Concert: Midsummer Music by the Lake

Midsummer Music by the Lake was part of the 2013 Summer Music on the Shannon festival, which runs for another week, and was held in the pavilion at the Annicarriga estate. The estate has its own brasserie, but the menu didn't appeal to us, so we decided to eat in Killaloe, a few miles away. Having parked by the water, we were within a short walk of two eateries, and having inspected the menu of each, we chose Flanagan's.

Now, I haven't been in Killaloe in years, and I do believe this was a pub the last time I was here. In the meantime, they've opened a large, yet intimate bar / restaurant. The entrance is at the bar, in the middle of the building, the restaurant to the left, and the bar dining area in a mock stone tower to the right, which is where we ended up sitting. Bar dining gives you the choice of sitting at regular tables, or in comfy armchairs and sofas at coffee tables, which is what we did. There are also plenty of picnic tables outside.

Service is friendly and efficient. The wine list has a good selection. Our mains both came with creamy mash, which was slightly salty and, while perfectly edible, wasn't terrific. Portions were generous, and the food was good, if not spectacular - I give the mains 6 out of 10. To be fair, it does describe itself as a steakhouse, and we didn't have steak. Desserts, however, were spectacular, and I would go back for those alone!

Afterwards, we had to find our way to the Annicarriga estate, which, despite the grand name, used to be Lough Derg Holiday Cottages. Not hard to do - it's on the road between Killaloe and Ogonnelloe, just keep an eye out for the sign (on the lake side of the road). All that the change of ownership seems to have conferred is a nicer sign, and a large glass pavilion by the lake, which is where the concert was held. Parking is available near the pavilion.

Now, I have spent years in Galway, and it did not come as a surprise to me that, with a Galway organization in charge, things did not, well, seem as professional as might be expected. I had booked the tickets online, and when I went in, I located the ticket desk, explained that I had booked online, and gave my name. The poor lady behind the desk developed what might best be described as a rictus grin. "Oh right," she said, in what sounded like an American accent, "you booked over the phone?" "Online." "Oh, ok. Um, you see, I don't have any records with me.. but, you know, it's ok, just go on in!" Hmm. Ok, fine. They were still rehearsing at that point, but it was fun to people-watch and catch snippets of music. And the view was, as ever, spectacular through the glass walls of the pavilion, despite the overcast day. It did come as something of a disappointment, and a surprise, to discover that there were no refreshments of any kind. They missed a trick there.. we were hopeful for a moment, when we saw one of the organizers bring in a couple of bottles of wine, but they turned out to be raffle prizes.

The programme was in two parts. The first began, pleasantly, with the Overture to the Marriage of Figaro. This was followed by a piece I'd never heard of - the Symphony No. 1 in C minor, by Paul Alday. Apparently, it was the first symphony ever written in Ireland. Reminiscent of Beethoven, somewhat. More organizational confusion at the interval, as they suddenly realized that there wouldn't be enough light for the performers at the edge to see by, and they didn't have anything suitable. They ended up getting them to huddle together in the middle, and producing a table lamp for the pianist. The second part of the concert consisted of the Four Seasons, in its entirety. I must have heard this a hundred times, but it never tires.. although the lead violinist was no Nigel Kennedy! For my money, the Four Seasons just ain't the same if he's not playing.

The real attention-getter during the second half, however, was the weather, as a tremendous thunderstorm competed with the performers. We had the whole show - lightning from all sides, rolling thunder, and finally rain so torrential that the performers actually discussed whether to continue, because it was becoming hard to hear them over it. They carried on gamely, and the rain had lightened considerably by the time we had to go out in it! At least the marquee was proved waterproof..

So, back to London tomorrow. And, likely, The Conjuring on Monday.  Oh, I am so looking forward to that.. getting myself in the mood by getting myself nicely scared watching things on YouTube. I read yet another good review of it today, and discovered that it features something I'd heard of previously - a haunted doll called Annabelle. Goodee, I was always fascinated by that..