” Elements”

Friday 23 JULY                                                      Quatrain (World Music)                                                  An exciting tarab ensemble who perform a rare mix of jazz and traditional music from across Europe

Saturday 24 JULY                                                    Eden (Theatre)                                                               A moving play about the disintegration of a marriage.

Monday 26 - Friday 30th JULY                          Artzone Summer Art Camp                                          Join Artzone’s qualifed teachers in a fun, creative summer camp. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.

Box Office will remain open during this period, Monday - Friday (11am - 5pm). You can also contact us on 046 909 2300.

To go to September events, click here 

Thursday 2nd - Friday 24th SEPTEMBER                  Lost and Found (Visual Arts)                                         Lost and Found explores the megalithic art of County Meath by connecting investigative practices of archaeologist and artist

Wednesday 8th SEPTEMBER                                       Tommy Tiernan (Comedy)                                             SOLD OUT!

Saturday 11th SEPTEMBER                                       Life Drawing Session

Monday 13th SEPTEMBER                                           Speech & Drama Classes                                                Term 1 commences. With Penelope Moorhead

Thursday 16th SEPTEMBER                                          Jo Jingles (Term 1 starts)

Saturday 18th SEPTEMBER                                            The Gaiety School of Acting                                       Term 1 commences

Saturday 18th SEPTEMBER                                           The Diary of Anne Frank (Opera)                                  A heartrending opera by Russian composer Grigory Frid that recreates the world of Anne Frank in hiding.

Friday 24th SEPTEMBER                                              Kit Downes Trio (Jazz)                                                  A jazz trio inspired by Bela Bartok, Keith Jarrett and Rufus Wainwright.

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th SEPTEMBER                  Directing for the Stage: Peter Sheridan (Workshop)      

Saturday 25th SEPTEMBER                                            An Evening with Peter Sheridan (Theatre) 

Thursday 30th SEPTEMBER                                          Dickie Rock (Music)                      

30th SEPT- 22nd OCT                                                Patrick Reel (b. 1935)                                                This exhibition demonstrates a range of painting techniques from the detailed layered abstractions, to his current colour based atmospheric compositions

Opera Theatre Company presents

(One Act, 53 minutes)                                         
Vivid and insightful, this heartrending opera recreates the world of 13 year-old Anne Frank in hiding, living in hope and fear, longing for normality for herself and her family.

Opera Theatre Company’s 24th year of touring opera throughout Ireland continues with this memorable and atmospheric opera. Russian composer Grigory Frid, whose own family suffered enormously under Stalin, was so inspired by Anne Frank’s diary that he created the opera in 1969.

Sung in English, her powerful optimism and unbending will to live continue to instill awe. The focus is on Anne Frank’s original words – her joy over a glimpse of blue sky, the budding love for her friend Peter, her determination to remain courageous, her humour and resilient hopes for freedom – all find moving and eloquent expression in the poignant score.

With Andrew Synnott conducting Opera Theatre Company’s eight-piece chamber orchestra and with direction by Ingrid Craigie and Annilese Miskimmon, this compelling production should not be missed.

Duration: (1 Act, 53 minutes)

Early Bird Booker: Book before 10th September for only €16!

Tickets €20/€16 concession

< go back to SEPTEMBER events 

Presented by Calipo Theatre Company

10 Dates with Mad Mary: A Romantic Comedy (sort of)
By Yasmine Akram

Mary McArdle is the toughest fighter in town, a title that earned her the moniker ‘Mad Mary’ when she was 15. Now she’s 25 and just out of prison. Back home, everything has changed. All the old gang have grown up, and the only thing Mary has to look forward to is being bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding. But even this comes at a price - she has to find a date for the big day, and finding a date in a town where everyone knows your name is not going to be easy.

Calipo Theatre Company invite you to join Mad Mary as she searches for a ‘nice boy’ among the geeks, freaks and misfits of small town Ireland, learning the hard way that sometimes being a lover is tougher than being a fighter.

Directed by: Darren Thornton

Set Design: Kieran McNulty

Lighting Design: Sarah Jane Shields

Costume Design: Suzanne Keogh

Sound Design: Jack Cawley.
REVIEWS “Laugh out loud funny………..an accomplished piece of work”.
Irish Theatre Magazine.

“Sets the serially abused monologue back on its feet for one last stagger through the underbelly of Irish Urban Life”. Irish Independent.

Early Bird Special Offer: Is your name Mary? Book before 23rd September for only €10

Ticket PRICE €15/€12

< go back to OCTOBER events 

Friday 1st OCTOBER                                                Michael Joyce & Heloise Geoghegan (Classical Music) This talented piano/violin duo present a delectable programme including the classical works of Beethoven, Poulenc and Strauss.

Saturday 2nd OCTOBER                                               Awakening (Spiritual)                                                One night with an incredible message of hope

Sunday 3rd OCTOBER                                                  His Glory Appears  (Music)                                   Award-winning singer Jenny McCabe performs spiritual, gospel & inspirational songs

Wednesday 6th OCTOBER                                          Steve Cole (Children’s Literature)                              In association with Meath County Libraries and the Children’s Books Festival

Thursday 7th OCTOBER                                                  10 Dates with Mad Mary  (Theatre)                            Join Mad Mary as she searches for a ‘nice boy’ among the geeks, freaks and misfits of small town Ireland

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th OCTOBER                   Romeo & Juliet / Ballet Ireland (Ballet)                        A new production of the timeless Shakespeare tale

Tuesday 19th OCTOBER                                                All Island Schools Choir Competition (Choral)             In this Regional leg of the competition five school choirs battle it out for a place in the final

Friday 22nd OCTOBER                                                    Phil Coulter in Concert (Music)                                       With special guest Chloe Coyle (Winner of The All Ireland Talent Show)

Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th OCTOBER                      Set Design with Maree Kearns (Workshop)      

Wed 27th - Thurs 28th OCTOBER                            Wedding Bells (Theatre)                                      Presented by Hands of Friendship Productions & Navan Travellers Workshop

Friday 29th OCTOBER                                               The Three Tenors (Music)                                           John Scott, David Martin, Nigel Dugdale

Saturday 30th OCTOBER                                           Life Drawing Session

29th OCTOBER - 27th  NOVEMBER                                Alan Phelan: New Work (Visual Arts)

Time: 8.00pm

Ballet Ireland is delighted to announce plans to present a brand new production of Romeo & Juliet choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. The production will have its world premiere at the Gaiety Theatre on Tuesday October 19th. Shakespeare’s tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Against a backdrop of ancient feuds and gang warfare, the ill-fated young couple falls instantly and hopelessly in love. But their families are bitter enemies, and in order to be together the two lovers must be prepared to risk everything…

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OFFER :  Book tickets for Romeo & Juliet before 17th September for only €16!

Ticket Price after 10th September: €20 full price /€16 concession /046 9092300

< go back to OCTOBER events

Up in that Pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artistes of all time in Ireland,  rubbing shoulders with Bono and the Boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter.  You shouldn’t be!

It’s now twenty years since the distinctive sound of Tranquility, featuring Phil’s piano and orchestra, first seduced the whole of Ireland with its easy melodic charm, before going on to make believers around the world.   With record sales now counted in millions, as well as a Grammy nomination, several appearances in the White House and sold out international tours, it’s been quite a ride.

Not that Phil Coulter had been a stranger to success in the music biz prior to that.   In the twenty years before Tranquility he had achieved world-wide recognition as a hit songwriter, notching up chart entries with a diverse list of acts from Elvis Presley to Waylon Jennings, from Bobby Vinton to The Bay City Rollers.   His production credits include Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Elvis Costello and Richard Harris  while in Ireland his successes have ranged from the Dubliners to Planxty, from Paddy Reilly to the Furey Brothers.

He has performed with everyone from James Galway and the London Symphony Orchestra to Nanci Griffith and The Blue Moon Orchestra, not to mention Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein and Quincy Jones!

He has contributed at least four titles to the list of Great Irish Songs  - the anthems ‘The Town I Loved So Well’ and ‘Ireland’s Call’ and the haunting ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’ and ‘Steal Away’.

Now he has brought all of that musical experience and his boundless enthusiasm to help create another phenomenon, Celtic Thunder.   His well honed craft as a songwriter, coupled with his command of orchestral textures and an unerring ear for a great song, combine to make this show a treat for the ears.   As he says himself  “I can’t remember another project when I had so much fun!”

Phil Coulter with Special Guest Chloe Coyle (Winner of The All Ireland Talent Show) will play at the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan on Fri 22nd Oct at 8pm.

Ticket Price: €27.50 Full Price / €25 concessions. Call 046 9092300

< go back to OCTOBER events

“Golden” the debut album by the Kit Downes Trio has been shortlisted for the highly prestigious Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2010

Pianist/composer Kit Downes exploded onto the British Jazz Scene playing with the band Empirical, taking him through Europe and America, and then with Troyka, Fraud and Acoustic Ladyland. He then went on to win the BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star in 2008, as well as a Yamaha Scholorship in 2009. Now, two years on, Kit has moved on to his own trio project and this debut album sees him developing as a strong voice both as a performer and composer. Joined by his two Royal Academy colleagues award winning bassist Calum Gourlay and rising drum star James Maddren the music displays a level of understanding and intelligence between players that can only come from working closely together for a number of years. They read each other perfectly.
The band has spent these years developing their own personal sound. The music is immediately arresting and stands repeated listening. It uses melody, inspired from a range of sources ranging from Bela Bartok to Keith Jarrett to Rufus Wainwright, and endeavours both to celebrate the classic piano trio tradition as well as develop it. They have recorded live sessions for BBC Jazz on 3 as well as playing at the London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Glasgow Jazz Festival.

2-4-3 OFFER: Buy 2 tickets get a third FREE

Ticket Price: €15/€12 concession / 046 909 2300

< go back to September events

Times: 8pm nightly, 12noon school’s performance on Wednesday 17th

St Patrick’s Classical School, Navan in conjunction with St Michael’s Loreto, Navan present the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical South Pacific.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” is set on a tropical island during World War II where U.S Navy nurse Nellie Forbush  falls “In Love With a Wonderful Guy” , a French planter named Emile de Becque.

Meanwhile clean cut Lieutenant Joe Cable has fallen in love with young Liat. Both couples’ happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Also on the island are dozens of locals and Navy , all of whom break into wonderful song at all the right moments. The show’s gorgeous score includes “Cockeyed Optimist“, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair“,   and “Honeybun“.

Ticket Price: €10              Call: 046 909 2300

< go back to NOVEMBER events  

IN THE GALLERY                                                        until  27th  NOVEMBER                                                  Alan Phelan: New Work (Visual Arts)

Thursday 4th NOVEMBER                                          Patsy Cline Concert - Sandy Kelly                               All your favourite Patsy Cline songs from ‘Crazy’ to ‘I Fall to Pieces’

Saturday 6th NOVEMBER                                              Cappa Ensemble (Classical Music)                                 An exciting young chamber ensemble who perform classical and contempory works.

Sunday 7th NOVEMBER                                                  Des Bishop (Comedy)                                                SOLD OUT!

Wed 10th - Thurs 11th NOVEMBER                                Little Gem (Theatre)                                                    The story of a year in the life of three generations of women

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th NOVEMBER                    Raise the Pulse (Local Arts)                                    Dance Force Academy present their annual showcase

Wednesday 17th - Friday 19th NOVEMBER                  South Pacific  (Musical)                                                  Presented by St Patrick’s Classical School and St Michael’s Loreto, Navan.

Saturday 20th NOVEMBER                                        Brian Kennedy (Music)

Wednesday 24th - Sunday 28th NOVEMBER                 Translations (Theatre)                                            Navan Theatre Group present Brian Friel’s timeless play

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th NOVEMBER                   Screenwriting with Eugene O’Brien (Workshop) 

Music Network present

WINNERS OF MUSIC NETWORK’S YOUNG MUSICWIDE COMPETITION IN 2009

Cappa Ensemble

Named after the celebrated 17th century Italian violin-maker Gioffredo Cappa, this exciting young chamber ensemble has quickly established itself as a quartet of outstanding artistry, equally at home playing classical and contemporary works. Previously a very successful string quartet, in July 2008 the group shifted its focus to performing works for both string trio and piano quartet. It has toured extensively in Australasia and Japan as well as enjoying a busy concert schedule performing to audiences throughout the UK. Its four members are all top-notch performers in their own right – and both Brian O’Kane and Michael McHale are former winners of the Camerata Ireland Young Musician of the Year. McHale has established himself as one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation, while cellist O’Kane has collaborated with artists such as the Vanbrugh Quartet, the Philharmonia Orchestra and Vladimir Ashkenazy. Polish violinist Bartosz Woroch has toured with the Bern Symphony Orchestra and the Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra and performed at the Barbican and the Wigmore Hall, and violist Adam Newman has played with the London Steve Reich Ensemble, the English Chamber Orchestra and the London Conchord Ensemble

PROGRAMME:

Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor k.478

Walton Piano Quartet in D minor

Elaine Agnew String Trio – 3 Angry Men

Schumann Piano Quartet in E flat major Op.47

REVIEW “This young award-winning Belfast pianist has an intuitive feel for music, and can cross musical boundaries effortlessly.” Sunday Business Post on Michael McHale

3-4-2 Special Offer: Book 2 tickets get a third free!

Ticket Price:  €15/€12 concession

< go back to NOVEMBER events

Music Network presents

Prepare for a night to remember as opera star Cara O’Sullivan reveals a more intimate side to her singing with a collection of gorgeous art songs and lieder. Famed for her sparkling voice, Cara has enraptured audiences in many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Sydney Opera House, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Opera de Paris and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. Her wide-ranging repertoire includes the roles of Donna Anna in Don Giovanni and Fiordiligi in Cosi fan Tutte, as well as singing solo soprano in choral works such as Handel’s Messiah and Britten’s War Requiem. For this tour Cara is joined by award-winning Irish pianist Ciara Moroney.

Programme includes;
H. Purcell
Blessed Virgin’s Expostulation
(realisation by B. Britten)

Five songs by Schubert
Der Müsensohn (Goethe)
Litaney (Jacobi)
Ganymed (Goethe)
An die Musik (Schober)
Versunken (Goethe)

C. Debussy
Ariettes Oubliées (P. Verlaine)
C’est l’extase
Il pleure dans mon Coeur
L’ombre des arbres
Paysages belges:
Cheveax de bois
Aquarelles 1: Green
Aquarelles 2: Spleen

A. Fleischmann
Trí Ámhrain (or Wallace commission)

J. Rodrigo
Cuatro madrigals amatorios

(Anon)
“Con qué la lavaré”
Vos me matásteis
“De dónde venís, amore”
De los álamos vengo, madre

Three songs by Reynaldo Hahn
Si mes vers avaient des ailes (V. Hugo)
Quand je fus pris au pavillon (C. d’Orleans)
Chloris (T. de Viau)

Art songs written by acclaimed operatic composers

C. Gounod Serenade
G. Rossini Pastorella delle Alpi
V. Bellini Vaga Luna
G. Donizetti La Zingara
G. Verdi Lo Spazzacamino

REVIEW: “O’Sullivan is undoubtedly the Irish superstar of her generation.” The Irish Times

3-4-2 Special Offer: Book 2 tickets get a third free!

Ticket Price: €15/€12 concession

< go back to DECEMBER events

Wed 1st & Thurs 2nd DECEMBER                                The Fourth Wise Man (Children’s Theatre)

Thursday 2nd DECEMBER                                     Solstice Christmas Decoration Launch    

Friday 3rd DECEMBER                                               Cara O’Sullivan (Classical)                                           One of Ireland’s leading soprano’s presents a magical evenings entertainment.

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th DECEMBER                 Merry Christmas! (Variety)

Friday 10th DECEMBER                                          Christmas on Broadway (Music)                                 An evening of guaranteed Christmas ‘glow’

Saturday 11th DECEMBER                                              Life Drawing Session

Thursday 9th - Thurday 23rd DECEMBER                Going Solo Award Exhibition - Sinead Fahey          2010 winner of the Meath County Council Arts Office in association with Solstice Arts Centre ‘Going Solo Award’

Sunday 12th DECEMBER                                        Navan Silver Band Christmas Concert (Music)

Wednesday 15th - Sunday 19th DECEMBER                 Grease Lightning (Musical)                              Presented by The Academy of Performing Arts

This talented piano/violin duo present a delectable programme including the classical works of Beethoven, Poulenc and Strauss.

For a full programme for this concert, click on this link

3-4-2 Special Offer: Buy 3 tickets get a third free!

Ticket Price:  €15/€12 concession / 046 909 2300

Héloîse Geoghegan, born in Ireland, began violin at age 6 and went on to win many national competitions both within and outside her age group. Described by Franco Gulli as very gifted, at 16 she recorded the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No.3 with the RTE Concert Orchestra for the ‘Rising Young Star’ series. Upon finishing school she won a scholarship to study in Florence, Italy, at the renowned Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. There she immersed herself in intense chamber music training, studying with the critically acclaimed Trio di Milano - Bruno Canino, Mariana Sirbu and Rocco Filippini. After Florence Héloîse continued her studies with Professor Mariana Sirbu at one of Germany’s most historic music colleges, the Felix Mendelssohn Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig. During her studies there she was awarded a place in the Gewandhaus Orchestra, Leipzig. Héloîse went on to complete both her degree (2006) and her masters (2009) with 1st class honours. Heloise has taken masterclasses with Franco Gulli, Jean-Jacques Kantorow, Stefan Georghiu, Rainer Kussmaul, Nora Chastain, Bruno Giuranna and Menahem Pressler. In 2004 Héloîse made her successful debut as soloist with the Irish National Symphony Orchestra in the National Concert Hall, Dublin, with a captivating performance of Chausson’s Poème. She returned in 2006 and received a wonderful reception for her performance of Bruch’s violin concerto in G minor which was broadcast live throughout Europe. Héloîse has given recitals at the Lago di Como and Pontino Festivals (Italy), L’ASAM Concert Series in Siracusa (Sicily), Toscana Classica Concert Series (Florence), West Cork Chamber Music, Kilkenny Arts (Ireland) and Suolsalmi (Finland) Festivals. In chamber music she has collaborated with Mariana Sirbu, Rocco Filippini, Bruno Giuranna, Phillip Moll, Michael Joyce, Christian Giger, Tatjana Masurenko and Massimo Paris. 2009 highlights included performances of Mendelssohn’s violin concerto in E minor with the NSO in the National Concert Hall in Dublin and a tour with L’Orchestra del’Instituto Bellini in Italy. In December 2009 Héloîse became the new second violinist of the Callino Quartet. They were awarded a winter residency at the Banff centre in Canada in February and went on to make their Carnegie Hall debut in March 2010.

Michael Joyce began his piano studies at the Cork School of Music with Dr Bridget Doolan and Jan Čáp and where he himself currently teaches.  He continued his studies with Nerine Barrett and Renate Kretschmar-Fischer at the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold, Germany, graduating with a first class honours BMus degree. After completing his studies in Germany, Michael worked as a teaching assistant at Yale University while pursing a Master of Music degree with Peter Frankl. Michael has performed in recital with singers Pauline Tinsley and Edel O’Brien, violist Nobuko Imai, violinists Héloîse Geoghegan, David Stewart, Keith Pascoe, Catherine Leonard, cellist Pavel Gomziakov and pianist Ciara Moroney. In 2006 Héloîse and Michael founded the Bellatrix Piano Trio with cellist Gerald Peregrine with whom they were artists in residence at the University of Limerick.  The Trio reached the semi-finals of the 2006 Vittorio Gui International Chamber Music Competition, in Florence Italy and performed recitals in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland.

Héloîse and Michael perform regularly as a duo. Recent performances include Music for Wexford, the Felix Mendelssohn Hochschule für Musik and Theatre, Leipzig, the Ponte de Lima opera and chamber music festival in Portugal, the Casa da Musica in Porto, Portugal and the University of Limerick, Ireland. Later this year Héloîse and Michael will be performing at venues in Ireland, Germany and the UK, including Mendelssohn Haus in Leipzig, Germany, and culminating with their Wigmore Hall debut in London this December.

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Time: 8.00pm

Gúna Nua Theatre Company & Civic Theatre present the multi award-winning play LITTLE GEM by Elaine Murphy and directed by Paul Meade

‘…as hilarious as it is poignant’ The Sunday Times
‘…intimately told and beautifully acted’ The New York Times
‘ Little Gem delivers on the promise of its title’ The Times, UK
**** The Guardian, Time Out, The Financial Times, The Evening Standard, The Scottish Herald
WINNER BEST OF EDINBURGH AWARD 2009

This remarkable first play has sold out theatres in New York, London, Dublin and Paris, and at The Edinburgh Festival, winning the hearts of audiences and the admiration of critics.

Kay’s got an itch that Gem can’t scratch (but maybe Kermit can)… Lorraine attacks a customer at work and her boss wants her to see a psychiatrist … Amber has fierce bad indigestion and the sambucas aren’t getting rid of it. Then there’s Paul, who’s just using Amber until he can get to Australia … and there’s the hairy man who fancies Lorraine but fails to rise to the occasion… and of course Gem , who doesn’t like the neighbours coming in to ‘mind’ him. And if all that wasn’t bad enough, Little Gem makes his presence felt and well….life is never the same again.

‘ … any woman out there facing down the barrel of marriage, childbirth or old age would be well advised to ditch the sambuca and come to Little Gem instead.’ – ***** Time Out, London Caroline McGinn

See for yourself audiences reactions to LITTLE GEM in the Bush Theatre, London

Tickets €16/€13 . 

Early Bird Special Offer. Book before 22nd October for only €13!

< go back to NOVEMBER events

Tickets €25 Full Price/ €22.50 concession. Call 046 909 2300

SPECIAL DEAL: Solstice have teamed up with The Newgrange Hotel to offer you a full nights entertainment. Enjoy a Pre-Show 3 Course Meal in The Newgrange Hotel and live music by Sandy Kelly, singing all of Patsy Cline’s Greatest Hits, Overnight Accomodation with Full Irish Breakfast included. All for ONLY €75.00per person sharing > http://newgrange.profitroom.net/

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Patsy Cline - The Concert features the star of the original West End Production Sandy Kelly and her musicians in a non stop evening of hits. The evening will include all of Patsy Cline’s biggest hits including Crazy, I Fall To Pieces, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Your Cheatin’ Heart, After Midnight, Sweet Dreams, San Antone Rose and many many more.

Sandy Kelly is undoubtedly one of the finest entertainers Ireland has ever produced.  Her career stretches right back to her childhood and her family’s “Fit-Up” Roadshow.  Sandy Kelly first appeared on stage at the early age of 3.

Sandy Kelly represented Ireland in the Eurovision in 1982, she was a European ‘Gold Star Award’ winner in 1985, in 1986 and 1989 she represented Ireland at ‘Fan Fare’ in Nashville.  She had her own RTE TV series from 1990 – 1992 – the show never left the top ten Tam Ratings and was later aired on both Border and Sky TV in the UK.   She has appeared on British and American TV on numerous occasions.

Sandy Kelly has recorded with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Hamilton IV, Glen Campbell, Patsy Cline, Jett Williams (Hank William’s daughter), Randy Van Warmer, The Jordanaires, Chet Atkins and more recently Hal Ketchum to name but a few worldwide stars.  She has had two gold records with Johnny Cash: “Woodcarver’ and ‘Ring of Fire’ and a Gold Album and Single for her ‘Patsy Cline’ tribute recordings.  Sandy has toured with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Slim Whitman.  The list goes on and on and it shows the true talent that Sandy possesses that so many of the world’s top artists are now associated with her.

One of her biggest successes in her glittering career was the Lead role in “A Musical Tribute To Patsy Cline” which toured Britain for a record 37 weeks before opening in London’s West End.  Sandy made over 500 appearances in this show before moving onto writing and directing her own Patsy Tribute Show ‘Patsy Cline: The Concert’ which has been a phenomenal success.

Sandy released a Greatest Hits CD, “The Best of Sandy Kelly”, in 2009. It contains some of Sandy’s finest work from her enduring and magical musical journey.  The 22 track album has many of Sandy’s hit songs through the years and features some wonderful duets with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Glen Campbell.

Johnny Cash: “It was my pleasure to sing with my favourite female artist, Sandy Kelly.  In America she has been Ireland’s greatest ambassador.  She won the hearts of everyone who saw her.  I am honoured to be included as one of the guest artists on her album”.

Willie Nelson: “Sandy Kelly is, in my opinion, one of the top 15 female artists in the world”

< go back to November events

Gallery Opening Hours:  11am - 4pm

Meath County Council Arts Office & Solstice Arts Centre present the Going Solo Award Exhibition

Image credit: ‘Battery’: Sinead Fahey

Going Solo is an exhibition of work by Sinead Fahey from Dunboyne, the 2010 winner of the Meath County Council Arts Office in association with Solstice Arts Centre ‘Going Solo Award’. This award is intended to support recent graduates of art living in, or from Co. Meath and to assist young and emerging artists in the development of their professional careers.

Taking her inspiration from artists such as David Shrigley and Canadian artists Marcel Dzama and Neil Farber, her work toes the line between surrealism and comic book art.

Of her work Sineád says’ the first step in making the work I make, and the main point of consideration in looking at the finished product, is to understand that it is an art that does not, and should never, take itself too seriously. It comes from two things, a disregard for logic, and a distortion of childhood memory. I enjoy making my images and above anything else I want the viewer to enjoy the experience when looking at them. The best reaction I could hope to receive is a smile because then I know that the work has done what its supposed to do, what I wanted it to do…’

A past pupil of St Peters College, Dunboyne, Sineád Fahey graduated from NCAD with a BA (Hons) in History of Art and Design and Fine Art in June 2009. She has exhibited in group shows in the Cross Gallery and Monster Truck Gallery, Dublin and was a winner of the AXA Purchase Prize, NCAD June 2009.

Admission Free

< go back to DECEMBER Events

Time: 11 - 2pm

Solstice Arts Centre in association with Tall Tales Theatre Company and in partnership with Meath County Council Arts Office present a series of Professional Theatre Workshops.

Peter Sheridan is a writer, theatre director, playwright, screenwriter and film director. In 2000 he wrote and directed the film Borstal Boy, based upon the Brendan Behan memoir. Sheridan also recently directed the acclaimed Shawshank Redemption world stage premiere in the Gaiety Theatre.

Fee for the 2 day workshop: €80 / 046 909 2300

Fee for this workshop includes admission to An Evening with Peter Sheridan on Saturday 25th September.

Other workshops in the series: 

Set Design with Maree Kearns - 23 - 24 October

Screenwriting with Eugene O’Brien - 27 - 28 November

< go back to SEPTEMBER events 

Time: 10am - 5pm

Recieving her first Irish Times Theatre Award for her set design for the Nomad Network play “Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme”, Maree has worked with most of the established theatre and dance companies in Ireland. For this workshop Maree will go through the basics in technical drawing and model-making.

Fee for the 2 day workshop: €80 / 046 909 2300

Other workshops in this series:

Screenwriting with Eugene O’Brien: 27th - 28th November

< go back to OCTOBER events