Centenary (concert)
Centenary is a concert for television produced by RTÉ to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's 1916 Rising.
Overview
The 85-minute-long show, which was broadcast live from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, told the story of Ireland's centenary in 18 chapters of song, dance and poetry. In total 600 people – 21 choirs, 18 dancers, 10 actors, six aerial dancers, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and 80 crew members were involved in the production.[1]
The show featured performances by Imelda May, Jack L, Gavin James, The High Kings, Colm Wilkinson, Danny O'Reilly of the Coronas, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Sharon Shannon, Dónal Lunny, John Sheahan, Celine Byrne, Seo Linn and dance troupes Fidget Feet and CoisCéim. As well as the main venue, there were musical performances from the historically significant locations of Kilmainham Gaol and the Garden of Remembrance.[2]
Reception
The show was overwhelming positively received, with the Irish Independent calling it 'the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting',[3] describing reaction to ni Chasaide's performance as 'phenomenal'.[4] The Irish Examiner described 'breathtaking performances from Danny O'Reilly, Roisin O and Imelda May as well as Ceo Linn [sic]' and that 'viewers felt goosebumps', comparing the show with Riverdance.[5]
References
- ↑ Aoife Barry (29 March 2016). "RTÉ had another 'Riverdance moment' last night". TheJournal.ie.
- ↑ "Stars line-up for special Centenary concert". RTÉ.ie. 23 March 2016.
- ↑ Darragh McManus (29 March 2016). "RTE's Centenary: 'This is the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting'". Irish Independent.
- ↑ Horan, Niamh (3 April 2016). "Songbird Sibeal once silenced by shyness". Independent.ie. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
- ↑ "This is the moment everyone compared RTÉ's Centenary to Riverdance". Irish Examiner. 29 March 2016.