It will be a busy arts night in New York City on Monday with artistic director Michael Mellamphy presenting Origin Theatre Company’s annual gala, while a few blocks away the Irish Repertory Theatre welcomes the Allegri Ladies Choir from the city of Derry for a special performance.
The Origin gala is an evening of dinner, drinks, entertainment and presenting of awards at Manhattan Penthouse, 80 Fifth Ave., East 14th St.
“Origin Theatre Company has been presenting a platform for the next generation of Irish playwrights in New York City for over 20 years,” Mellamphy said. “Since January 2021 Origin has presented or produced 81 events through our festivals and series which have supported theatre from across the pond in the USA.”
This year, Origin will honor Consul General of Ireland to New York Helena Nolan, her husband Sami Dahdouh and “Red Dead Redemption 2” award-winning actor, Roger Clark of County Sligo. For tickets, click here, and or go to origintheatre.org for more information.
Allegri Ladies Choir is celebrating the significant milestone of the 10th anniversary since their formation.
Their important anniversary coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
The musical evening will showcase the choir’s journey over the past decade featuring a selection of favorites from their repertoire, and celebrate themes of creativity, connection, and resilience. It will include a special musical tribute to Derry peacemaker Pat Hume, written by her close friend, the American author and filmmaker, Mary Pat Kelly, as well as works by internationally renowned Derry composer, Seán Doherty, one with text by Irish poet Paula Meehan.
The Rep said, “This event will resonate deeply with a New York audience, fostering understanding and connection, underscoring the immense value of cross-community cooperation and cultural exchange, and celebrating the transformative power of singing together.”
Allegri is a community arts organization founded in 2013 by two friends from opposite sides of the political divide to create an open and inclusive space for singers to come together to learn and perform high-quality repertoire in a safe and inclusive space.
Since formation, Allegri "has gone from strength to strength and now comprises Youth and Junior Choirs, a symphony orchestra (Orchestra NorthWest) and an annual singing event, the Every Voice Festival as well as the Ladies Choir. The organisation is committed to raising the standard of arts practice and performance, eliminating all barriers to arts participation and using music to promote social inclusion, good relations, and equality." For tickets, click here.
