Irish Storytelling Featured in Clark Art Concert09:04AM / Thursday, November 12, 2009
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute kicks off the annual Williamstown Holiday Walk with an Irish flair by welcoming the storytelling, music, and dance of Tomaseen Foley's "A Celtic Christmas" on Friday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $28 ($25 for members and children) and can be purchased by calling 413-458-0524 or online at clarkart.edu. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as this event will sell out.
Now in its 11th year of touring nationwide, "A Celtic Christmas" is an exploration of Ireland's rich cultural history that highlights the innocence and joy of the night before Christmas through storytelling, music, and dance. The performers recreate Foley's childhood Christmases in western Ireland with carols, reels, jigs and stories.
"Foley...is doing what his ancestors have done for years long before 'The Nutcracker' or 'It's a Wonderful Life.' He is carrying on an ancient tradition ... for the audiences that pack theaters across the United States every winter to see it," wrote the Mail Tribune.
Foley was born on a small farm in the remote parish of Teampall in Ghleanntain. He is considered a master of the Irish narrative and a keeper of the flame for a priceless piece of Irish culture. "A Celtic Christmas" also features Grammy Award-winning guitarist William Coulter, traditional sean-nos singer and harpist Sile Denvir, and world-champion level Irish dancer Brian Bigley on Irish fiddle, uilleann pipes, whistles, and flute.
The Clark is located at 225 South St. The galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 to 5; Admission is free through May. For more information, call 413-458-2303 or visit clarkart.edu. |
