Mulholland Grand Organ

DR PHILIP HAMMOND WROTE AN ARTICLE IN 2010 ABOUT THE MULHOLLAND GRAND ORGAN IN THE ULSTER HALL, BEDFORD STREET, BELFAST

The Mulholland Grand Organ is probably the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland and one of the oldest examples of a functioning classic English pipe organ.

It was named after Andrew Mulholland, of Ballywalter Park, Mayor of Belfast, 1845, who donated it to the hall in the 1860s.

The organ was built by William Hill & Son and donated after the hall was officially opened.

In the late 1970s, the organ was extensively restored to Hill's own original design.

Andrew Mulholland's great-great-grandson, Henry, 4th Lord Dunleath, oversaw its restoration.

Mulholland Grand Organ in 1934 (Belfast Telegraph Collection/ NMNI)

PHILIP HAMMOND GETS THE LOW-DOWN ON THE MULHOLLAND ORGAN AT THE ULSTER HALL

Let’s face it. There are some things in life which really count and when it comes to the size of your organ, in the mind of the Victorians at any rate, size mattered.

And it still does - although with modern technology, you can probably produce the same effect of a huge organ from a mere box of tricks and a couple of big speakers.

But where’s the romance in that?

Thanks to the size of the trouser pockets of a previous Mayor of Belfast, the generous Andrew Mulholland, this city can claim one of the most interesting old organs in the country.

So when the Mulholland Grand Organ was 'welcomed back' to the Ulster Hall this week and 'tried out' by the current city organist, Colm Carey, I decided that I should get in on the act.

Why not interview the organ itself?

It’s no joke having your ivories tickled at almost 150 years of age. And especially after all that I’ve been through in this past year.

I began to worry that I was going to find this organ hard to handle. Would I get a grumpy old organ response to everything?

Those rough builder types who refurbished the Ulster Hall, I tell you. Despite the swathes of black plastic that had been wrapped around me, I could feel the damp, the dust, the debris getting into my inners. It almost did for me!

At that point, there was a low grumbling from the depths of the organ casing and the beginnings of a cipher so I thought I’d better move the conversation on.

We wouldn’t have wanted to disturb the political rally that was taking place in another part of the Ulster Hall complex – making any sounds to do with the arts would, of course, have been unwelcome.

Ah yes, I’ve seen a few things here you know. Rallies were ten a penny in the old days but there’s just not the same calibre of politicians nowadays as back then. In the old days, they were already rich from exploiting the poor of the country – now they spend all their trying to make themselves rich in other ways – questionable expenses, dodgy land deals, you name it.

I felt this blunt instrument was heading into difficult territory and wanted to get back to the size thing so I remarked on the rather large protrusion at the front top of the organ casing.

That’s the new fanfare trumpet which was added some years ago by Mr Prosser – the lovely organ builder who looks after me so well. Mind you, I’ve noticed he’s got rather portly of late and finds it a bit awkward crawling around inside me and reaching those bits which require someone – how shall I put it? – someone of a lighter frame perhaps?

That fanfare rank is not the easiest place to reach... still, he manages it rightly and, of course, no-one ever uses it now anyway – those tone deaf City Council bureaucrats probably consider it a Health and Safety risk for the audience as it certainly makes one big sound.

But the trumpet fanfare is just the bit 'in your face', I suggested. What’s behind the facade?

You’ll already know that I’m made up of over six thousand pipes – the biggest is 32 feet long and the smallest is no more than half an inch. I’ve got four keyboards or manuals and it takes a six horse power engine to work the bellows that supply me with enough air to sing.

In fact, I’ve also got a back-up two horse power engine as well because when you pull out all the stops – and there’s well over 80 of those – you need one heck of a lot of wind. I remember that nice girl Gillian Weir playing with me in the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony here some years ago and that last chord began to sag ever so slightly – well, it happens.

Now she was one big player! And talking about big players, there was the infamous Carlo Curley also who actually stood up on my pedal board for melodramatic effect. He knew how to play to the gallery and that’s no lie.

In those days, the hall manager, Terry de Winne, had installed a massive spotlight up there, trained only on me so that the ice-cream parlour colours that he’d 'restored' were almost blinding. Funny how one generation thinks it 'restores' what a previous generation has already thought it 'restored'.

Looking at its current casing, the rather dull browns of the falsely grained wood and the unimaginative stencilling, flanked by the most ghastly false Victorian murals I’ve ever seen, I wondered what the future held for this musical masterpiece.

Like many old codgers, I’ve had various bits and pieces added and fall off over the years – some to good effect and, well, others which could be removed without too many tears being shed. I think I’d want to go back to my original specification and get rid of some of the excesses of my 70s rebuild.

That would cost a bit I’m afraid but I’d love to be again the sprightly young romantic organ I was when Mr Hill put me together in 1862.

And I thought to myself, wouldn’t we all like to be the young romantics we once saw ourselves to be!

A celebratory concert to mark the Mulholland Grand Organ’s return to working order was held on Tuesday, the 4th May, 2010, featuring the Belfast City Organist, Colm Carey, and the Ulster Orchestra.

First published in April, 2010.

The Ulster Muse

Mountpottinger Old Church ca 2021 (Image: Rev Dr David Steers)

It has been a long time since I went to a concert.

The last occasion was probably a classical concert with the Ulster Orchestra at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

A year ago I went to see Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, The Nutcracker, at the Grand Opera House.

When it was brought to my notice that Willie Drennan and Friends were performing at the Little Theatre in the former Mountpottinger Unitarian Presbyterian Church, Belfast, this was a show I didn't wish to miss.

Mountpottinger Old Church ca 2021 (Image: Rev Dr David Steers)

Mountpottinger Old Church is conspicuous from Albertbridge Road, though it's actually at 1a Castlereagh Street, which runs from 124 Albertbridge Road to 68 Beersbridge Road.

The former church is small. There's now a café in one of the rooms, and the little theatre is in the former nave.

Mountpottinger Unitarian Church pre-1899 (Image: Adrian Moir)

In 1862 a room at the site of a local felt works was lent by Francis Ritchie for the purpose of giving religious teaching to some uncared-for children in the Mountpottinger district.

The foundation stone for the church was laid on the 16th May, 1874, and the church was opened in the following year.

It has been described as being constructed in the "New Early English Gothic" style.

Willie Drennan and Friends (Timothy Ferres, 2022)

LAST NIGHT (Friday, October 21st, 2022) I parked the two-seater at The Mount, and walked the short distance to the Little Theatre, where I took an old wooden pew, so to speak.

Fear not, Readers, there are large cushions on the pews for the benefit of needy posteriors!

The stage was set with accordion, fiddle, trombone, fife, acoustic double bass, mandolin, guitars, tin whistles, drums; and a beautiful Celtic harp.

At about seven-forty Willie, raconteur extraordinaire, fiddler, tin whistler, mandolin player, and, of course, legendary Lambeg drummer, came on to the stage.

Willie has a rare talent for being so spontaneous on the stage that you feel as if you are in his sitting-room or barn.

He's a great spinner of yarns ~ the Ulster Muse!

Willie was supported by his fellow musicians and dancers, including John Trotter, a remarkable trombonist, not to omit accordionist.

Fiona Trotter sang dulcetly beside him.

There were fourteen performers in all, including the marvellous young Scottish dancer, Emma Miller; the acclaimed Irish dancer and Celtic harpist, Larissa Fleck; and of course the delightful twin sisters Lucinda and Susan McGuigan from Cullybackey in County Antrim (they're on YouTube with Little Drummer Boy).

The Celtic harp is considerably smaller than the orchestral harp, and its sound is truly mellifluous. 

Larissa played the Londonderry Air beautifully.

Willie Drennan (Image: Belfast Telegraph)

Willie joked that he called it the Londonderry-Derry-Derry-Londonderry Air.

It's also known as "Danny Boy."

 

Willie knew that I was coming along, so when he spotted me at my pew he beckoned me up on to the stage for a photograph with them all.

All in all a very enjoyable performance and I hope the Ulster Muse and his friends get the attention they deserve.

I am grateful to the Rev Dr David Steers and Adrian Moir for information and images relating to Mountpottinger Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church.

Invitation Concert

Illustration by Marcus Patton OBE

THE ULSTER HALL, Bedford Street, Belfast, was built in 1862 in the Classical style.

The 4th Baron Dunleath (who died ahead of his time in 1993) was a passionate supporter of the Hall and occasionally played the organ there.

I have fond memories of Henry Dunleath.

The Ulster Hall was sold to Belfast City Council in 1902.

In 1959, a new shield was erected, depicting the red hand of Ulster.

Ulster arms prior to present representation

This shield is displayed at the very top of the building.

In 1862 this splendid building was one of the biggest concert halls in the British Isles, with a capacity of 2,000.

The Hall was almost filled to capacity last night for a concert produced by BBC Radio 3.

By the way, if you think the orchestra looks slightly sparse in the photographs, this is because some pieces did not require the full ensemble; so various sections took leave of absence for awhile (!).

The conductor and pianist was Howard Shelley OBE.

We were treated to a selection of absolutely lovely pieces by Bridge, Sterndale Bennett, Sir Hamilton Harty, and Sir Hubert Parry Bt.

I wasn't aware that Hubert Parry had been created a baronet in 1902.

Howard Shelley conducted the Ulster Orchestra and also played the piano in Sterndale Bennett's marvellous Piano Concerto Number One in D Minor, doing it all with great aplomb and authority.

The orchestra's principal oboist - a familiar face to regular patrons - was Christopher Blake, who was the soloist for Parry's Symphony Number Three in C Major.

Incidentally, Christopher is a keen and passionate gardener during his spare time, particularly for subtropical palms, ferns, bamboos and succulents.

The programme lasted for about two hours.

As I left the Hall and walked up Bedford Street I noticed that demolition work has begun on a section of the ground floor of Windsor House, which is being transformed by the Hastings family, hoteliers, into the Grand Central Hotel.

BBC Concert

Ulster Hall

I motored into Belfast at about five-thirty yesterday, endeavouring to get into the right lane - or avoid so-called bus lanes - for Howard Street.

Last week I found a space on Brunswick Street, right outside Deane's; and yesterday the same space awaited me.

How remarkable.

Howard Street restaurant is a hop and a skip from here. In fact, it's opposite the Presbyterian Assembly building.

I enjoyed a really good meal at Howard Street, comprising Stilton Fritters, Pork Belly, and Rhubarb crème brûlée. Three courses cost £19.95.

Having detached the ancient nose-bag an hour or so later, I strode briskly onwards, along Brunswick Street, taking a sharp left turn at James Street South, emerging at Bedford Street and the august Ulster Hall.

This Victorian edifice looks particularly impressive at night, though my photograph has not done justice to the lovely colour-scheme.

Last night's concert was for BBC Radio 3. It comprised works by Sibelius and Nielsen.

Sharon Bezaly and Esa Heikkilä

The conductor was Esa Heikkilä and the soloist was the celebrated flautist - with her golden flute - Sharon Bezaly.

Our Ulster Orchestra performed excellently as usual. I particularly enjoyed the final piece, The Wood Nymph, by Sibelius.

James Street South

I managed to spend half an hour at the venerable Linenhall Library, prior to my other engagements.

I imagine it's a five-minute walk from Donegall Square North to James Street South, or number twenty-one, James Street South, to be precise.

I was filled with great anticipation for my very first visit to The James Street South Restaurant.

Arriving early, after midday, I was greeted and promptly shown to my window table.

One of the first things that caught the beady eye was the little box hedge outside the window, which affords privacy and discretion to patrons. I liked this.

This building was formerly a warehouse, and I could see the markings where horizontal bars used to protect the window.

The staff here are charming. Nothing is too much trouble and customers are treated with great courtesy.

I opted for the a la carte menu. First of all, though, I ordered the Shortcross Gin, served in a tumbler with a shaving of orange peel.

ShortCross Gin is as good a premium gin as I've ever tasted. It has a splendid blend of aromatic botanicals and is distilled locally at Rademon estate, near Crossgar, County Down.

I ordered the English Asparagus, Portavogie Langoustine & Orange Hollandaise Sauce (£7.50) as my first course.

This was flawless: really fresh, tender langoustines resting on a little bed of the sauce.

The nose-bag was positively humming with glee by this stage.

My main course came promptly, too. I chose the Wild Turbot, Comber Potato & Watercress Velouté (£18.50) and a side dish of buttery champ, which came in a miniature copper sauce-pan.

It's widely known how fond I am of good butter (!), so they were generous with it.

The fish was - like the langoustines - cooked to perfection. The Comber potato was served in tiny dice; the velouté subtle.

For pudding, I had the Rosewater Marshmallow, Rhubarb and Custard (£6.50).

This exquisite dessert was served in a tallish, circular dish in layers. The waitress described the various layers to me.

I have to say that this has been one of the finest dining experiences I've enjoyed in Belfast.

The food is served with great diligence and attention to detail.

I gather that the Restaurant is having a major refurbishment later this summer.

I left at about one-thirty. I rounded the bill up, to £60.

*****

THE ULSTER HALL is a few minutes' walk from James Street South, on Bedford Street, so I walked, presented my ticket, and made a bee-line for my favourite seat in the balcony.

There was a BBC Radio 3 Invitation Concert this afternoon. Our excellent Ulster Orchestra was conducted by the celebrated Howard Shelley OBE.

The programme today was the music of Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924).

The soloist in the Organ Sonata Number Two "Eroica" was David Leigh, Assisitant Organist at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

Radio Ulster Concert

The weather was so dreadful last night that I wondered whether to cancel my concert at Belfast's Ulster Hall.

It was a BBC Radio Ulster concert, being broadcast live at 8pm.

However, the elements were resisted, I found a parking space on Bedford Street, and ventured in to the Hall after seven o'clock.

The house was full. I found my usual seating area upstairs at the balcony overlooking the orchestra.

It was splendid to see all the familiar faces in the Ulster Orchestra again: Bandanaman, and Hairy Biker (both violinists); the principal trumpeter; the fellow who leads the oboists; the lead flautist.

Ioana Petcu-Colan

The beautiful Associate Leader, Ioana Petcu-Colan, with a red floral decoration in her hair, can just be seen in the photo, to the left of the conductor.

One of the violinists seems to live quite near me, because I've seen him strolling past Belmont GHQ occasionally.

A variety of romantic pieces were played - being Valentine's Day - with excellent soloists, including two sopranos, a pianist, and the superb Tamás Kocsis, whose rendering of Franz Waxman's Carmen Fantasy was simply divine.

Mulholland Grand Organ

The concert culminated with the powerfully romantic Romeo and Juliet overture, by Tchaikovsky, played magnificently by our Ulster Orchestra.

How fortunate we are to have such outstanding talent.

BBC Concert

I attended my first concert in ages last night, at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

This is the first year that the BBC has ceased its normal routine of a series of about six concerts in Belfast. Are they economising? 

It was an Invitation Concert broadcast for BBC Radio 3 .

This was a shorter concert than usual. It lasted about an hour, without an interval; though it was excellent and our Ulster Orchestra performed with the customary aplomb.

The most enjoyable piece for me was Mendelsshon's A Midsummer Night's Dream: Incidental Music, which featured The Midsummer Consort of female singers.

Quite a number of regular faces were missing from the orchestra, including the chief timpanist David Openshaw (have I misspelt his name?), a principal cellist and several violinists.

The Hall was practically full.

Belfast City Council still doesn't have wi-fi access in the auditorium; at least, I couldn't get any on my iPad before the concert.

Night in Town

I've had a great evening in Belfast. Having indulged in several snifters at a city centre bar, I walked over to Bedford Street, to the Ulster Hall, where I enjoyed a BBC Invitation Concert, produced for BBC Radio 3.

The conductor was the excellent Howard Shelley OBE. Works by Sibelius and Vaughan Williams featured. The Ulster Orchestra is such a wonderful establishment.

After the concert, I jumped into a cab and went to a charity "do" at the Belfast MAC, which is located behind Belfast Cathedral.

A jazzy quartet ~ or was it a quintet? ~ played for us. My cousin once removed, Michael, played percussion; and his girlfriend, Jess, sang. How marvellous.

I told Jess that we must sing a duet!

Paul and my cousin Alison very kindly gave me a lift home.

Beating Retreat Event

ABF, the Soldiers' Charity, is holding a Beating Retreat event in the fine grounds of Hillsborough Castle, County Down, on Friday, the 17th August, 2012, at 7pm.

The occasion will feature the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers (TA).

The dress code is formal, viz. black tie, mess dress and miniature medals.

Supper and drinks are included in the price, £30. Call 028 9267 8112 to order tickets.

Organ Concerto

Tonight at the Ulster Hall in Bedford Street, Belfast, the last BBC Invitation Concert of this Russian series took place.

Pride of place was given to the mighty Mulholland Grand Organ, the largest instrument of its kind in Northern Ireland. 

The Ulster Hall features one of the oldest examples of a functioning classic English pipe organ in the British Isles.

The Mulholland Grand Organ is named in honour of a former Mayor of Belfast, Andrew Mulholland JP DL (father of the 1st Baron Dunleath), who donated it to the hall in the 1860s. It was built by William Hill & Son and donated after the hall was officially opened. 

In the late 1970s the organ was extensively restored to Hill's own original design. Mulholland's great-great-grandson Henry, 4th Lord Dunleath, oversaw the restoration.

The citizens of Belfast and, indeed, Northern Ireland, are eternally grateful and proud of this generous and philanthropic gesture afforded by the Mulhollands, Barons Dunleath.

The soloist for tonight's performance of Horatio Parker's Organ Concerto was Colm Carey, Belfast City Organist and Master of Music at the Chapel Royal, HM Tower of London.

Mr Carey, sporting bright red socks and ponytail, played with great aplomb.

The Ulster Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Braithwaite, played splendidly as usual and the Leader, Ioana Petcu-Colan, played a solo so sweetly and beautifully; as did several other musicians, to their credit.

Enniskillen Bash

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF - the Soldiers' Charity) will host An Evening with Charlie Lawson in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, on Wednesday 7th September at 8pm.

I was at the old school with Charlie about thirty-five summers ago; and many will also recall him as Sergeant Jim McDonald of ITV's Coronation Street.

The admission charge is £10.00. Tickets are available immediately, and can be purchased from the Killyhevlin Hotel, by ringing Stuart on 07968 738491, or Nicola on 07872 395981.

E-mail requests can be sent to [email protected]

A great need still exists to provide support to our injured troops and their families, at this time of conflict in many parts of the world.

Many are in need of financial and welfare support during their time of rehabilitation after injury, and, in the case of a serviceman or woman being killed in action, to offer support to the bereaved family at a time of great need.

Our support is needed in raising much needed funds, as well as an opportunity to enjoy an evening with one of Enniskillen’s most famous sons.

It is anticipated that this will be a very popular event. However, if for any reason you don't get a ticket, I've been advised that you can come along and pay your admission on the night.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a Registered Charity No: 211645

Hilden or Botanic?

As it happens, I could be making an appearance (!)  on Sunday at either the Hilden Beerfest -

SUNDAY 29th August

2 – 9.30 pm    £7.50 -  free BBQ before 4pm

Farriers

SONS OF CALIBER • Master and Dog •

Inishowen Gospel Choir • The 1930’s

Tipi Stage: Ben Glover • Anthony Toner • False relations

Allie Bradley and Aaron Shanley

Junior Johnson

Family Friendly Sunday

magic & puppet Show • face painting  • balloon modelling • games in the garden

Or the Belfast Mela at Botanic Gardens - 

Shimmering saris, fabulous food, and inspiring music and dance are just a few of the sights and sounds to expect from the Belfast Mela – Northern Ireland’s Largest Multi-Cultural Festival.

Celebrating culture and creativity, the Mela, meaning ‘to meet’, will display the sights, sounds and smells of ethnic origins, showcasing music, dance, arts and food from across the globe. The festival is the largest multi-cultural celebration the NI and crowds are in for a variety of treats as this year’s event is jam-packed with a show-stopping schedule, all taking place in Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens

Admission £2 / £1 (Under 12s & Senior Citizens). No pre-booking required.

All shall be revealed tomorrow!

 

Friday Concert

The Ulster Hall, Belfast, was full tonight for a BBC Radio 3 Invitation Concert performed brilliantly by a large Ulster Orchestra.

The soloist for Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 3 in D Minor was Sofya Gulyak.

The conductor was Alan Buribayev.

This season's theme has been Russian throughout.

My neighbour, whom I've encountered previously, obligingly offered me his newspaper to read during the interval; and a sweet, into the bargain.

Next Friday's concert features the Grand Mulholland Organ; the soloist, Colm Carey.

Beating Retreat

 

I was at Hillsborough Castle, County Down, this evening for a Beating Retreat in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (the soldiers' charity), which was held on the lawn at the garden front of the Castle, beside the Rose Garden.

There was an assortment of colonels and other ranks wearing mess dress; while the rest of us wore dinner jackets. The ladies wore evening gowns. Gone are the days when there'd have been a general or two, GOC, etc. As far as I am aware the highest ranking officer in Ulster is a brigadier.

The buffet, consisting of sandwiches, cocktail sausages, sausage-rolls and what-not, was served on a table in the State Dining-Room, I think. Timothy Belmont drank one glass of orange juice.

It was here that my good pal David Anderson MVO MBE introduced me to a few of the guests including Lord and Lady Brookeborough; the Minister of State, the Rt Hon Hugo Swire MP; Jim McDonald CBE LVO KCSG GCHS JP DL  and many others. 

I also met the Minister of State's private secretary and, of course, sang the praises of Lord Belmont's blog!
 

In the Throne Room afterwards I met Janet Williamson MA, Principal of RBAI (inst), a lovely person indeed.

Miss Williamson was previously Principal of Antrim Grammar School and prior to Antrim GS had been Vice-Principal at Wilson's Boys Grammar School in London; an Oxford Scholar and past pupil of Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor.

David pointed out the main features in the Throne-Room, including the portraits of former Governors of Northern Ireland and an enormous Egyptian rug or carpet.

The military band (a Royal Engineers band, I seem to recall) played for us outside while we sat or stood in an open-sided tent.

All in all, it was a very good evening indeed.

Открытки из России!

Timothy Belmont was in town this evening, at a BBC Radio 3 Invitation Concert in the Ulster Hall.

Earlier I had reserved a table at Molly's, a favourite of mine, where I had a fine gourmet burger with all the trimmings; and a peach and raspberry crumble with Crème Anglaise. When I arrived back at the Belmont GHQ I realized that I'd left my debit card at the premises. Fool, Belmont.

Tonight's concert had a distinctly Russian theme: The soloist was a most talented young cellist called Tatjana Vassiljeva. The conductor was a cove by the name of Pascal Rophé. Both performed brilliantly, as of course did the Ulster Orchestra with Bandana-man at the rear. 

The first five or six rows of seats in the stalls were removed, for some reason, and it was a full house.

The programme was designed most stylishly, as usual, by Marcus Patton OBE who, I believe, was in the audience.

By the way, the title translates: Postcards From Russia.

Marcus Patton OBE

 

I attended a special BBC Musical Celebration at the Ulster Hall in Belfast last night, its purpose being to acknowledge the thirty-year relationship between the BBC and the Ulster Orchestra.

The programme was rich and varied, including plenty of Ulster talent, viz. the conductor, Courtney Lewis; Michael Trainor and Lynda Barrett; the Methodist College Chapel Choir, led by Ruth McCartney MBE; Philip Hammond; and music by Howard Ferguson and Joan Trimble.

All involved performed excellently, including Methody's brilliant choir and, naturally, the Ulster Orchestra. I noticed many familiar faces. Bandanna-man had moved from his usual position, as had the double-bassists and cellists!

I wish to pay a personal tribute to Marcus Patton OBE, whose wonderful illustrations have given us all so much delight for over a quarter of a century. I regularly consult his authoritative guide-book, Central Belfast, A Historical Gazetteer. 

Last night's programme (top) is resplendent with Marcus Patton's drawings and variations of the BBC coat-of-arms.

BP Big Screen 2011

The Blog is up and running again, after a frustrating day of technical glitches throughout the Blogoshere.

I have re-issued my articles about the Leigh Baronets and Norroy & Ulster King of Arms.

Welcome news: The BP Summer Big Screen is returning to Belfast this summer, following an absence during 2010. I thought the Botanic Gardens were a good venue, though it is being held in the grounds of City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast this year.

Here's the information:

Come and join us for Madam Butterfly on Monday 4 July, 2011 at 7.30PM
duration 2 hours 50 minutes
Join the UK wide Humming Chorus Hum-Along at 7PM
Performance starts at 7.30pm
Act I lasts 55 mins
Interval starts at  8.25pm and lasts 25 mins
Act II and III begin at 8.50pm and last 85 mins
Curtain down at 10.15pm
All timings are approximate

What I need to know before I attend:

In the interest of public safety, the following conditions will apply in Donegall Square:

• Donegall Square is a public space; however organisers reserve the right to limit audience numbers should the square capacity be reached.
• Alcohol is not permitted.
• Prohibited items include, but are not restricted to, large parasols, gazebos, awnings and portable barbecues.
• All litter should be disposed of in the bins provided or taken home.

Friday Concert

I attended a very good BBC Radio 3 Invitation Concert at the Ulster Hall in Belfast last night. The conductor was our very own Kenneth Montgomery OBE; and the soloist was the talented Irish violinist, Catherine Leonard.

The programme included music by Hillsborough's Sir Hamilton Harty; Fanny Mendelssohn; Felix Mendelssohn; Ina Boyle; and Elaine Agnew.

My favourite piece of the evening was Harty's masterpiece, With the Wild Geese. The trumpeters used Baroque trumpets for the Mendelssohn works.

Ulster Youth Choir

The BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert in Belfast's Ulster Hall was splendid last night. I arrived slightly later than usual, because I lay down on the bed and, when I looked at the clock, it was seven o'clock!

The conductor was Howard Shelley OBE; and the programme included works by Delius, Vaughan Williams, Parry, Stanford and Alice Mary Smith. I particularly enjoyed Vaughan Williams' English Folksong Suite, because it was evocative of Ulster Television's golden days under Brum Henderson, when the same folksongs were often played during interludes.

There was no sign of Bandanna Man:: perhaps he was enjoying himself on the fiddle, holidaying in Romania!

The female chorus of the Ulster Youth Choir performed brilliantly, I thought. There must have been about thirty of them, and they stood in front of the Grand Mulholland Organ.

Needless to say, the Ulster Orchestra was as excellent as ever. I was able to read the time from either a cellist or double bassist's watch (which read 9:15 when I saw it), which had been placed beside the music sheet - that's how good my eyesight now is, having been lasered.

Ulster Hall Concert

I attended my first concert in several months last night, at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. It was a BBC Invitation Concert with the Ulster Orchestra. The conductor, Courtney Lewis, and the soloist, Cathal Breslin, were both born in Northern Ireland.

The Hall was about 90% full. I handed my e-ticket in as I walked past and up the stairs; then realized that I hadn't received a programme, so I reserved my seat and ran downstairs. There was a big girl standing with programmes at the foyer counter, propping it up - or so it seemed. I thought that she could have lost a few calories and gained a modicum of exercise, had she plodded over to the people arriving and handed out her programmes instead of nonchalantly chatting to a colleague.

The layout of the orchestra was different last night, the cellists now directly opposite the conductor; while the double bassists were separated, several to the left of the conductor and a few to the right. Bandanna Man, the fiddler, has relocated to the right of the conductor, too.

The programme consisted of Brahms' Tragic Overture, Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto and Beethoven's 4th Symphony.