Animated take on saint’s tale

AN Oscar-winning animator has added a new dimension to Cork’s St Patrick’s Festival as part of a new reinterpretation of the ancient tale of our patron saint.

Patrick: The Story, a multi- media show on the life of St Patrick which features the work of Nicky Phelan, will be premiered at the CIT Cork School of Music tomorrow night.

Phelan, who directed the Oscar nominated Granny O’Grimm, is renowned for his work with Brown Bag Films.

The show, with music composed by Pierre O’Reilly, will combine the talents of Phelan, soprano Cara O’Sullivan, The Artists’ Factory, and a 90-strong orchestra in the ticketed event.

“The audience will experience a wave of emotions as they are taken through Patrick’s life story in 14 movements over the course of the 80-minute show,” Mr O’Reilly said.

And he said Patrick’s death scene features a performance by soprano Cara O’Sullivan.

His show is one highlights of the city’s three-day festival, which kicks off this morning with the Red Bull Currach Race on the north channel of the River Lee at 11.45am.

Crews from all over Ireland will row lightweight, streamlined currachs through buoys between Brian Boru Bridge and St Patrick’s Bridge.

Spectators can view the race from Merchant’s Quay and St Patrick’s Quay.

The parade, which will feature up to 2,000 participants, will begin at 1pm on the South Mall and will be led by members of the All Ireland-winning Cork senior football team.

The Barry’s Tea food market will run from 10am on the Grand Parade and South Mall.

Free outdoor concerts will be staged on St Patrick’s Street the Saturday with YouTube sensation Jamie Lawson, whose song Wasn’t Expecting That became a viral hit, and Fred among the performers.

Terminal Convention — an international art and music event based at the former Cork Airport terminal building — will also run over the coming days.

Several galleries and museums are opening for free tomorrow.

* Full festival details on www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie

* Tickets for Patrick: The Story, which will be performed at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3.30pm Saturday, are available from Pro Musica or can be reserved on www.patrickthestory.com.