Singer

This heartwarming program from Jeannette Sorrell follows the hopes and fears of the Irish who bravely crossed the Atlantic, bringing their music with them. Irish singer Fiona Gillespie joins with fiddlers, medieval harp, hammered dulcimer, and bagpipes in this communal celebration of the American immigrant experience – welcoming Christmas with LOVE, SINGING, DANCING, and PRAYER.

Wassail!

Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy

On Christmas night in Old Ireland, families and friends gathered for singing, storytelling, … and plenty of wassail. From a caroling party through the streets of Dublin to a holiday barn dance in Virginia, this heartwarming program follows the hopes and fears of the Irish who bravely crossed the Atlantic. Irish singer Fiona Gillespie joins with fiddlers, medieval harp, hammered dulcimer, and bagpipes in this communal celebration of the American immigrant experience. The people of the mountains welcome the holidays with love, prayer, singing, and dancing!

WASSAIL! An Irish-American Christmas

Martin Theatre

**Close Encounters With Music: Celtic Baroque Band Makaris - A Bach Family Concert with an Irish Twist**

Join us for a unique musical journey at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, as we present "Close Encounters With Music: Celtic Baroque Band Makaris - A Bach Family Concert with an Irish Twist." This exceptional concert is set to take place on Sunday, March 17, at 4:00 pm, offering a blend of classical music with an enchanting Irish twist.

**About the Event:**

Dive into the world of J.S. Bach and his family as they explore the realms of Spanish sarabandes, French bourrées, and British gigues, alongside arrangements of Celtic and Scottish folk music. The evening will also feature works by Beethoven and Haydn, who ventured into Irish folk music with their unique arrangements. 

Makaris, a group formed in 2018, aims to explore the rich musical heritage of Scotland. Following their critically acclaimed release, "Wisps in the Dell," in 2019, they continue to captivate audiences with their exceptional performances. The term "makar" refers to a royal court troubadour of medieval Scotland, and the ensemble's program promises a lush sampling from their collection, transporting you back in time.

**Performers:**

- Fiona Gillespie, soprano
- Caitlin Hedge, violin
- Ben Matus, Irish whistle, bassoon, and bagpipes
- Elliot Figg, harpsichord and organ
- Kivie Cahn-Lipman, cello
- Doug Ballilett, bass
- Liv Castor, harp
- Paul Morton, theorbo and guitar

**Ticket Information:**

- Upper Balcony: $28
- Orchestra and Mezzanine: $52

**Venue Details:**

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone: 413-528-0100
[View Venue Website](#)

Don't miss this extraordinary blend of classical music and Celtic charm. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.

EPSG:4326

Close Encounters With Music: Celtic Baroque Band MakarisA Bach Family Concert with an Irish Twist

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Anchored around six arrangements from Esprit Philippe Chedeville's collection of Christmas folk melodies in 1730s Paris, Nouveau recueil de Noëls, the Chivalrous Crickets lead audiences on a rambling, wassail-filled journey through villages of France, Ireland, England, Scotland, and America while exploring the tunes and traditions of Celtic Yuletide from the quiet first day of Winter to the raucous Twelfth Night.

The Chivalrous Crickets

St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church - The Actors' Chapel

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Hudson River, Handel Sets Sail continues Hudson Hall’s Handel on the Hudson opera series with a trio of intimate performances aboard the Schooner Apollonia, a historic wind-powered sailing vessel.

Soprano

Fiona Gillespie

Events

Upcoming events

Aug 8, 2026

Handel Sets Sail Featuring Fiona Gillespie · Hudson Hall

Past events

6 - 17 Dec, 2024

Wassail! · Apollo's Fire

Dec 6, 2024

WASSAIL! An Irish-American Christmas · Ravinia Festival

About

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