"Celtic Spring" Concert Brings Lively Sounds of the British Isles to the Central Coast

A broad spectrum of Gaelic, Irish, Scottish and English tunes will be performed

MAY 2, 2018--Celtic music is renowned for its emotional appeal from plaintive laments to high-spirited reels and jigs. The Allan Hancock College Singers, directed by Ann Lucas, will showcase this popular repertoire in their upcoming concert entitled “Celtic Spring,” to be held at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Maria on May 10, at 7 p.m. 

The choir will perform a broad spectrum of Gaelic, Irish, Scottish and English tunes with many old favorites like “Loch Lomond” and “Annie Laurie.” The 19 songs on the program gather naturally into several categories with topics such as going to war, yearning for lost love, homesickness, farewell to boon companions and of course, a tip of the hat to the ladies. 

Featured guests include David Becker, who will provide the bagpipe processional “Scotland the Brave” among other things, and violinist Grace Seng. Two guest conductors will also be welcomed; the choir’s pianist, Dave Alm, will conduct two numbers and Hancock piano faculty member Karen Foreman will conduct the beloved Welsh lullaby “All Through the Night.” Quite few of the songs call for vocal solos, all of which will be taken by members of the choir. 

It is said that everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day—and although that might not be quite true, the folk music of the British Isles expresses the human experience in a way that everyone can enjoy. 

Tickets for the concert may be obtained in advance at the Fine Arts office on the Santa Maria campus and may also be purchased at the door. All tickets are $8, and there is no reserved seating. For more information, call 1-805-922-6966 extension 3252.

- AHC -