The Cassidys will play the Old Town's Main Square June 27. photo: Spectator archives |
The Cassidys, or Na Casaidigh in the original Irish, is a sextet of brothers who come from the harsh, windy Donegal coast in Ireland. Famous not only in their homeland but also worldwide, this will be their third performance in Bratislava. Each member plays an instrument, ranging from guitar, mandolin, violin, flute, and keyboard to the traditional Irish Uileann bagpipes, and also sings a solo ballad, either in their native Gaelic or in English. The group has issued several CDs, and has performed at almost every significant musical venue or festival around the world, such as the sold-out National Concert Hall in Dublin, Radio City Music Hall in New York, or the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The opening act will be a programme of traditional Irish dances and tap dancing exhibitions performed by Bratislava's own Petronella, one of the most successful dance groups in central Europe. Their programme, which was specially prepared for this occasion, was influenced by such personalities as Irish dance masters Carl Drake and Liam Harney.
Last time the two groups performed together, Petronella's tumultuous line tap dancing and the furious rhythms of The Cassidys shook even the cobblestones on Main Square. The weather permitting, this year again will bring Irish and non-Irish alike out to dance in front of the stage. The performance is supported by the Old Town City Council and The Dubliner Irish Pub.
Zuzana Habšudová
