Centenary (concert)

Centenary is a concert for television produced by RTÉ to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's 1916 Rising.

The 85-minute-long show, which was broadcast live from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, told the story of Ireland's centenary in 18 chapters of song, dance and poetry. In total 600 people – 21 choirs, 18 dancers, 10 actors, six aerial dancers, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and 80 crew members were involved in the production. The show had a budget €2.5 Million.

The show featured performances by Imelda May, Jack L, Gavin James, The High Kings, Colm Wilkinson, Danny O'Reilly of the Coronas, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Sharon Shannon, Dónal Lunny, John Sheahan, Celine Byrne, Seo Linn and dance troupes Fidget Feet and CoisCéim. As well as the main venue, there were musical performances from the historically significant locations of Kilmainham Gaol and the Garden of Remembrance.

The show was overwhelming positively received, with the Irish Independent calling it 'the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting', describing reaction to ni Chasaide's performance as 'phenomenal'. The Irish Examiner described 'breathtaking performances from Danny O'Reilly, Roisin O and Imelda May as well as Ceo Linn [sic]' and that 'viewers felt goosebumps', comparing the show with Riverdance.

...
Wikipedia