Ella and the Duke

Cormac McCarthy piano/director
Dana Masters vocals

Expect a sublime hour of jazz with the extraordinary RTÉ Concert Orchestra Big Band with multi-talented pianist/conductor/arranger Cormac McCarthy and stunning singer Dana Masters. Taking Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald as its theme, the programme offers a rare chance to hear live performances of Ellington’s treatment of Grieg’s Peer Gynt and his Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald Medley, both collaborations with arranger Billy Strayhorn.

Then Dana Masters – hailed by All About Jazz as ‘a jazz singer of real note’ – takes centre stage for a selection of some of Ella’s most famous numbers. In fantastic arrangements ranging from uptempo to slow swing to ballad, she will perform Fascinating Rhythm, I Got it Bad, Autumn in New York, Caravan, A Flower is a Lovesome Thing and Perdido.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, bringing orchestral music to new audiences since 1948, has built a strong connection with the public that saw it voted the World’s Favourite Orchestra in 2015. The orchestra’s warm, engaging style, delight in performance and rapport with the audience have always made it a favourite on its visits to Clifden. This first appearance at the festival by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Big Band is sure to be another evening to remember!