November 14, 2009: Patrick Ball
8:00 P.M.    Admission is $15

Critics agree that Patrick Ball is one the finest Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist. He has conceived and will perform at Branford a critically-acclaimed solo musical theater piece, "O'Carolan's Farewell to Music", which brings to our stage the legendary life, turbulent times and glorious music of Ireland's most celebrated and beloved musician, Turlough O'Carolan. This will be a unique experience not to be missed.

Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries was a troubled, tumultuous place. The old Gaelic order had been shattered by the English, and the poets, the bards and the harp players were set walking the roads. Yet, this dark period of Irish history produced Turlough O'Carolan - a Celtic harper and composer of such brilliance, grace and character that he is, to this day, regarded as his country's greatest musician.

"O'Carolan's Farewell to Music" was written by Ball and Peter Glazer. Interspersed with performances of fourteen of Carolan's tunes played on the rare wire-strung harp, the play tells the harper's story through the character of poet and harper, Charles MacCabe, Carolan's lifelong friend and traveling companion. Through MacCabe's eyes and Carolan's music, we are drawn into this storm-tossed chapter of Irish history. The play, enriched by Carolan's beautiful melodies and the crystalline sound of Patrick's harp, is charged with Irish wit and pathos, and demonstrates both the power of friendship and the vital role of the artist in troubled times.

Variety magazine said of Ball's theater piece: "Hauntingly beautiful ballads and lilting storytelling...it might spring from the 17th century...but the play seems as current as the latest troubles in Belfast ... Patrick Ball's acting is fine, his musicianship outstanding...A small gem."