Uplifting September At Portico

The leaves may be about to fall but the new programme at Portico promises a gathering of sensuous delights this season, starting with the hauntingly beautiful sound of folk trio TRÚ on Sat 16 Sept.

The trú was a mythological trio of poet-musicians who were revered throughout the Celtic world and considered gatekeepers to the Otherworld. Inviting you into that space are Michael Mormecha (percussion/vox), Zachary Trouton (guitars/vox) and Dónal Kearney (flute/vox), all three children of the Peace Agreement in post-conflict Northern Ireland. From their British-Ukrainian, Ulster-Scots and Irish heritage, they have inherited an unusual and fruitful ethos based on respect and exploration. Despite their individuality and eclectic repertoire of influences from Clannad to Nine Inch Nails via Joni Mitchell and The Beatles, the trio's collective chemistry is enchanting audiences with powerful storytelling and noteworthy songcraft in a contemporary voice.

On Sat 30 Sept, Sestina Music presents an illustrious programme of music that celebrates Denmark’s complex and contradictory king, Christian IV (1577-1648). Denmark's longest reigning monarch, his court drew Europe's most prominent musicians, resulting in an extraordinary period of musical flourishing in Copenhagen.

For an evening of sonorous music not to be missed, join Sestina Music and its small ensemble of five singers, lute, harp and viola da gamba plus renowned historical harpist Dr Siobhán Armstrong who joins the ensemble to introduce audiences to the music of her instrumental predecessors at court.

If body popping or disco-bopping 1980s style is more your thing then grab one of the last remaining tickets for a disco revival like no other with the infamous Spring Break on Friday 22 Sept. Whether you’re an Uptown Girl or Just Wanna Dance With Somebody, Don’t Stop Believing, Relax and Hold On because Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.

Portico is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and by Ards and North Down Borough Council. Further information on all the events can be found at porticoards.com