Hello all and thank you for your lovely messages and cards over the last few months!

A very special thank you to those of you who travelled to Québec for my recent concerts with the Symphony Orchestra there.

I was made to feel so welcome by the orchestra, and their personal warmth and exuberance came through in their beautiful playing. The composer Brendan Graham had written a powerful new text for me about the Irish Famine. I read it in French, so it was great to hear the audience audibly respond to it, and of course to the songs too!

Happy anniversary to the Fansite and thank you for six great years - where does the time go?

Thank you also to Isolda for keeping the flag flying for us in Brazil too!

All the best,
Méav

An interview with the Celtic Songbird:

Amidst the grandeur of the historic city of Québec, the Celtic Songbird, Méav, magnificently soared as she performed unforgettable Irish airs. She was accompanied by the 66 member Québec Symphony Orchestra conducted by the renowned Stéphane Laforest, for a 2 night concert at the Louis Frechette Salle, Grand Theatre de Québec.

Méav performed in front of an appreciative audience in attendance last September 29th and 30th. The concerts highlighted some of the best traditional and contemporary Irish songs that only Méav's brilliant vocal caliber can deliver. Méav's memorable performance of a well selected repertoire, delighted the audience. They responded with thunderous applause and standing ovations.

The concert showcased Méav's unforgettable renditions of I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls, Dúlamán, My Lagan Love, She Moved Through the Fair, Solveig's Song, Wealthy Widow, The Last Rose of Summer and her signature song: Danny Boy (Encore).

The orchestra performed a wonderful and lively Irish medley, including Bill Whelan's songs from Riverdance. Greensleeves, was also given new life and interpretation, not just by the orchestra instruments, but also by the conductor's costume change of green coat (tails) and matching hair! This performance was amusingly brilliant.

Méav emphatically read a written narrative, and beautifully performed the interlinking songs especially created for her on this 2 night event by renowned song writer and novelist, Mr. Brendan Graham.

The theme presented at the second half of the concert was entitled "From Famine to Freedom - Ireland to Grosse Ile." This piece set in the mid 1800's, during Ireland's Great Famine was adapted from Mr. Graham's work, "Writing The Famine in Fiction and Song."

Méav's readings in French were interspersed with 3 moving songs sung in English : The Voice, The Whitest Flower (a song first time heard that night in North America) and Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. This was indeed the highlight of the evening!

In the past, the Canadians welcomed so many Irish immigrants with open arms and heart when all others turned them away. That evening, Méav, with the Québec Symphony Orchestra, lead by Stéphane Laforest, proudly honored, through song, this shared history of Ireland and Canada.