After my overdose of The Magic Flute, it is folk music which seems to have filled the void. I pointed out that the artists on last week’s gig were individual performers, being support and main act, here we had two artists who were a duo, but also appeared singly as their own warm-up. Kerching!

Aidan O’Rourke

Having each of them do a solo spot in the first half was a deliberate ploy, as they both bring something unique to the party. Aidan O’Rourke is a violinist specialising in traditional Scottish and Irish folk music, although, as was illustrated throughout the evening, he is not averse to writing a few new works of his own. In the second half, when they appeared as a duo, he played one of his tunes which was part of a cycle comprising 365 pieces, written at the rate of one per day over a year. He began on 1st March, no reason, neither conventional New Year resolution beginning on 1st January, nor even for tax purposes, starting on 6th April – that’s artists for you. His external sources are old manuscripts which he unearths in libraries and archives, so all bases covered.

Sean Shibe

Sean Shibe, on the other hand, is more classical music oriented, playing his solo set on the lute. Had it not been for the modern surroundings of the Howard Assembly Room, I would have sworn that I was in a medieval castle eating pheasant tongues and drinking malmsey. Again, there was an element of modernity in some of his second set music, even incorporating electric guitar on the odd work.

I was most enamoured by their solo contributions, as I found a couple of second half pieces a bit beyond my comprehension, one being minimalist to say the least – I suppose saying that is minimalist in itself! I sometimes wonder if there is value in mixing the technical aspect of music with the conventional, although it is a form of communication, so why not. I have learned to like a few genres having exposed myself to them, but, sadly the more challenging parts of this concert didn’t have that effect. Ironically, one of the most difficult to understand was a newly discovered 16th Century piece getting its premiere.

Once again I was not able to make a note of a lot of the names as they were of Gaelic origin and there was no set list, but here is a taster of the more conventional type of music played. Just the thing for a Monday night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CitQ4gYEH3w

If you skip to 1.10 on this clip you will see the other side of the night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Iv_fKnizJY

Howard Assembly Room is an absolute haven for experiencing and discovering, music which is new to you. Some you win, some you lose and some, as in this case, are a bit of both.

I could find no details of any tour, so, should you wish to experience the music of this duo for yourself, then please keep your eyes open.

To see what is coming up at Howard Assembly Room, please go to https://www.operanorth.co.uk/event-tag/har/

Feature image from Opera North. Photographs by Stan Graham

Leave a comment