The opening performance of Der Vampyr was late at night and the auditorium was transformed into a broodingly mysterious forest. The audience was riveted by the action, which was melodramatic and fast-moving.

The humanist ceremony that marked the death of Irish farming giant Paddy O’Keeffe took place in a North Cork mart and, in the words of his friend, Dawn Meats chairman Dan Brown, “that he chose this unconventional setting for his service is true Paddy”.

It was Brideshead Revisited meets Gregorian chants — a send-off fit for a lord.

The chamber music group will perform with the singer tomorrow as part of Triskel Christchurch’s Christmas programme, says Colette Sheridan