Kilkenny Arts Festival Programme 2006

WELCOME TO THE 33RD KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL, 10 DAYS OF ENTHRALLING ARTISTIC ACTIVITY FOR ALL! FURTHER INFORMATION ON ALL EVENTS IS AVAILABLE AT THE FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE LOCATED IN THE FORMER BANK OF IRELAND BUILDING ON THE PARADE… JOIN US THERE FROM JULY 5TH.

Kilkenny Arts Festival Box Office

Tel+353 (0)56 775 2175 www.kilkennyarts.ie Email info@kilkennyarts.ie

Board of Directors

Fergus Cronin (chair), Susan Proud, Vincent O’Shea, John Purcell, Donna McGreevy, John Ryan, Maureen Kennelly, Anna O’Sullivan, Conor Langton

Festival Team

CEO Geraldine Tierney

Programme Manager Maeve Butler

Administrator Colette Power

Production Manager Michael Burke

PR Kate Bowe PR

Artist Liaison & Publicity Co-ordinator Jane Russell

Friends Liaison & Volunteer Co-ordinator Niamh Duffe

Merchandising Manager Anna McLaughlin

Box Office Team Tracy Power (Manager)

Lilian Burke, Jennifer Foley, Lora Foley, Maura Brennan, David Holland, Brian Butler

Graphic Design A&D

Web Design Karen Hanratty, Pixel Design

IT Support Textrix

Web Maintenance Spot On

Box Office & Venue Design Tom Watts, Imagine Wallpaper

Programmers

Theatre Rose Parkinson

Jazz, New World & Trad Music Gerry Godley

Classical Music Susan Proud & Guest Programmer Carol McGonnell

Visual Art Mike Fitzpatrick

Literature Eoin McNamee

Young People’s Events Emer McGowan

CONTENTS

Thanks to our team of energetic volunteers, we could not do it without you. Thanks to all our sponsors and friends - your vision allows this to happen. To our programmers and artists - your creativity drives the Festival. To all we called on who said yes, we salute you.

Special thanks to Íde Deloughry, Caroline McGee, Colm Hogan, Jolly Ronan, Tony Walsh, Brian Tyrrell, Gerry Byrne, Kathleen Moran, Michael McSuibhne, Donal O’Brien, Ann Meaney, Ger Cody, Mary Butler, Peggy Murray, Fintan Blake Kelly, Teenagh Cunningham, Niamh Finn, Philips Domestic Appliances, Dalton TV, Donal Gibbons, Sally Ebert, Laken Akinyemi, Jackie O’Brien, Denis O’Reilly, Majella Byrne, Pius Phelan, Stephanie Hogan, Cathy Hogan, George Vaughan, Sergeant Pat Murphy, Alison McGrath, Vincent Dempsey, Blaise Smith, Philip Edmondson, Kilkenny School of Music, Debra Bowden, Maria Comerford, Kilkenny College, John Goode, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Paul Myles, the Paint Pot.

Festival Image Saturio Alonso

Parade The Big River!

HERE IT COMES: A TORRENT OF COLOUR AND SOUND, SINGING AND DANCING, HIGH-JINX AND A LOT A LAUGHS!

The Big River is about to flood the streets of Kilkenny so bring your togs and head down town for a dip –a hidden world awaits you. Delight at the flying rainbow fish and sparkling shoals of minnows; marvel at the acrobatic water boat men and the dazzling Coral Palace – just don’t let the Giant Pike catch you! Dangle your toes in the water or jump right in and let the whirling river take you away. Go on – get yourself wet!

Kilkenny Arts Festival, Macnas and KCAT are proud to present this fantastic spectacle on the streets of Kilkenny and Callan.

Kilkenny Parade Route: Granges Road, The Butts, Dean St, Irishtown, Parliament St, High St, The Parade, ending at Kilkenny Castle.

Saturday 12 August Streets of Kilkenny 4pm

Sunday 13 August Streets of Callan 1.30pm

TEATRO PACHUCO (MEXICO/USA)

Horn Heads & Just Passing Thru

Marching to the beat of a different drum, combining elements of silent film and European clown, Teatro Pachuco transforms ordinary streets into a surreal dreamscape full of imagery, absurdity and strange music. Meet the Horn Heads, tall lovable giants with brass instrument heads, as they wander the streets performing short dream sketches; a marching band gently out of step with reality, turning heads wherever they go.

Just Passing Thru sees a man standing alone in the street with a suitcase. Unexpectedly joined by a child, the two begin to create magic as they open a suitcase full of surprises.

Wednesday 16 August Market Cross Shopping Centre & Streets of Kilkenny 11am: Just Passing Thru. 1pm & 3pm: Horn Heads

3 MONKEY PRODUCTIONS (UK) The Incredible Bull Circus

An internationally renowned street theatre comedy classic

Two marvellous matadors, “The Brothers Juan”, sons of a famous bull-fighting father and a daredevil trapeze artist mother, present to you unparalleled deeds of daring performed by an awesome herd of highly trained bulls! A rip-roaring riotous rollercoaster ride of comedy chaos and classic clowning.

“A SMALL MASTERPIECE” TOTAL THEATRE MAGAZINE

Thursday 17 August Streets of Kilkenny

Copyright Teatro Pachuco/Henry Krul

Buí (Ireland)Bolg

Internationally acclaimed Buí Bolg street theatre company from Wexford returns to the streets of Kilkenny this year with a new array of larger than life characters.

Look out for the Kilkenny Hurlers, who are as big as we think they are and are all set to march straight over their arch rivals.

If you are planning to take in some of the visual art exhibitions, our highly experienced Maid and Waiter will be on hand to offer you a little tipple.

And then there’s the eager Bathers, who will be aiming to take a Sunday plunge into the River Nore. Rain, hail or shine the weather will not deter this pair from their daily ritual.

The festival is always a fun day for all the family. The retro Rocker Couple recently had twins and have decided to take them out and about, but watch out, these are no ordinary babies…

KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS THE IRISH STAGE PREMIERE OF

The Old Tune Night

BY ROBERT PINGET (English text by SAMUEL BECKETT) and

DIRECTED BY PAT KIERNAN

DESIGNED BY PAUL KEOGAN BY ROBERT PINGET

Two old friends meet again by chance and, united in their condemnation of the general progress of science and civilisation, reminisce about the good old days. Their respective memories of people and incidents wildly diverging, The Old Tune’s Mr Cream and Mr Gorman are in the tradition of Vladimir and Estragon, Cook and Moore, Smith and Jones…

One of the most outstanding French writers of his generation, Robert Pinget’s work is suffused with a rich vein of comedy. In Samuel Beckett’s adaptation, The Old Tune is relocated from France to rural Ireland. The Old Tune is presented here in a double bill with Night.

Award winning theatre practitioner Pat Kiernan is founding Artistic Director of Corcadorca Theatre Company and has won wide acclaim for his work, most notably his groundbreaking production of Disco Pigs by Enda Walsh and the exceptional production in 2005 of The Merchant of Venice, described as “a triumph” (The Irish Times), “outstanding” (Irish Independent) and “brilliantly convincing” (The Guardian).

ONCE OFF PRODUCTIONS (Ireland)

Tintype

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY FRANKIE McCAFFERTY

DESIGNED BY PAUL KEOGAN

MUSIC BY JOE WALL

PRODUCED BY MAURA O’KEEFFE

Alone in an anonymous European hotel room, a photographer goes through a psychological crisis. In diplomatic limbo after a breakdown at an airport security desk, he attempts to find a way to explain himself to his interrogators. But first he has to convince himself.

Tintype is a highly visual theatrical journey dealing with identity, memory, survivor’s guilt and alienation in the digital age.

LA COMPAGNIE FIAT LUX (France) Strike

Fiat Lux is among the most acclaimed of French physical theatre companies. Masters of wordless performance, each new show is considered an event in the world of European physical theatre.

FRANKIE McCAFFERTYis one of Ireland’s leading actors. His many film, TV and stage appearances include Omagh, Middletown, Ballykissangel, Conversations on a Homecoming, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme (The Irish Times Irish Theatre Best Supporting Actor Award), Family Plot, Endgame and Sharon’s Grave. Hemost recently appeared in TRAD (Galway Arts Festival) which won an Edinburgh Fringe First Award and enjoyed an extended run at the Bush Theatre, London and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. As a director, Frankie has made several short films including Brood, Flush, Filleann an Feall (What Goes Around…) and The Devil.

This is his first play.

Sat 12 - Tues 15 August 9pm Extra show Sun 13 August 6pm

The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle Admission €15/€13

Making their Kilkenny debut with the acclaimed new production Strike, this extraordinary French ensemble promises outstanding visual theatre which is at once funny, poignant and thought-provoking.

At a train station in Calais two refugees, a Scotsman, a businessman and two elderly English ladies wait for their train… but an unforeseen strike transforms this peaceful station scene…

Through wordless mischief-making, we witness the dramatic and comedic repercussions when, for one night, the Europeans experience life as refugees, abandoned on a station platform.

Tues 15 - Thurs 17 August Watergate Theatre 9.30pm

Admission €15/€13 Duration 60 minutes

“EFFORTLESSLY, BRUTALLY FUNNY... EVERY DETAIL OBSERVED TO PERFECTION” L’EXPRESS “BRILLIANT!” L’ECLAIREUR

Photo: Jean Henry

The Ornate Johnsons (UK)

ALIVE, KICKING AND VERY, VERY FUNNY.

Post-post-modern comedy at its very best. In the finest tradition of Not the 9 O’Clock News and The Two Ronnies, The Ornate Johnsons present new comedy with the old fashioned notion of having actual jokes. Writing mostly behind the scenes for TV and radio and collaborating with such luminaries as Jerry Sadowitz, Matt Lucas, Jo Caulfield and Steve Furst, they are hugely popular within the industry. This is a rare opportunity for Irish audiences to catch them live.

FEATURING BRIAN MITCHELL, DAVE MOUNFIELD, GLEN RICHARDSON, CLEA SMITH AND LAURENCE RELTON.

“HUGELY TALENTED SLICK, SKETCH ACT... VERY, VERY FUNNY” THE TIMES

“A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. BRILLIANTLY OFFBEAT COMEDY” THE EVENING STANDARD

“THE BEST SKETCHES SINCE PYTHON” JERRY SADOWITZ

Ex Cathedra(UK)

Venetian Vespers

EX CATHEDRA CHOIR & CONTINUO CONDUCTORJEFFREY SKIDMORE

How better to open this year’s festival than with the longed-for return to Kilkenny of the outstanding Ex Cathedra, one of today’s leading international choirs. On a summer’s evening, St Canice’s Cathedral will resonate to the distinctive sounds of St Mark’s Venice, with polychoral works including Cinque Laudate psalms by Rovetta and Cavalli, and music by Grandi, Gabrieli and Monteverdi. What a glorious way to begin the festival!

Thurs 17 - Sat 19 August Club 51 at The Kilford Arms Hotel 9pm

Admission €18/€16

Friday 11 August St Canice’s Cathedral 8pm

Admission €25/€23 (€40 for both concerts)

Ex Cathedra (UK)

Carmina Burana

South of the Line

EX CATHEDRA CHOIR

NATALIE CLIFTON-GRIFFITH- soprano

GRACE DAVIDSON- soprano

JULIA DOYLE- soprano

JEREMY BUDD- tenor

EAMONN DOUGAN- bass

GILES UNDERWOOD- bass

BACKBEAT - percussion quartet

ROSS WILLIAMS- piano

ROBERT BRIDGE- piano

CONDUCTOR JEFFREY SKIDMORE

BackBeat Percussion Quartet (UK)

CARL ORFF

JOHN JOUBERT

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is one of the most popular choral works of the 20th century. The famous opening chorus O Fortuna is one of the most dramatic and powerful passages of music ever written, used frequently in TV advertisements and film music. It’s a suitably theatrical beginning to Orff’s dizzying celebration of sensual pleasure – love, food and drink.

John Joubert is one of the greatest choral composers of the last 50 years. South of the Line is his setting of five poems by Thomas Hardy, written in response to the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer conflict, and a powerful indictment of war.

JOIN US FOR WHAT PROMISES TO BE A TRULY UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE!

Saturday 12 August St Canice’s Cathedral 8pm

Admission €25/€23 (€40 for both concerts)

Internationally acclaimed BackBeat Percussion Quartet present a fun-packed and fast moving family concert, featuring a wide variety of percussion instruments from around the world. Renowned for their imaginative programmes which cross boundaries and unite art and entertainment in an accessible and enjoyable way, BackBeat have an extensive repertoire, but particularly enjoy presenting music that is strongly theatrical and visual.

With plenty of audience participation throughout, be prepared to be amazed at the sights and sounds on offer and you may even find yourself on stage with the quartet!

Sunday 13 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 12 noon Admission €10/€8

Family Music Package €30 (See booking info p. 32)

“AMAZING AND JOYOUS” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Finghin Collins (Ireland)

One of Ireland’s top pianists, Finghin Collins has performed with many of the leading international orchestras including, most recently, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, the Chicago Symphony, the Houston Symphony and the Rotterdam Philharmonic.

Closer to home, Finghin is kept equally busy, playing with all the Irish orchestras including the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra, and recording regularly for both RTÉ and BBC Radio and Television. He has also collaborated with ensembles such as London Winds and the Aviv, Shanghai, Skampa, St Petersburg, Vanbrugh, Vertavo and Vogler String Quartets.

A favourite with Kilkenny audiences, Finghin’s solo programme at St Canice’s Cathedral features Schumann’s Kinderszenen Op. 15 and Liszt’s Sonata in B minor.

Finghin’s latest recording The Complete Works For Piano Volume 1 (Schumann) was released by Claves Records in May 2006.

The Quartet for the End of Time (Ireland & UK)

FINGHIN COLLINS – piano

GUY JOHNSTON – cello

CATHERINE LEONARD - violin

CAROL MCGONNELL – clarinet

Finghin Collins, Catherine Leonard and Carol McGonnell – three top class, young Irish musicians – have toured extensively together in the past two years, most recently to the Plovdiv Festival in Bulgaria, and have yielded reviews such as “utterly engaging... brimmed with the human and artistic pleasures of making music” (The Irish Times).

Here they are joined for the first time by exceptional British cellist, Guy Johnston for this exciting programme of two of the classics of the chamber music repertoire.

“GUY JOHNSTON… AN EXCEPTIONALLY SENSITIVE MUSICIAN”

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

“CATHERINE LEONARD…

IRELAND’S LEADING VIOLINIST”

THE IRISH TIMES

Programme

Monday 14 August St Canice’s Cathedral 1.10pm Admission €15/€13

“COLLINS SHOWS AGAIN THAT HE IS ONE OF THE MOST PROMISING PIANO DISCOVERIES OF OUR TIME” WESTFAELENPOST, GERMANY

“CAROL McGONNELL IS QUITE SIMPLY ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG CLARINETTISTS TO BE HEARD IN THIS CITY” TIME OUT, NEW YORK

BEETHOVEN Gassenhauer Trio for clarinet, cello and piano

MESSIAEN Quartet for the End of Time

Tuesday 15 August St Canice’s Cathedral 8pm Admission €20/€18

Photo: Hanya Chlala

Argento Chamber Ensemble (USA)

Arguably the most exciting chamber music ensemble to emerge from New York City in recent years, Argento has a burgeoning reputation in the US, selling out venues such as Carnegie Hall and America’s premiere new music venue, The Miller Theatre.

Among the top young virtuosi in the United States, the Argento members individually have a wide array of musical interests, including non-Western music, jazz, improvisation and cutting edge contemporary music. The ensemble is highly regarded in the field of new music and recently performed at a celebration concert in New York for Pierre Boulez and Eliott Carter, two living giants of classical music.

Significantly influenced by the music of the French spectralists, a group of composers dedicated to following in the footsteps of Debussy and Ravel in search of a new experience of sonic beauty, Argento’s search for rich new sound worlds has led the group to the far ends of the globe. In Istanbul they had the honour of collaborating with legendary master vocalist Kani Karaca.

Argento has also immersed itself in the field of interactive electronics and has been a dedicated platform of performance for IRCAM, the world’s leading institute for electronic music, based at the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Argento is highly focused on the future of classical music and is continuously active in the commissioning of new works. Argento records on the Aeon label.

Programme 2

Sounds Impressionistic

MICHEL GALANTE

Leaves of Absence

PHILIPPE HUREL A Measure

GERARD PESSON Cinq Chansons

TRISTAN MURAIL Ethers

Programme 3

Mahler IV with guest soloist Ailish Tynan

STEVE REICH New York Counterpoint

GERARD GRISEY Periode

GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No 4 transcribed by Erwin Stein for chamber ensemble

Programme 1 - Beckett in Words and Music

A collection of work inspired by various texts of Samuel Beckett

PHILIP GLASS Prelude to Endgame, for timpani and double bass

JOHN CORIGLIANO Irish Folk Songs

MICHAEL KLINGBEIL Ce Cours de Sable Qui Glisse – World Premiere

EARL KIM Exercises En Route

Programme 1 Wednesday 16 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 6pm Admission €15/€13

Kilkenny Arts Festival is thrilled to bring this exhilarating ensemble to Ireland for three unique performances in the atmospheric surroundings of the Parade Tower at Kilkenny Castle and St Canice’s Cathedral.

RTÉ LYRIC FM WILL RECORD BOTH OF THESE CONCERTS FOR BROADCAST AT A LATER DATE.

AILISH TYNAN- soprano

CATHERINE LEONARD- violin MARK DULEY- harmonium

Programme 2 Friday 18 August St Canice’s Cathedral 1.10pm Admission €15/€13

Programme 3 Saturday 19 August St Canice’s Cathedral 8pm Admission €20/€18

Argento Package €40 for all three concerts

“A FIRST RATE PROPONENT OF NEW MUSIC” DAVID LAMARCHE, THE NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW

European Baroque Orchestra (EU)

The perfect expression of harmony through diversity, the European Baroque Orchestra represents the cream of Europe’s emerging specialist musicians. Selected from the top 100 young baroque musicians from across Europe, the youthful, unconstrained and vibrant musicianship of the EUBO members has dazzled audiences from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to the wartorn cities of Bosnia, Montenegro and the Balkans. Under the direction of Lars Ulrik Mortensen, the style, gesture and ornamentation of this baroque orchestra’s playing results in a warm, light and sweet sound, which promises a very special experience for Kilkenny audiences.

Programme

TELEMANN Suite in E flat

MUFFAT Sonata II in G minor from Armonico Tributo

HANDEL Passacaglia and Gigue in A from Radamisto

VIVALDI Concerto for two oboes and strings in D minor, soloists Sophie Rebreyand and Sarah Humphrys

RAMEAU Suite from Acante & Cephise

White Raven (Ireland, US & Latvia)

This a capella vocal trio features Irish soprano, Kathleen Dineen, American tenor, Robert Getchell and Latvian baritone, Raitis Grigalis. Performing some of the most exquisite three-part chansons from 15th century France, Spain and England, along with luxurious arrangements of traditional Irish songs, it is no wonder that White Raven have received great critical acclaim and are much sought after at music festivals throughout Europe.

A unique opportunity to experience the warmth and clarity of White Raven’s renowned performance in the atmospheric Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle.

“IT DOESN’T SEEM TO MATTER WHAT MATERIAL WHITE RAVEN REACHED OUT TO, EVERYTHING THEY TOUCHED SEEMED TO TURN TO PUREST GOLD”

THE IRISH TIMES

Friday 18 August St Canice’s Cathedral 8pm Admission €20/€18

Saturday 19 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 6pm

Admission €15/€13

FEMI KUTI - lead vocals, alto sax

OLUROTIMI HENDEYIN- trumpet

OLU LALEYE- trumpet

FRANCIS ONAH- tenor sax

OLU ALBERT- baritone saxophone

TIWALADE OGUNLOWO- trombone

OPEYEMI AWOMOLO- guitar

SOLOMON IDOWU- keyboards

RICHARD UDOFOT- bass

ADEKUNLE OLAYEDE- percussion

ADEBOWALE OBI- drums

BOSEDE AJILA- vocals, dancer

YEMI ORIYIMEI- vocals, dancer

Femi Kuti & The Positive Force (Nigeria)

Tonight, Kilkenny moves to the most potent musical force to emerge from Africa in the modern era. Afrobeat, and its powerful brew of tribal polyrhythms, agitfunk and liberation song, may be forever associated withthe late great Fela Kuti, but now the mantle is passed to his eldest son, Femi Kuti.

Like his revolutionary father, the man they called The Black President, Femi speaks for a generation, addressing the social and political concerns of today’s Africa. His medium is The Positive Force, a 14-piece brotherhood of funk rhythm section, African percussionists, snappy horns, riffing vocalists and lithe dancers.

Just as Fela had before him, Femi controls the throttle of this high performance engine, saxophone in one hand, mic in the other, evoking the spirit of distant nights in The Shrine, the legendary Lagos nightclub where afrobeat was born in the 70s. The family business continues.

Friday 11 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 10.30pm Admission €22/€20

note this is a standing only performance

Turning on Tradition

Téada & Beoga (Ireland)

“TÉADA ARE KEEPING THE TRADITIONAL FLAG FLYING AT FULL MAST.” THE IRISH TIMES

OISIN MacDIARMADA- fiddle

PAUL FINN- button accordion

DAMIEN STENSON- flute, whistle

SEÁN McELWAIN- bouzouki, guitar

TRISTAN ROSENSTOCK- bodhrán

“BEOGA’S MUSIC HAS THE AUTHORITY OF MASTER CRAFTSMEN, UNAFRAID TO TAKE CHANCES AND WALK ON TRADITIONAL MUSIC’S WILD SIDE.”

IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

LIAM BRADLEY- piano

DAMIEN McKEE- button accordion

NIAMH DUNNE- vocals, fiddle

EAMONN MURRAY- bodhran

SEAN ÓG GRAHAM- button accordion, guitar

Altan, Danu, Lunasa, Dervish, Liam O’Flynn & The Piper’s Call, Hayes & Cahill… Since the turn of the millennium, we’ve brought you an aristocratic roll call of traditional music. Waiting in the wings, a new generation of Irish groups, evidence of the powerful momentum at work in our music today, and its to them we now direct our focus.

Between them, Téada and Beoga give ample evidence that Irish music’s future is in capable hands, and they’re on similar trajectories. Both have honed their skills on the demanding club circuits in North America and Europe over the last five years, and both have garnered awards and critical acclaim for their recorded output.

Stylistically, they couldn’t be more different, another sign of rude musical health. From Antrim, Beoga have a mischievous side, freely incorporating elements of tango and New Orleans intotheir ebullient sound, while Teada opt for the straighter road, played with a maturity and restraint that belies their tender years. In both cases, you’ll be glad you came.

Sat 12 August Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel Doors 9pm

Admission €18/€16

Iarla Ó Lionáird

(Ireland)

With special guests

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh & Mick O’Brien

SLOW AND MELANCHOLY, HIS VOICE HAD AN UNSATISFIED LONGING AS IT CHISELLED INTRICATE SHAPES ON SPECIFIC NOTES WITH A BURNING INTENSITY. IARLA Ó LIONÁIRD IS A SINGER OF SINGULAR POWER.” SONGLINES

Since his emergence as a recording artistfor Peter Gabriel’s Realworld label a decade ago, Iarla Ó Lionáird has travelled the world, filling its most prestigioushalls with his expansive voice and the songs of his native Cúil Aodha. These days, Kilkenny is where he returns to from the road, and his current release Invisible Fields was recorded in his recently completed studio in Thomastown.

Sean nós may mean in the old style, but when Iarla sings, it’s a vibrant living tradition, drawing strength from the past while confidentlyembracing the future. The Guardian calls him “one of the most dramatic voices in contemporary music”, and it’s presented here without accompaniment, all the better to appreciate its subtle coloursand quiet strength.

Further contrast is in store with the music of Sliabh Luachrafrom special guests fiddler Caoimhín Ó

Raghallaigh and piper Mick O’Brien, drawn from their acclaimed 2003 recording Kitty Lie Over.

Sunday 13 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 1pm

Admission €15/€13

Five Corners Quintet (Finland)

With special guest DJ Billy Scurry (Ireland)

JUKKA ESKOLA- trumpet

TIMO LASSY- tenor sax

MIKAEL JAKOBSSEN - piano

ANTTI LÖTJÖNEN- bass

TEPPO MÄKYNEN- drums

There’s a modest dance revolution going on in the Five Corners district of Helsinki, where jazz is returning to the dance floor. It’s not happening via sequencers, loops or remixes, but a return to the hardbop, latin and souljazz of seminal Blue Note artists like Art Blakey and Joe Henderson, and their signature sound of tight ensemble work, dynamic soloists and driving rhythm sections.

Leading from the front is trumpet wunderkind Jukka Eskola, but this is no jaded tribute to past heroes. Five Corners Quintet are renewing the jazzman’s contract with swing for the 21st century, and it’s a formula that’s been wowing festival audiences over the last year from Europe to Japan. They’ve an infectious zeal for getting you on the dance floor, with tunes like Trading Eights, described by The Timesas “a soaring groover with great rhythms that hooks the tune up nicely for dancers. Real jazz played by a hip quintet.” See you on the floor.

Sunday 13 August Newpark Hotel Doors 8pm Admission €20/€18

“STYLISH, DYNAMIC, DANCEABLE ACOUSTIC JAZZ.” THE OBSERVER

Madras Special (India/Europe)

RAMESH SHOTHAM- carnatic percussion, voice

SANDHYA SANJANA - voice

ZOLTAN LANTOS - violin, tarangini

CHRISTIAN ZURNER - bass

Caoimhín Vallely (Ireland)

Throughout today’s Europe, music is in motion, and the sounds emanating from Paris, Barcelona and London are a powerful motif for the continent’s growing cultural diversity. Add to that list Cologne, home to percussionist Ramesh Shotham, and his rhythm tour de force Madras Special.

He’s a native of the bustling city of Chennai (formerly Madras), and a lifelong disciple of carnatic music, the classical tradition of South India, revered for its rhythmic sophistication and its unique family of percussion instruments such as mridangam, tavil, ghatam, dholak and kanjira.

Based in Europe since the 80’s, he has been a charismatic ambassador for his tradition, performing with diverse artists like Lebanese oud virtuoso Rabih Abou Khalil and jazz provocateur Steve Coleman, as well as previous visits to Ireland for memorable performances with the jazz/traditional group Khanda.

With Madras Special, he creates a living mandalla of sound and rhythm, drawing on the vivid personalities ofvocalist Sandhya Sanjana, herself steeped in Indian folklore, Budapest’s Zoltan Lantos, a virtuoso of Hungary’s classical and gypsy violin tradition, and leading German bassist Christian Zürner.

Monday 14 August Cleere’s, Parliament St 9pm Admission €18/€16

with special guests

Niall Vallely - concertina

Brian Morrissey - guitar

Once a staple of céilí bands throughout the country, of late the piano has had an enigmatic relationship with traditional music. That could all change with the trail blazing Caoimhín

Vallely

The family namemight be synonymous with great Armagh music, but Caoimhín, youngest of the three Vallely brothers, has been a restless spirit, happy to explore newmusical paths. One led to Limerick, for studies with Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, and an opportunity to distil other elements from jazz and baroque music into an innovative approach, further honed on the road with groups like North Cregg, Buille and Solas.

The sum of these parts can be heard to greatly satisfying effect on Strayaway, an album that breaks new ground for the piano in traditional music, full of deft touches, from jazz voicings and subtle contrapunctualism tochamber music dynamics.

Tuesday 15 August St Canice’s Cathedral 1.10pm Admission €15/€13

“NOT SO MUCH BREAKING WITH TRADITION AS UNPICKING ITS ESSENCE… A STARTLINGLY PROPULSIVE SOLO PIANO DEBUT”. THE IRISH TIMES

“MADRAS SPECIAL IS A WONDERFUL AUDIO TRIP FROM COLOGNE TO MADRAS. IT COMBINES FUNK AND RAGA, TAKES AN EXCURSION INTO JAZZ, ON INTO THE DEEP SOUTH INDIAN TEMPLE MUSIC.” JAZZ PODIUM

Beginning To End

(Ireland & Switzerland)

CHRISTY DORAN - guitar ISA WITT - voice RONAN GUILFOYLE- bass SEAN CARPIO- drums

Is there a more enigmatic musician of the Irish diaspora than guitarist Christy Doran? Since forming the Swiss band Om in the 70’s, Doran has been insinuating himself into the very fabric of European contemporaryjazzfrom his lakeside base in Lucerne, recording for ECM, leading his power quartet New Bag, and collaborating with towering figures like John Surman and the late Edward Vesala.

Irish performances are rare, but we’ve lured him back for this joint commission between Kilkenny Arts Festival and Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, for a night of all new music co-written with leading Irish bassist Ronan Guilfoyle. Itsinspiration will be Samuel Beckett, though not in any literal sense, focusing instead on the writer’s uniquecadence, contour and metreas a source for jazz improvisational materials. It’s also an inter-generational encounter, with potent new voices from Switzerland and Ireland in vocalist Isa Witt and drummer Sean Carpio completing this adventurous quartet.

Tuesday 15 August Cleere’s, Parliament St 9pm €18/€16

ELIZA CARTHY- fiddle, voice

BEN IVITSKY- guitar, viola, voice

JON BODEN- concertina, fiddle, voice

JOHN SPIERS- melodeon, voice

GIDEON JUCKES- tuba

Eliza Carthy & The Ratcatchers (UK)

Twice a nominee for The Mercury Prize, recipient of an unprecedented seven BBC Folk Awards, and yet to usher in her third decade, feisty Eliza Carthy is boldly leading the current rejuvenation of English folk music.

Like many the traditional musician before her, Eliza’s education started early, and in the home. Weaned on music, her clarion voice, with its alluring combination of warmth and defiance, bears the hallmark of her mother Norma Waterson, while the confident swagger of her fiddle playing evokes the artistry of her illustrious guitarist father Martin Carthy.

Her own career took off in earnest when championed by the late John Peel and over five acclaimed albums, she’s challenged all the lazy preconceptions about English song tradition, winning legions of new admirers for her vivacious live shows, with a band that features celebrated players Spiers and Boden.

Charismatic and intelligent, she’s redefining the notion of folk music on her own terms, bringing fresh vitality to old songs that speak universally of the passions and travails of the common man.

Wednesday 16 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 9pm

Admission €20/€18

“DORAN IS A SUPERB GUITARIST OF CONSIDERABLE IMAGINATIVE RANGE, WITH GIFTED THEMES THAT OPEN ON TO VAST LANDSCAPES OF SOUND.” PENGUIN GUIDE TO JAZZ

Aynur Dogan (Turkey)

AYNUR DOGAN- voice

CEMIL KOCGÜN- baglama, tembur

NERIMAN AKALIN - violin

YASIN BOYRAZ- kaval, zurna

BARIS BOYRAZ- percussion, bass

ÖMER AVCI- percussion

Istanbul, with its 18 million inhabitants, has an extraordinary music scene, with Ottoman classical music, Roma gypsy bands, jazz, electronica, even hip hop. It has been exquisitely captured by the German filmmaker Fatih Akin in Crossing The Bridge, an award winning homage to this noble city on the Bosphorous and its charismatic musicians.

At its emotional heart is a performance in a Turkish hammam by an arrestingly beautiful Kurdish singer, who now graces the festival stage in our own St Canice’s Cathedral. Her name is Aynur Dogan.

Some voices have an immediate emotional impact, and this is one. Born in the Kurdish region of Tunceli, she grew up immersed in the music, myth and poetry of the Alevites, a further minority within the Kurdish diaspora. She’s reimagined this richly textured music, with its traditional lutes, woodwinds and elegiac songs for a new generation of young Turks.

It’s all the more remarkable, given Turkey’s suppressionof Kurdish identity until recent times, and in Aynur they’ve found an artist who can heal old wounds and bring it to the world.

Jazz & Blues Revue

Thursday 17 August St Canice’s Cathedral 8pm Admission €20/€18

“A

Nigel Mooney

Band, Cormac Kenevey & The Phil Ware Trio

WITH SPECIAL GUEST RICHIE BUCKLEY

Tonight’s your night to get laid back and low down with the finest entertainers on the jazz and blues scene today.

Bluesman par excellence Nigel Mooney spearheaded the 80’s blues revival, and his Gripewater Blues Band was the band of choice for visiting US players like Lowell Fulson and Louisiana Red, or opening for Dr John and BB King. Today, Mooney’s winning a whole new generation of admirers, with his songs championed by broadcasters like Ryan Tubridy.

Singer Cormac Kenevey is another destined for great things, and has just signed to Candid Records, the label that first signed Jamie Cullum. A pleasing tone, snappy phrasing, personal delivery and the right songs are prerequisites for any aspiring jazz singer, and Kenevey has all four in abundance. He’s set to be a charismatic ambassador for jazz from Ireland on the international stage, so catch him while you can.

Guesting with both bands is Richie Buckley, tenor saxophonist to the stars, from Van Morrison to Elvis Costello. With his beautiful sound, soulful expression and lightning wit, expect those musical sparks to fly.

Friday 18 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 9pm Admission €20/€18

JAZZ & BLUES

REMARKABLE SINGER, AT THE VANGUARD OF THE CHANGES THAT GRACE THE FACE OF ISTANBUL.” FROOTS

NATIONAL IRISH BANK AND KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENT Solo @ St. Canice’s

Kilkenny is endowed with a beautiful Steinway piano, and blessed with a dramatic room in which to hear it – St Canice’s Cathedral. And what better musical coda to this year’s festival than our final Sunday spent in the company of three of the world’s most expressive jazz pianists.

Solo performance is the highest expression of the jazz musician’s craft, where the player and the instrument are literally at one with the audience. In the right artistichands, it’s a direct experience, with no impediment to the possibilities, from its gentle intimacy to its orchestral sweep. At the highest level, it’s within the gift of a small band of pianists worldwide and Misha Alperin, John Taylor and Stefano Bollani are among them.

John Taylor (UK)

“PENSIVE YET URGENT, THE MUSIC SEEMED TO REFLECT ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF TAYLOR’S PLAYING, HIS REMARKABLE ABILITY TO BE SIMULTANEOUSLY ASSERTIVE AND YET INFINITELY DELICATE. THE GUARDIAN

Manchester born John Taylor is among Europe’s most significant, yet understated masters of the piano. In a career spanning four decades, his poised, elegant playing with its pastoral nuances has placed him in the highest echelons, collaborating with musicians like Jan Garbarek and John Surman, and the seminal trio Azimuth, one of the music’s most imaginatively conceived chamber groups. Taylor is a supremely gifted soloist in his own right, a romantic that’s not averse to swinging hard in the grand tradition of Bill Evans, the master he’s often likened to.

Misha Alperin (Norway)

“RARELY HAVE THE FRONTIERS BETWEEN EASTERN AND WESTERN FOLK MUSIC, JAZZ AND CLASSICAL MUSIC BEEN SO GRACEFULLY NEGOTIATED “ INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE

Founder of the feted Moscow Art Trio in 1989, now based in Norway, Russian pianist Misha Alperin has made great virtue of his geographical isolation from obvious centres of jazz creativity, developing a very personal music from the perspective of Eastern folk, Russian classicism and his own Jewish heritage. In the process, he has fashioned something special, freely weaving these elements together with a mischievoussense of humour, moments of uninhibited virtuosity and an appetite fordiscovery.

Stefano Bollani (Italy)

“CLOSE TO THE STATE OF THE SOLO PIANO ART.” MOJO

Jazz is a music that celebrates its mavericks and Italy’s Stefano Bollani is certainly in that category. An important new voice in European jazz, he has come up under the tutelage of Italian jazz patriarch Enrico Rava, but this Mediterranean extrovert is an important new voice in his own right, copperfastened by a forthcoming solo release for the ECM label, home to Keith Jarrett. This is a witty and exuberant pianist, blessed with a wonderful touch, joyous lyricism and devastating rhythmic selfsufficiency. On a given night, he’ll play Thelonius Monk, Prokofiev, Lennon and McCartney, Frank Zappa and audience requests in a freewheeling ride that exploits every note on the piano, both on and off the keyboard.

Sunday 20 August St Canice’s Cathedral 3pm MISHA ALPERIN5.30pmJOHN TAYLOR8pm STEFANO BOLLANI

Admission €15 per concert or €30 for all three

Masala!

If you were part of the capacity crowd at last year’s Hecho En Irlanda, our celebration of all things Latin, you won’t want to miss Masala, as we get into multiculti party mode with the Asian subcontinent in our sights.

Every great Indian dish starts with a masala, a fragrant compound of spices, and our version is gourmet fare. Its principle ingredients are music, with legendary UK Asian producer Kuljit Bhamra leading a carnival of indian percussion with his group Taala, and DJ Ritu, founder of Outcaste Records and London’s hugely popular Kuch Kuch Club.

There’ll be Bhangra aplenty, the music that started life at harvest time in The Punjab, then radically transformed in the Asian club scene, the beat of the mighty dhol drum fusing with DJ culture to create a potent dance floor groove. From Dublin, Jagroop and his Bhangra dance crew will be showing you all the moves with demos and a free class, and we’ll also have Bollywood movies, a mehndi artist for traditional henna tattoos and some tasty Asian treats to keep dance floor fatigue at bay.

Call it a Mela, the Sanskrit word for all manner of community celebrations and festivals in the Asian subcontinent, Kilkenny style!

Saturday 19 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 8pm Admission €22/€20

Please note this is a standing only performance

Thank you to:

PARTNERS

Alliance Fire & Security Systems

Bluett & O’Donoghue

ASSOCIATES

A.I.B. Kilkenny

Bank of Ireland

Carroll’s Bar, Thomastown

Celebrate It

Chez Pierre

Duggan Steel Group

J.A. Canny Solicitor

Lacken House Restaurant & Guesthouse Lautrecs

Le Caveau, The Specialist Wine Merchants Meubles

O’Connell’s Chemist, High St. & Rose Inn St.

Padraig Butler Solicitors

Patterson Bannon & Associate Architects Ltd

(Kilkenny & Carlow)

PJT Insurance Services Ltd

Pordylo’s Restaurant Restaurant Café Sol

Ripley’s Steak House

The Blackbird Gallery

WhazOn

Zuni Restaurant & Townhouse

Business Friends of Kilkenny Arts Festival

Every year for ten days in August, Kilkenny comes alive with a feast of artistic entertainment for all, taking full advantage of the city’s stunning historic buildings and easily accessible trails. The city’s oldest and largest festival now draws over 70,000 visitors annually who partake in all that Kilkenny has to offer.

As a non-profit organisation, you, our friends, are our lifeline, allowing us to present a festival of distinction that continues to inspire and delight. Your valuable contribution helps us bridge the gap between government grants, sponsorship and box office sales.

A cost effective, highly visible sponsorship partnership with ourselves raises your company profile, fosters goodwill with all markets and strengthens your cultural ties in the local community.

Further info tel 056 776 3663, email info@kilkennyarts.ie

Your City… Your Festival… Your Point of Difference

BUSINESS PATRONS

Atlantic Flight Training Pilot Training Cork Ltd

Boyd’s Real Estate Alliance

Butler Court Guest Accommodation

Club House Hotel

Crotty’s Coffee House

Dean Street Medical Centre

Dr John Clarke

Electro City

Erinstone

Finlay Hydrascreens

Fléva Restaurant

Glanbia

Glenpatrick Spring Water

Jeff Howes Golf Design

John’s Green Medical Centre

Kilkenny Blue Limestone

Kilkenny Project Engineering (Architectural Practices)

Lemonsol Restaurant

Manning Travel Worldchoice

Marble City Travel

McDonald’s Restaurant

Murphy Jewellers

Ormonde Brick

Reidy & Foley Solicitors

Silver Oasis State Street International

The Springhill Clinic

Whites Pharmacy

Willie Duggan Lighting Ltd

the arts for all our friends

Booking Information

Festival Box Office, Old Bank of Ireland, The Parade, Kilkenny

Telephone & Credit Card Hotline 056 775 2175

Online Booking www.kilkennyarts.ie

Box Office open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm

Concessions are available and apply to students, senior citizens and the unwaged. Evidence will be requested at point of purchase.

Concessions are not available for online bookings.

Ticket Packages

Booking opens Wednesday 5 July

Student standby tickets available on the door, subject to availability. 25% discount on the production of a valid student card, 15 minutes before start time.

Festival Club Membership is available through the Friends/Patrons Scheme. Details from the Box Office.

10% discount if you buy tickets for 3 events or more at the same time

10% discount for bookings of 10 or more people.

•Ex Cathedra Package: Two Ex Cathedra concerts for €40 (p. 9 & 10)

•Argento Package: All three Argento concerts for €40 (p. 14 & 15)

•Family Music Package: €30 for family of four.

Applies to BackBeat Percussion Quartet (p. 11), Viento Y Fuego (p. 57) and The Session (p. 58)

•Solo @ St Canice’s Package: All three concerts for €30 (p. 28 & 29)

Booking Form

Postal Bookings to: Kilkenny Arts Festival Administration Office, 9/10 Abbey Business Centre, Abbey St, Kilkenny Tel +353 56 775 2175, Fax +353 56 775 1704, www.kilkennyarts.ie

Ticket prices include booking fee.

Tickets purchased at outlets outside of Kilkenny are subject to a €2 agents fee.

Tickets purchased online and over the phone by credit card are subject to a credit card booking fee.

Tickets purchased directly from the Festival Box Office are not subject to any additional charges, unless payment is made using a credit card.

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE DAYTELEPHONE EVENING

MASTERCARD VISA LASEREXPIRY DATE

CARD NUMBER

SIGNATURE

Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with order. Cheques/POs should be made payable to Kilkenny Arts Festival Ltd. Please read the booking information carefully and check totals to avoid delays. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the advertised programme, Kilkenny Arts Festival reserves the right to alter the programme. Please note that latecomers may only be admitted at the discretion of Management.

Kilkenny People Friends

People are the lifeblood of Kilkenny Arts Festival

You are our inspiration and our strength. People whose interest, enthusiasm and commitment match ours. People whose participation at events - on the streets, at a concert, theatre show, reading or gig - make it special.

We would like you to become one of our Kilkenny People Friends. We do hope that you will consider joining our scheme which helps us to bridge the gap between government grants, sponsorship and box office revenue. Please note that the Kilkenny Arts Festival is a non-profit organisation.

Join us and you will enjoy a host of benefits during festival time and throughout the year. Your support will genuinely make a difference, helping us continue to bring you a festival of wonder and distinction, now and for years to come.

Further info tel 056 776 3663, email info@kilkennyarts.ie

our the people of kilkenny

Alex Barclay (Ireland)

While working as a freelance journalist and copywriter, Alex Barclay drafted the opening chapters of her debut novel, Darkhouse. A successful pitch to a leading UK agent and eight months of seclusion later, the finished manuscript hit the bestseller lists in Ireland and the UK. The rollercoaster rides on as this new writer’s dark and gritty tale of violent crime takes the world by storm, undergoing translations into 11 languages and thrilling readers around the world.

“A TERRIFIC DEBUT BY AN EXCITING NEW WRITER” THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

”THRILLER WRITERS BEWARE: THERE’S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK IN THE PERSON OF IRISH AUTHOR ALEX BARCLAY” THE IRISH TIMES

Tobias Hill (UK)

Prize-winning novelist and poet Tobias Hill is a man with an intense curiosity about the world. His atmospheric thrillers

The Cryptographer, The Love of Stones and Underground display a strongly poetic sense, which imperceptibly creates the genuinely dark environments of his urban-pastoral dramas. His outstanding use of language makes his novels not only thrilling, but absolutely compelling.

Past winner of the Macmillan/Pen Award and the British Arts Council Writer’s Award, Tobias Hill has also worked as a rock critic for the Sunday Telegraph and is a regular reviewer for several publications. He was the inaugural Poet in Residence at London Zoo.

“ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING YOUNG NOVELISTS WORKING IN BRITAIN TODAY.” THE GUARDIAN

‘’ENGAGE, AND YOU’RE HOOKED… HE MAKES READING A JOY.”

TOM ADAIR, SCOTSMAN

Monday 14 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 6pm Admission €12/€10

The writers for this year’s Festival have been chosen to reflect a whole spectrum of work within the crime/thriller genre.

Photo: Caroline Forbes

Adrian McKinty (Northern Ireland)

Born in Carrickfergus at the height of the Troubles, Adrian McKinty studied politics at Oxford University and moved to New York City in the early 1990s. Dead I Well May Be, his first novel, was short-listed for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and is soon to be made into a Universal Pictures movie, directed by John Lee Hancock (The Alamo). This was followed by Hidden River in 2005, and this year by the widely acclaimed The Dead Yard.

“McKINTY IS A CROSS BETWEEN MICKEY SPILLANE AND DAMON RUNYON – THE TOUGHEST, THE BEST. BEWARE OF MCKINTY” FRANK McCOURT

“THE DEAD YARD IS COMPELLING CRIME FICTION AT ITS FINEST! ADRIAN McKINTY IS AN EXCITING NEW TALENT AND MICHAEL FORSYTHE IS A HERO THAT OTHER WRITERS CAN ONLY ASPIRE TO CREATE” ED McBAIN

Eoin McNamee (Ireland)

Acclaimed novelist, Eoin McNamee’s prolific career includes Resurrection Man, The Ultras and Blue Tango. His first book, the novella The Last of Deeds, was short-listed for the Irish Times Literature Prize. Other publications include the poetry collection The Language of Birds and two screenplays, Resurrection Man (1998) and I Want You (1998), directed by Michael Winterbottom. Eoin also writes under the name John Creed.

“THE ULTRAS… A BREATHLESS, FEVERISH NOVEL… DARKLY COMPULSIVE” AL KENNEDY

Tuesday 15 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 6pm Admission €12/€10

Gordon Burn & David Peace (UK)

The award-winning author of some of the finest pieces of fiction in recent years, The North of England Home Service, Alma Cogan (Whitbread First Novel Prize) and Fullalove, Gordon Burn has written equally compelling non-fiction including his work on Peter Sutcliffe Somebody’s Husband, Somebody’s Son, (winner of a US Edgar Allan Poe award) and Happy Like Murderers, about Fred and Rose West. He also wrote the text for Damien Hirst’s I want to spend the rest of my life everywhere, with everyone, one to one, always, forever, now, before their collaboration On the Way to Work.

Gordon’s forthcoming work Best and Edwards - Football, Fame and Oblivion will be published in September 2006.

Joining Gordon will be the excellent speaker, writer and chronicler, David Peace. Initially established as a remarkable writer following the success of Red Riding Quartet, David Peace consolidated his reputation with the publication of the immensely important GB84, his fictionalised account of the British miners’ strike of the 1980s. Described by the Sunday Times as “an enormously significant novel”, the Guardian said “He has turned the whole episode into a gripping thriller, with no detriment to documentary realism”, while the Times Literary Supplement adjudged it to be “compelling, painful reading”.

David’s reading at Kilkenny coincides with the publication of his new book The Damned United, which recounts Brian Clough’s controversial term as Manager of Leeds United in the bleak heart of the 1970s.

17

A unique opportunity to experience two of the leading North of England writers of our times. Unmissable.

Eoin McNamee is the guest curator of the Literature and Film programme of Kilkenny Arts Festival 2006. He will also read from his first book for children, The Navigator, on Thurs 17 August (see p. 52)

PHOTO: MIRIAM BERKELEY

Photo: Leah Garrett

Photo: Charles Glover

Photo: Mary Dunkin

3epkano

Live music accompaniment to classic films

MATTHEW NOLAN- electric guitar

CAMERON DOYLE- electric guitar

KAREN DERVAN- viola

LIOBA PETRIE- cello

RICHARD McCULLOUGH- keyboards

JAMES MACKEN- drums/percussion

DAVID GOUGH - bass guitar

Man with a Movie Camera

DIRECTOR DZIGA VERTOV

1929

Vertov’s pioneering experiment stands as an icon that has forever changed film history. A striking, avant-garde documentary which celebrates Soviet workers and film-making, Vertov uses radical editing techniques and cinematic pyrotechnics to not only portray a typical day in Moscow, but to transform it through the power of the kino-glaz (cinema eye).

“I AM KINO-EYE, I AM MECHANICAL EYE. I, A MACHINE, SHOW YOU THE WORLD AS ONLY I CAN SEE IT.”

DZIGA VERTOV

Friday 18 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle

6pm Admission €15/€13

Meet the Artists

Returning to Kilkenny following their sell-out performance at last year’s festival, eclectic music ensemble 3epkano present live music accompaniment to two of the most outstanding movies from the silent film era: Man With a Movie Camera and Blood of a Poet. An absolute treat.

Blood of a Poet

DIRECTOR JEAN COCTEAU

1930

Cocteau’s groundbreaking first film depicts a distinctly personal world, capturing the poet’s obsession with the struggle between the forces of life and death. Immersed in surrealism, this inventive representation of artistic feeling and thought explores the technical capabilities of film to magically transcend time, to capture creativity and to suspend physical laws. Part of the Orphic Trilogy, Blood of a Poet is an exceptional example of the genius of one of the most versatile French artists of the 20th century.

“POETS… SHED NOT ONLY THE RED BLOOD OF THEIR HEARTS BUT THE WHITE BLOOD OF THEIR SOULS.” JEAN COCTEAU

Saturday 19 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 1pm Admission €15/€13

The informal setting of Morrisson's Bar at the Hibernian Hotel is the ideal spot to meet some of the extraordinary artists taking part in this year's festival. If you have ever wanted to know the ins and outs of how a music performance, art exhibition or piece of theatre come together, this is your chance to find out!

Saturday 12 August at 12 noon

Meet the Artists and Curators

With Mike Fitzpatrick, Curator of Kilkenny Arts Festival’s Visual Art Programme and Director of Limerick City Gallery of Art, and a number of the visiting artists exhibiting at this year’s festival, including Caroline McCarthy, Joe Duggan, Deirdre Power, Tina O’Connell, Tom Fitzgerald, Martin Healy and Nevan Lahart. (See p.40)

Monday 14 August at 4pm

Meet the Theatre Artists

With Frankie McCafferty, writer and actor, Tintype (see p. 6), and Maura O’Keeffe, producer.

Tues 15 August at 4pm

Meet the Musicians 1

With Caoimhín Vallely (see p. 23) and Gerry Godley, curator of Kilkenny Arts Festival’s Jazz, World and Trad Music Programme.

Thurs 16 August at 4pm

Meet the Musicians 2

With members of Argento Chamber Ensemble from New York (see p.14-15), including Carol McGonnell, Guest Curator of Kilkenny Arts Festival’s Classical Music Programme.

Upstairs Bar at Morrisson’s, Hibernian Hotel, Ormonde Street Admission Free

THE MALTINGS, JAMES STREET

Failure at Kilkenny Arts Festival 2006

MIKE FITZPATRICK, CURATOR

Failure is an exhibition of projects that are in some way related with failure or the possibility of failure inherent in creativity. Failure features aninternational group of artists whose work can be associated with this theme through a broad range of aesthetic, conceptual or abject concerns and artpractices. The exhibition acknowledges how artists may employ an ironic sense of failure as a means of communicating aspects of the human condition and also chart a reflexive commentary on the act of creativity itself.

FAILUREFAILU REFAILUREFAI LUREFAILUREF

Bas Jan Ader

A series of films that show the legendary Bas Jan Ader cycle into an Amsterdam Canal, hang from a tree until he could no longer hold on and weep uncontrollably.

Roman Signer

In this beautiful elegy to destruction, a model helicopter takes off and flies in ever increasing circles in a small confined space.

Failure is an exploration of the artistic process. To be creative is to fail, or certainly, to be prepared to fail. I wonder if one of the enjoyments of the art connoisseur is to stand before a new artwork and make a secret declaration of success or failure. Artists are conscious of the dilemmas of the creative process and use a variety of means to acknowledge it within their work. Failure in artwork can be inherent or apparent. The work of Bas Jan Ader, perhaps the daddy of slacker art, exudes a pathetic sad-clown-like quality, a type of lament that allows the viewer to both identify with and wallow within. Certainly his final work involving his own disappearance in 1974 guaranteed his status as ‘hero’ of success through failure. In fact, in a Christ-like manner he gave his life to achieve artistic failure and success simultaneously. His seminal work ‘I’m too sad to tell you’ featuring the artist crying, sums up his grasp of the zeitgeist of the selfinvolved tuned-out generation and serves as a precursor to the later Generation X. However this exhibition is broadly based in terms of art practice and artist intentionality, and the concept is to encourage connections between these many work practices and concerns through witnessing the freedom of Failure.

AILUREFAILUR EFAILUREFAIL

Friday 11 August - Sunday 20 August, 10am - 6pm

museum in progress

As part of this museum in progress project, 1 - 3 minute video clips by international artists were broadcast each week on Austrian national television. The artists selected by Hans-Ulrich Obrist, give “instructions for use” which take on many layers of meaning through various interpretations and ways of carrying them out.

FAILURE

“DO IT” TV Version with Damian Hirst.

Schweben in einer Kiste, 1999, Roman Signer, Courtesy of the Artist and Hauser & Wirth Zürich, London

Courtesy Boymans Museum Rotterdam

BUTLER HOUSE, PATRICK STREET

Vito Acconci

Vito’s approach to the show is to select a preproject, a form of written description, a first approach toward a project that the studio never got the chance to work on, and create an aural non-physical work based on this initial text.

Caroline McCarthy

Caroline will premiere Endeavor (1944). A response to the packaging of an Icelandic brand of ready meals named ‘1944’, so called in reference to the year of Iceland’s independence from Denmark. The idea is to use the packaging from the entire range of meals to make one ‘travel vehicle’. The title Endeavor takes its name from the 1970’s American space shuttle upon which the form of the work is based.

Deirdre Power

Poignant images of post 9/11 disbelief and raw humour in Vermont where some citizens made effigies and reference to Osama Bin Laden in their daily lives.

ST FRANCIS ABBEY BREWERY PARLIAMENT STREET

This series of photographs Like Father Like Son and Family Man Series attract with their apparent wholesomeness, only to find that Duggan’s construct of ‘Family’ is void of human life apart from his solitary presence.

GRENNAN MILL, THOMASTOWN

Julie’s work examines recreation activities such as football, skittles and gaming machines in a manner that is painfully and hauntingly revealing.

Tom’s work masterfully utilises an array of techniques and materials invariably involving social commentary on the absurdities and contradictions of our existence.

Julie Henry

Courtesy of the Wilkinson Gallery and the Film and Video Umbrella.

Tom Fitzgerald

Joe Duggan

JOHN’S GATE, CASTLECOMER ROAD

Steve Reinke

The Mendi

A powerful view of the anthropologist being anthropologised, which pervades the viewer with both a sense of total freedom and jaded despair.

HIS FEARLESSNESS MAKES ME WONDER: HOW COULD HE? HOW DOES HE DARE?” MIKE HOOLBOOM, INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM

PARNELL HOUSE, PARNELL STREET

Martin Healy

GENESIS 28:12, A work examining mythologies in popular culture and in particular the myth of hidden messages in reversed music, what is commonly known as backwards masking. Arguably the most infamous song containing backwards messaging is Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, which reputedly reveals satanic messages when certain verses are played backwards.

CASTLE YARD & CASTLE YARD STUDIO

Nevan Lahart

“I only got this gig because the fella organising the show was impressed with what I last did. How that fits with the theme of failure is beyond me. Surely the rest of the artists in the show can’t be aspiring wasters, who can’t help themselves but succeed.”

Gerard Byrne

A Crime Dramatically Reconstructed, Again, 1995 - 2002

16mm film projection, viewing hourly and by request Courtesy of the Artist and Green on Red Gallery, Dublin

A Crime Dramatically Reconstructed, Again is an intriguing black and white film projection with an operatic accompaniment, a work revisited over a sustained period by the artist. It presents a complex staging and visualisation of an intimate act of listening, its origins echoing the psychological relationship of mother and son and creating an interrogation of perception and understanding between the viewer, the unseen voice, the subject and the object.

Alex Bag

GladiaDaters 2004

With a combination of humour, acerbic wit, politics, and feminism, Alex Bag draws her inspiration from mass media sources, particularly television, and simultaneously lambastes and embraces the culture they reflect and inform. Bag confronts us as both the critic and the fanatic as she addresses the absurd relationships we have with those topics to which we find ourselves inextricably linked as both villains and victims.

KILKENNY

CASTLE – ROSE GARDEN

Tina O’Connell

“Sculpture no longer operates on a formal or figurative level, liberalist attitudes have rendered purely aesthetic readings of a work difficult, and the complex structures of relational era of making and viewing, in which both positions are collapsed, mean the object is in a constant state of transition”.

Assisted by

Ceramics Ireland International Festival

A festival of visual drama to celebrate this most beautiful of art forms. Featuring the work of major ceramic artists from Taiwan, USA, France, Ireland and Wales. This wonderful snapshot of contemporary ceramic practice is not to be missed.

Artists: John Ffrench (Irl/US), Greg Crowe (Aus), Daphne Corregan (France), Eric Astoule (France), Shao Ting Ju (Taiwan), Ashraf Hanna (Wales), Geoffrey Healy (Ireland)

Emerging Ceramics

The diverse energies of 16 emerging Irish and Welsh ceramic artists. A unique opportunity for new makers to launch their work on an international platform.

Both events are part of Féile Clai (Festival of Clay), an exciting new partnership between Ireland and Wales.

Ceramics Ireland International Festival: Aug 11 - Oct 12

Emerging Ceramics: Aug 11 - Oct 1

National Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun 11am - 6pm

Jeanne Silverthorne Burning DNA

This exhibition addresses the literal and metaphorical implications of DNA. Diminutive rubber figures extend the notion of the portrait by including reports tracing each subject’s DNA over several thousand years. Candles in doublehelix shapes bear different genetic codes, and an elaborately absurd rubber machine repeatedly attempts to blow out a fake “eternal” flame.

Jeanne Silverthorne is an installation artist based in New York and Donegal. Her work is presently on view in “Against the Grain,” at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, part of the permanent collection.

Endangered Artists

From here to there

This exhibition consists of a wide range of artists working across the disciplines of painting, sculpture, installation, video and sound works. All artists are part of Endangered Studios, which were born from within the rust of the Chadwicks building on the Hebron Road in Kilkenny in 2003, an initiative of Kilkenny County Council Arts Office. Following the demolition of the former site in 2005, the nomadic group accessed space within the Maltings building from which they have produced work for this show, and managed a series of ground breaking educational workshops. Moving on from a highly successful show in the 2004 Arts Festival, artists from the group return with new works over two venues.

Sculpture at Kells

Various Artists

“SPECTACULAR… THE SETTING IS MAGICAL” IRISH TIMES

Parade Design

Over the last year

KCAT and Macnas have collaborated on the large scale, dazzling parade which takes place during the opening weekend of Kilkenny Arts Festival 2006.

The exhibition Parade Design documents this process and features the colourful design work for the parade by Sinéad Fahey, Andrew Pike and other KCAT artists.

One ancient monastic settlement embraces the work of ten leading contemporary artists. Although surrounded by the architectural fragments of the past, this striking, conceptual work is very much of our time and place in the 21st century. One of the most exciting artistic events of the year.

Artists: (Ireland) Michael Warren, Tom Fitzgerald, Walker and Walker, Tina O’Connell and Kathlyn O’Brien. (Wales) Iwan Balla, Helen Jones, Lois Williams, Craig Wood and Paul Jeff & Richard Huw Morgan (Good Cop Bad Cop).

Plus: Stunning display of the ancient art of bronze casting by Umha Aois Sat 12 & Sun 13 August.

Aug 12 - Sept 24

Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle 9.30am - 7pm daily

11- 20August No. 72 John Street

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

Sat & Sun 10am - 6pm

Watergate Theatre, Parliament Street

Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm, Sat 2pm - 7pm

The Friary, Callan 12- 20August 10am - 5pm daily

12 – 20 August

Kells Priory, Kells, Co Kilkenny

NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY

BUTLER GALLERY

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL KELLS PRIORY

KCAT

RUDOLF HELTZEL GALLERY

Alan Counihan

Alan Counihan has been the recipient of many grants and awards including the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Award. He has created many largescale works in the public domain both in Ireland and the U.S.A. and his work is in many public and private collections on both sides of the Atlantic.

The works in this exhibition are a further development of the 2001 series Prayers before Dying. The small vessel forms of bone were partly inspired by the Imrama, the otherworld voyages of early Irish literature. They are here accompanied by works which also reflect on mortality and the human condition, but in the context of 21st century Ireland as experienced by a returned emigrant. The rapid social changes of recent times have encouraged an exploration of inherited notions of cultural identity.

BERKELEY GALLERY

On the 21st Anniversary of the Berkeley Gallery in the Grennan Mill, the gallery is delighted to offer audiences a unique opportunity to experience a feast for the eyes. This year’s shows offer a variety of media.

The main gallery features Memory of my senses, by ceramic artist, Antonia Splini.

Anne Harrington Rees Fibre Works

Re-Production

CURATED BY MARY BUTLER AND LOUISE ALLEN

Prepare yourselves for a wild alternative experience of untamed, bizarre and curious art at the House, 7 Bridgewater, Dean St.

Performances, installations, dancers, DJs and exhibitions by leading artists from Ireland and the UK.

Invited artists: Clodagh Emoe (Irl)

Pauline Rowan (Irl) Naked Ruby (UK)

Vaginal Vynal (Irl) Joanna Peacock (UK)

The upper gallery shows new work by Michael Mulcahy and Suzy O’Mullane.

The mill grounds by the river feature Concave Convex, a video installation by Aideen Barry and Deirdre Manifold.

Anne Harrington Rees uses natural fibres –some collected near her home – and the traditional basketry technique of coiling to create small-scale sculptural pieces, inspired by natural forms, architecture, vessels and movement. The work is titled in Irish, Welsh, English or scientifically and each has a story to tell, mainly with an environmental message; the stories being as important as the making.

Anne is very conscious of environmental issues and therefore sets out to make work which uses natural and renewable resources, which does not impact on the environment in a negative way.

Anne is originally from Kilkenny and has recently returned to Ireland having spent many years living in Anglesey, Wales.

Also featuring other impromptu performances.

Events will run from Saturday 19 August 11am – midnight and Sunday 20 August 11am – 5pm but will it really end here!

Information re: performance times available from: Arts Festival Box Office

www.kilkennyarts.ie No. 72 John Street www.kilkennycoco.ie

The Butler Gallery

www.butlergallery.com

11 - 20 August

Rudolf Heltzel Gallery, 10 Patrick Street

Mon - Sat, 9.30am - 1pm, 2pm - 5.30pm Sun 2pm - 5pm

11 - 20 August Berkeley Gallery, Thomastown 10am – 6pm daily

11 - 20 August Red Aesthetic, Rose Inn Street

19 & 20 August

7 Bridgewater, Dean St

Kate Minnock

Kate’s paintings, prints and installations are concerned with the fragility of the natural environment. Her work focuses on the structural correlations between forms found in lichens and other plants and animals, in particular reindeer antlers. Intrigued by recurring patterns in nature, her current body of work aims to draw attention to these subtle and delicate minutiae.

Kate Minnock graduated from NCAD with a BA in Fine Art (Painting) in 2003 and has exhibited in Ireland, New Zealand and Canada. Her residencies include The Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Co. Monaghan and New Pacific Studio, New Zealand.

11 - 20 August

Tilbury House, 25 James St

Daily 10am – 6pm

A partnership between Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and Kilkenny Arts Festival, the VERGE initiative seeks to provide a platform for emerging visual artists and makers, active in and around Kilkenny City and County, to exhibit their work as part of the festival. Following the success of this initiative in the last two years, an open invitation was extended earlier this year to all who consider themselves emerging artists to submit proposals for this year’s festival. We are delighted to include the following artists in the 2006 programme:

Tunde Toth

New work in Fibre Art and Mixed Media

Deirdre Madden (Ireland)

Catherine Aran (Wales)

Neill Lyons

Neill’s work can be described as sculptural furniture, with the inspiration for the pieces deriving from minimalist architecture/ sculpture, in particular the work of Donald Judd and the architecture of Tadao Ando.

Kilkenny native Neill Lyons graduated in 2003 from the University of Central Lancashire with a BA in Furniture Design. He also holds a Diploma in Auto CAD from Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education and has exhibited in Ireland and the UK.

Working with a variety of natural materials – cotton and bamboo fibres, handmade paper, textiles, beeswax, herbs and spices – allows endless possibilities for combination and brings exciting visual impact to Tunde’s work. These very tactile materials and their textures are the main inspirations for her work.

A graduate of JPTE University in Hungary, Tunde moved to Ireland in 1998 and works from her studio in Thomastown.

Come and hear prize-winning author Deirdre Madden read from and talk about her critically acclaimed first novel for children, Snakes’ Elbows.

When millionaire, Barney, returns to live in the place that he was born, equally rich millionaire, Jasper, is worried that he’ll be upstaged. He sets out to make life as difficult as possible for Barney – with hilarious and farreaching consequences.

Snakes’ Elbows won the Eilis Dillon Award in June this year and was short-listed for the Dublin Airport Authority Irish Book of the Year Award.

Silly Stories and Tales from Wales

Once the only “official” storyteller in Wales, Catherine recreated the role of the Cyfarwydd (Kuh-vah-with) who travelled around the courts of the ancient Welsh princes telling magical tales of triumph and sadness. Now, working for herself, she visits Ireland using a myriad of different voices and facial expressions to introduce us to an array of characters who live in the world of silly stories and tales from Wales.

“WHAT THIS BOOK IS REALLY ABOUT IS LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP AND THE THINGS THAT TRULY MATTER IN LIFE. RARELY HAS SUCH A SEEMINGLY LOOPY TALE SO MOVED ME. QUITE SIMPLY MARVELLOUS.”

15 August 6pm - 10pm

16 August 12 noon - 11pm

Bassets at Woodstock, Restaurant and Café, Woodstock Gardens, Inistioge

17 August – 15 September

KOZO Studio, Marches St, Thomastown 10am - 6pm daily

PHILIP ARDAGH, THE GUARDIAN

Fri 11 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 3pm

Admission €6 (8-10 yrs)

Sat 12, Sun 13 & Mon 14 August

CBS Primary School, Stephen St

12pm (3-5 yrs) & 2pm (6-8 yrs)

Admission €6

Tues 15 August

Graiguenamanagh Library

12pm (3-5 yrs) & 2pm (6-8 yrs)

Admission €6

Darren Shan (Ireland)

One of the hottest properties in children’s literature, Darren Shan writes about vampires, demons and circus freaks and is the author of The Darren Shan Saga and The Demonata series. Translated into more than 20 languages, his books have been bestsellers all over the world, selling in excess of 10 million copies. A big film buff, Darren also reads lots of comics and books, loves watching football, listening to pop and rock music, travelling and dreaming up new ways to terrify his readers!

Eoin McNamee (Ireland)

An acclaimed novelist, Eoin McNamee’s best known work includes Resurrection Man, The Ultras and Blue Tango. His first novel for children, The Navigator, introduces young Owen, whose ordinary life is turned upside-down the day he gets involved with the Resisters and their centuries-long feud with an ancient evil race. The Harsh, with their icy blasts and relentless onslaught have a single aim: turn back time and eliminate all life. Unless they are stopped, everything Owen knows will vanish, as if it had never been…

Eoin McNamee is guest curator of the Literature and Film programme of Kilkenny Arts Festival 2006.

Mayhem Poets (USA)

Performances & Workshops

“GREAT STORY-TELLING” RODDY DOYLE

“STEPHEN KING FOR KIDS” EVENING STANDARD

Saturday 12 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 2pm

Admission €6 (10-12 yrs)

“(RESURRECTION MAN)…ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING PIECES OF FICTION TO HAVE COME ALONG IN YEARS”. THE IRISH TIMES

Thursday 17 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 2pm

Admission €6 (10-14 yrs)

Using hip hop rhythms and dynamic theatrical techniques, Mayhem Poets have developed powerful performances and workshops to inspire young people to listen, craft and perform original poetry. These masters of the spoken word rap and rhyme their way through contemporary life, reflecting the world around us in the essence of uber cool.

You can catch the Mayhem Poets on the streets of Kilkenny, in full performance at the Ormonde Hotel, or join their workshops at The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle. Whichever you choose, you’re bound to be inspired! Who said poetry wasn’t cool?

Workshops

Explore the art of verbal mayhem! Exercise your skill in wordplay, improvisation, writing and performing with the self-expression specialists. These Verbal Mayhem workshops are highly recommended by teachers.

Performances: Sat 12 August Streets of Kilkenny

Times: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm Sun 13 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 3pm (9-11 yrs), 6pm (12-14 yrs) Admission €8

Workshops: Mon 14 August The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle 12pm (9-11 yrs), 3pm (12-14 yrs) Admission €10 35 participants per workshop

PHOTO: MIRIAM BERKELEY

Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.

STORYBOX THEATRE COMPANY(UK)

Two shows for children and their families

Jacare Jungle (Ireland & Brazil) Jack

With a handful of beans and a heart full of courage, Jack sets off on a tall tale of high adventure. Based on Jack and the Beanstalk, this production remains faithful to the spirit of the original ancient tale: a story of enchantment and magic, of cruelty and humour, of courage and ingenuity and triumph over gigantic adversity.

Come on a fantastical voyage beyond the palace walls, into the forests and down to the seashore. Bring magical animals to life with the help of one of Ireland’s most unique dance companies, Oficina da Capoeira.

Stunning visual theatre, inspiring art and interactive science at its most magical. This groundbreaking performance is the result of a unique collaboration between the Crafts Council of Ireland, textile artist Tara Carrigy, the Adaptive Information Cluster at DCU and, of course, children.

Adapted from an original story by Antonia Hart.

The Pea, the Bean & the Enormous Turnip

In this unforgettably leguminous tale of three famous vegetables, Rod Burnett uses his formidable skills as a storyteller and puppeteer to take his audience on a journey into the extraordinary world of the imagination. Weaving together a glorious tapestry of tales by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, Rod tells of a pea which finds a real princess; he tells of the biggest turnip in the world and he tells of a bean which runs away to make its mark. The Pea, the Bean and the Enormous Turnip will send magic tingling up the spines of children and adults alike.

Both shows for children aged 5 yrs upwards.

Duration: 60 minutes per performance

JACK

Monday 14 August Paulstown Hall 6pm

Tuesday 15 August CBS Primary School, Stephen St 2pm & 4pm

THE PEA, THE BEAN & THE ENORMOUS TURNIP

Monday 14 August CBS Primary School, Stephen St. 4pm & 6pm

Admission €8

Wednesday 16 August CBS Primary School, Stephen St 2pm & 4pm

Admission €8

For children under 3yrs

Duration: 30 minutes

LYNGO THEATRE COMPANY (UK) Egg and Spoon

Viento y Fuego (Spain)

ANGEL- flamenco guitar

ARIANY - flamenco dance

JOSÉ- flamenco percussion

BY MARCELLO CHIARENZA AND PATRICK LYNCH

DIRECTED AND DESIGNED BY MARCELLO CHIARENZA

MUSIC BY CARLO ‘CIALDO’ CAPELLI

PERFORMERS: PATRICK LYNCH & ELENA MARINI WITH THANKS TO TIM WEBB FROM OILY CART

Welcome to our magic circle where we celebrate the wonders of nature. Sit down and relax on our comfy cushions as Percy and April guide you through the four seasons. Make some friends while you play peek-a-boo in our puddles or dance at the butterfly party. You’ll see how everyone likes to sleep on the moon cushion or cover themselves with snow from their first year to their fortieth, from spring to autumn and back again.

This is the highly interactive version for the under 3’s of Lyngo’s very popular Watch the Birdy show where you can simply rock and roll around the clock to our lullaby or crawl into the middle and be a star!

Funded by the Arts Council, England.

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 August CBS Primary School, Stephen St 12pm, 2pm & 4pm Admission €6

Be swept along in the infectious rhythms of Spain at this unique Flamenco performance for all the family. Bringing together the music, dance, colour and emotion of this vibrant country, Viento Y Fuego expresses the thrill of the Flamenco and the passion of the Tango, Tientos, Bulerias, Rumbas and the Sevillanas. Compelling the audience to respond with rhythmic palmas (hand-clapping) and jaleo (shouts of encouragement), this interactive performance will send you on your way with a skip in your step and a little flamenco passion in your heart.

Saturday 19 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel 3pm

Admission €10/€8 Family Music Package €30

(See booking info p. 32)

The Session

Bring your children along to enjoy some tasty tunes at this interactive traditional Irish music session with flute, percussion, guitar and dance, featuring some of Ireland’s top musicians. Curated by the highly accomplished percussionist Robbie Harris, who has performed and recorded with groups as diverse as Riverdance, The Fleadh Cowboys, Kíla, Stockton’s Wing and Rodrigo Y Gabriela.

ROBBIE HARRIS- bodhran, percussion

EMER MAYOCK- flute, fiddle & pipes

DONAL SIGGINS- guitar, mandola

MUIREANN NIC AMHLAOIBH- vocals, flute

RONAN McCORMAC– dancer

Suitable for all ages.

Rhythm Workshops We all have Rhythm!

The world is filled with music, and it all has rhythm. The first sounds we ever heard, while still in our mother’s womb, were the beating of her heart and the rhythm of her breath.

These interactive and fun workshops will introduce children to rhythms from all over the world and will teach them to explore their own abilities through a hands-on drumming experience. They will be amazed at their own talent!

Facilitated by percussionist Robbie Harris from The Session, rhythms from a wide variety of locations including Ireland, Africa, Latin America and Asia will be explored, as well as a range of rhythm games such as Call & Response and the Drum Circle.

Papermaking Workshops

Castlecomer Estate Yard's beautifully equipped papermaking studio, 'Paper Works' is the venue for children to learn how to make beautiful handmade papers with Artist and Papermaker Polly Minett.

Following the success of last year's workshops, this year participants will be working with pulps made from recycled jeans, linen dresses and cotton shirts, to create your own 'paper art' wall hangings. All materials will be provided but you might like to bring ribbons, threads or photocopies of your favourite photograph to incorporate into your art works.

Visual Art Workshops

Musical Paint Brushes

Age 4 - 6 yrs

In this workshop, participants will listen to different types of music. Using a range of materials, they will then draw, paint and colour different images inspired by rhythm and mood.

Mon 14 August

Workshop 1 2pm-3pm Workshop 2 4pm-5pm

20 participants in each

Admission €10

Family Papermaking Workshop for Beginners

Monday 14 August, 2-4pm, Admission €15 Participants limited to eight children plus adults.

Beginners Papermaking for Children Aged 5 – 8 yrs

Tuesday 15 August, 10.30-12 noon, Admission €15 Participants limited to ten children

Beginners Papermaking for Children Aged 8 – 12 yrs

Tuesday 15 August, 2-4pm, Admission €15 Participants limited to ten children

All participants should wear old clothes… just in case. All materials are supplied.

Sunday 20 August Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

2pm & 5pm Admission €10/€8

Family Music Package €30 (See booking info p.32)

The Carlton Ballroom, Chapel Lane, Kilkenny

Thurs 17 August12 noon - 1pm Group 1 (5-7 yrs) €10

Fri 18 August12 noon - 1pm Group 2 (5-7 yrs) €10

Sat 19 August12 noon - 1pmGroup 3 (5-7 yrs) €10

Thurs 17 - Sat 192.30pm - 3.30pm Group 4 (8-10 yrs) €30 (3 day workshop)

Creature Costumes

Age 7 - 9 yrs

Participants will create, make and finish their very own costumes. Using paint, card, paper and fabric, participants will decide what they want their creature costume to look like.

Expect everything from

Time Travellers to Jungle Warriors!

Workshop 1 Tues 15

Workshop 2 Wed 16

Workshop 3 Thurs 17

10.30am-12.30pm

20 participants in each

Admission €15

All in a Circle

Age 4 - 6 yrs

Each participant will create their own special space (under the sea, fairy kingdoms) using pencils, pastels and chalks.

Fri 18 August Workshop 1

10.30am-11.30am

Workshop 2

12.30pm-1.30pm

15 participants in each

Admission €10

Festival Totem Pole

Age 10 - 12 yrs

This 3 day workshop will see children using a range of materials from clay to paint to recycled materials to design and make the first ever Kilkenny Arts Festival Totem Pole. The Pole will be placed as a piece of public sculpture around Kilkenny.

Tues 15-Thurs 17 August 3pm-5.30pm daily

Please note venue: VEC Art Space Tues & Wed Castle Grounds Thurs (weather permitting)

20 participants in total Admission €40 (3 day workshop)

Venue: VEC Arts Space, New Street.

Day-by-day Young People’s Programme

Theatre/Readings/Storytelling/Papermaking/Visual ArtPerformance Poetry/Rhythm Performance PoetryMusicWorkshopsWorkshops

Friday 11

Saturday 12

Deirdre Madden 3pm

Ormonde Hotel (River Rm)

Sunday 13

Mayhem Poets 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm Streets & Market Cross Shopping Centre

Mayhem Poets 3pm & 6pm

Ormonde Hotel (Kilbride)

Cath Arran 12 & 2pm

CBS Primary School

Darren Shan 2pm

Ormonde Hotel (Kilbride)

Cath Arran 12 & 2pm

CBS Primary School

BackBeat 12 noon

Ormonde Hotel (Kilbride)

Monday 14

Jacare Jungle 4pm & 6pm

CBS Primary School

Jack 6pm Paulstown Hall

Cath Arran 12 & 2pm

CBS Primary School

Fami y Papermaking Workshop

Castlecomer 2pm-4pm

Musica Paiint Brushes

VEC Art Space

Workshop 1 2pm-3pm

Workshop 2 4pm-5pm

Mayhem Poets Workshop

12 noon (9-11 yrs), 3pm (12-14 yrs)

Parade Tower

Tuesday 15

Jack 2pm & 4pm CBS Primary School

Caath Arran 12 & 2pm

Graiguenamanagh Library

Beginners Papermak ng Workshop

10.30am-12 noon (5-8 yrs)

2pm-4pm (8-12 yrs)

Castlecomer

Creature Costumes 1

10.30am-12.30pm, VEC Art Space

Festival Totem Pole Day 1

3pm-5.30pm, VEC Art Space

Wednesday 16

The Enormous Turnip 2pm & 4pm CBS Primary School

Creaature Costumes 2

10.30am-12.30pm, VEC Art Space

Festival Totem Pole Day 2

3pm-5.30pm, VEC Art Space

Thursday 17

Eoin McNamee 2pm Ormonde Hotel (River Rm)

Creature Costumes 3

10.30am-12.30pm, VEC Art Space

Festival Totem Pole Day 3

3pm-5.30pm, Castle Grounds*

Friday 18

Egg & Spoon 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm CBS Primary School

A l in a Circle

Workshop 1 10.30am-11.30am

Workshop 2 12.30pm-1.30pm VEC Art Space

Saturday 19

Egg & Spoon 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm CBS Primary School

V ento Y Fuego 3pm Ormonde Hotel (Kilbride)

Sunday 20

The Session 2pm & 5pm Ormonde Hotel (Kilbride)

* Castle Grounds weather permitting, otherwise VEC

Funding Bodies

GRANGES ROAD

Programme Sponsors

Media Partners

General Sponsors

THE IRISH TIMES MARKET CROSS SHOPPING CENTRE

POE KIELY HOGAN

Hotel Sponsors

KILKENNY VINTNERS ASSOCIATION

KILKENNY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

THE KILKENNY ORMONDE HOTEL IS THE OFFICIAL ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER TO KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL. FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTED BY CITYMART. Festival information, reviews, artists interviews, and ticket give-aways broadcast each day of the Festival on KCLR 96fm.