Customer Reviews:
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Not my cup of tea
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Not my cup of tea
“Not my cup of tea”
Not For Me
Reviewed by Sarah A.
08 February 2024
Not my cup of tea
“Not my cup of tea”
Very disappointed not Irish awful...Very mournful thought we were at a Wake.No sorry a Wake would have been better.
Reviewed by Cheryl S.
04 February 2024
See all customer reviews for An evening of Contemporary and Traditional Irish music: Bridie Fitzgerald & ensemble
Reviewed by: Fringefeed
Review by Shannon Bochenek | 07 February 2024

This show put Bridie Fitzgerald’s vocal skill and range on show in a unique series of songs inspired by all things from deeply ‘Irish’ poetry to modern-day pop music.

 

Bridie’s vocal range and talent were clear to see and hear, as she hit hauntingly high notes and carried a near-operatic quality throughout her performance.

 

Bridie was accompanied by both a violin and a bodhrán (a tambourine-like Irish drum) which really added to the performance. The bodhrán in particular gave an almost primal sound of rhythmic beats, which brought real dimension to the music.

 

Daniel Tsang on violin was a standout, utilising his instrument like a traditional Irish fiddle to bring both rhythm and emotion to the tunes. At times, the violin, bodhrán and Bridie on the acoustic guitar combined to build a beautiful, traditional Irish sound between the vocal verses - a classic delight for the ears. I felt that the immensity of Bridie's vocals occasionally overpowered the instrumental elements of the music, but I really found her range and strength impressive. The use of Gaelic is such a rarity on Perth stages - that was also absolutely a highlight.

 

While the musicians were no doubt talented, I did find there was an element missing from the performance. Irish music is so often about the tapping of feet, the joy of singing a lyric together, or the collective sorrow of a sad story shared - but, the connection between the performers and the audience was a little neglected. Watching tonight felt more like a passive viewing rather than an invitation to be immersed in Irish song.

 

Overall, a great show of talent that needed a little 'warmth' added.