Centenary (concert)

Centenary is a concert for television produced by RTÉ to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's 1916 Rising. It was directed by Cillian Fennell.[1]

Overview

The 85-minute-long show, which was broadcast live from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, told the story of Ireland's centenary in 18 chapters of song, dance and poetry. In total 600 people – 21 choirs, 18 dancers, 10 actors, six aerial dancers, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and 80 crew members were involved in the production.[2] The show had a budget €2.5 Million.[3][4]

The show featured performances by Imelda May, Jack L, Gavin James, The High Kings, Colm Wilkinson, Danny O'Reilly of the Coronas, Aoife Scott, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Sharon Shannon, Dónal Lunny, John Sheahan, Celine Byrne, Seo Linn and dance troupes Fidget Feet and CoisCéim. As well as the main venue, there were musical performances from the historically significant locations of Kilmainham Gaol and the Garden of Remembrance.[5]

Reception

The show was overwhelming positively received, with the Irish Independent calling it 'the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting',[6] describing reaction to ni Chasaide's performance as 'phenomenal'.[7] The Irish Examiner described 'breathtaking performances from Danny O'Reilly, Roisin O and Imelda May as well as Seo Linn [sic]' and that 'viewers felt goosebumps', comparing the show with Riverdance.[8]

References
  1. "Centenary creator says no decision made on tour". RTÉ.ie. 31 March 2016.
  2. Aoife Barry (29 March 2016). "RTÉ had another 'Riverdance moment' last night". TheJournal.ie.
  3. Becker, Kendra (28 December 2016). "RTÉ's 1916 Centenary Concert cost €2.5 million". Goss.ie. Archived from the original on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  4. Finn, Melanie (28 December 2016). "RTE's 85 minute TV spectacular for 1916 centenary cost €2.5m".
  5. "Stars line-up for special Centenary concert". RTÉ.ie. 23 March 2016.
  6. Darragh McManus (29 March 2016). "RTE's Centenary: 'This is the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting'". Irish Independent.
  7. Horan, Niamh (3 April 2016). "Songbird Sibeal once silenced by shyness". Independent.ie. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  8. "This is the moment everyone compared RTÉ's Centenary to Riverdance". Irish Examiner. 29 March 2016.
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