By Róise Collins
DONEGAL woman Amy Gillen is preparing to make her Royal Albert Hall debut later this month.
The award-winning Irish flutist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator will be performing alongside renowned Lisburn pianist Frasier Hickland.
Amy, who studied Jazz at the Royal College of Music in London, told the Donegal News that she has always dreamed of performing in the iconic venue.
“I used to try and practice in the practice rooms that overlooked the Royal Albert Hall, hoping one day I would get the chance to perform there.
“It has been a dream of mine for a long time.”
During a trip to London as a young teenager Amy’s parents brought her to visit the Royal College Museum.
“I remember going all around the Royal Albert Hall and the Museum and just hoping that one day I would study at Royal College of Music.
“So I feel like it is a full circle moment now to perform there in a few weeks time.”
Amy and Frasier were commissioned through the Royal College of Music, where they both studied, to perform at Royal Albert Hall.
“It is very exciting to get the opportunity to perform there because myself and Frasier have been trying to pursue it for a long time.
“It is such an iconic venue so we are so delighted we managed to secure the concert.”
Amy recently moved from the bustling city of London back home to quiet calm in Greencastle, Donegal to focus on her music.
“I am really enjoying being back. I came back to pursue further studies in music composition and to work on my second album as well.”
Amy is working on her own songs that she has written herself. On the tracks she plays the flute, piano, guitar, and violin as well as the vocals.
She is also producing the music herself, so it is no small feat.
“It’s just taken that little bit of time. But the good Donegal air is helping,” she laughed.
She is also enjoying the time spent with her family since she moved home.
“It’s been lovely getting out for slower walks and being at home for family at Christmas time.”
Amy and Frasier will also be performing a flute and piano recital in Belfast ahead of their Royal Albert Hall debut.
The event will take place on the evening of Friday, January 24 in the First Church, Rosemary Street. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)