Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with classic Irish flair

IF you’re interested in finding a family-friendly Saint Patrick’s Day outing next Tuesday that doesn’t involve green Guinness and The Pogues on high rotation, the Central Victorian Irish Association (CVIA) is putting on a wholesome alternative.

Its annual Saint Patrick’s Day Concert, to be held (to be sure) at the Bendigo South East College Theatre in Flora Hill, will for the first time in Australia feature a short excerpt from the sacred oratorio, Saint Patrick at Tara.

Composed in 1870 by Irish composer John William Glover, the work, which recounts the story of Saint Patrick’s encounter with the High King of Ireland in 433 AD, had its Irish premiere in Dublin around 1874.

Three established singers – Meryl Wilkinson, Frederick Kelly and Bryan Milne – will sing the roles of the narrator, the High King, and Saint Patrick respectively.

Other highlights will include performances from the O’Shea Ryan Academy of Irish Dance as well as Melbourne traditional ensemble Saoirse (which translates as Freedom).

The concert’s artistic director and CVIA member of many years John Clancy said the evening event will have “all the works”.

“It’s a really nice venue with professional lighting, a big stage, and a grand piano,” he said.

“The dancers will be in costume and Saoirse will really get the audience clapping and stamping their feet.

“It’s a night to celebrate Irish culture, Irish music, Irish dancing and maybe help people become more familiar with those aspects as well.

“I think they’ll find it really enjoyable.”

The CVIA annual Saint Patrick’s Day Concert takes place at the Bendigo South East College Theatre on Tuesday 17 March from 7.30pm.

Adult tickets, which are available on Trybooking, are $20, concession $18 and children under 17 years $5.

Some may be available on the door, but online purchases are much preferred.