MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2025
Sensational 24-year-old, British born Trinidadian soprano Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Sensational 24-year-old, British born Trinidadian soprano Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling recently graduated from The Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (BMus Hons) and is now embarked on an MMus at the RNCM. She has already worked with opera companies including the WNO, the Birmingham Opera Company and Opera North. Whilst at the RNCM she has sung the soprano solo in Vivaldi’s Gloria at the Halle, sung with the RNCM’s chamber choir at The Bridgewater Hall, and sung in the children’s Opera ‘Treasure Island’ alongside fellow classmates and different primary schools across Manchester. She is also currently one of Bolton Parish Church’s soprano scholars.
Sinead was accompanied by prize-winning pianist Róisín Fleming from Cork, Ireland, now a student at the RNCM, following studies at the MTU Cork School of Music. Incidentally, she is also a former principal cellist of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. Her musicianship shone through as she accompanied throughout with skill and sensitivity.
These two outstanding musicians performed a varied programme in a range of styles. With Sinead’s charming and informative introductions, we were treated to four songs by Richard Strauss: Zueignung from Op 10 and Die Nacht from Op 10, Ich Trage Meine Minne from Op 32, and finally Malven, his actual last song of 1948 (this was only discovered in the papers of its dedicatee in the 1980s). Strauss needs the kind of voice that Sinead is developing, it is big when it needs to be, with a secure upper register and focused rather than wide vibrato.
From the world of opera, we had Bellini and the more contemporary Ned Rorem plus the bonus of a concert premiere - Peeyu from Prayer of a Peacocks, which Sinead had originated in the role of Mayuri in the first production.
She proved equally at home with the stage and screen in Popular from Wicked, I feel Pretty from West Side Story, and I could have danced all night from My Fair Lady. In further successful ‘crossover’
we had popular standards Moon River by Henry Mancini, L-O-V-E’ by Nat ‘King’ Cole and Fly me to the moon by Bart Howard that allowed for audience participation.
Snead proved herself more than competent in the range of styles, essential for today’s professional singer. Her engaging personality and stage presence make her a winner with any audience.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Horizons Festival 2025
Preview by Steve Cooke
Horizons Festival 2025 at HOME will be celebrating creativity, community, and connection, this year’s theme More in Common reflects a shared desire to build much needed understanding and prevent divisions in society caused by fear and misinformation, championing the power of art to unite people across cultures.
Curated in collaboration with the Arts & Migration Group of international artists, Horizons 2025 pays tribute to those who advocate for unity, justice, equality, and reconciliation. The festival honours the artists and communities building bridges, creating connections, and challenging hate and despair while celebrating the richness of global cultures through a week of visual art, film, community events, family-friendly workshops, and live music.
WAST: More in Common in the Inspire Gallery
Mon 9 Jun 10:00 - Sun 31 Aug 20:00
Horizons Festival Opening Night Party at Band on the Wall for a special Horizons Opening Night Party with the joyous sounds of Manchester’s global diaspora.
With Guacamaya Latin Band, Xaawo Kiin, Hamsaz Ensemble and Without Borders Band.
Thu 12 Jun 19:00 - 23:00
Pinar Yildiz: Between the Lines
The preview of Pinar Yildiz: Between the Lines, unveiling the new large-scale photographic artwork opening on HOME's exterior facade
HOME Cafe Bar
Fri 13 Jun 18:00
Refugee Action present; Asylum Justice is Racial Justice panel discussion
Join Refugee Action and advocacy group RAS Voice for a panel discussion on Refugee Action’s briefing, ‘Asylum in the UK: A Frontline for Racial Justice’.
Theatre 2
Fri 13 Jun 19:00
Horizons Festival Afterparty + Networking Event hosted by the Arts & Migration Group
Hosted by the Arts & Migration Group
HOME Cafe Bar
Fri 13 Jun 20:30
Drop in Family Workshop: Paper Mosaics
Learn the intricate art of paper mosaic in this family-friendly workshop with Visual Artist Ahmed Elzber.
Sat 14 Jun 10:00 - 14:00
Family Djembe Drum-along with Godfrey Pambalipe
Bring the whole family along to drum along to the rhythms of the Djembe with musician Godfrey Pambalipe
HOME Cafe Bar
Sat 14 June
Family Palestinian Dabke Dance Workshop with Fares Farraj
Take part in a lively dance workshop introducing Dabkeh, the traditional Palestinian folk-dance style rooted in community and resistance.
Weston Room
Sat 14 Jun 10:30
Family Printmaking Workshop with Linda Wachaga
Join visual artist Linda Wachaga for a family-friendly printmaking workshop that explores Horizons Festival theme ‘More in Common.’
Event Space
Sat 14 Jun 10:30
Start video
Family Film/The Wild Robot Curated by Culture Bridge (U)
An epic adventure following the journey of a robot called Roz.
HOME Cinema
Sat 14 Jun 11:00
More In Common exhibition launch by WAST (Women Asylum Seekers Together)
The unveiling of a brand-new visual art exhibition at HOME’s Inspire Gallery created by WAST (Women Asylum Seekers Together).
Inspire Gallery
Sat 14 Jun 13:00 - 14:00
Crafting Heritage; Family drop in workshops with Valeria Leonova and Deepa Parmar
Explore global heritage crafts with our family drop-in workshop
Event Space
Sat 14 Jun 13:30
Global Youth Takeover
A youth-led celebration of culture and creativity!
Theatre 2
Sat 14 Jun 15:00
Arts and Migration On Screen (CTBA) + Q&A
A captivating series of short films exploring migration, belonging, and community through the eyes of talented filmmakers.
HOME Cinema
Sun 15 Jun 15:00
In partnership with Community Arts North West and in association with Band on the Wall.
All events are free or £3.50.
Thu 12 - Sun 15 Jun
Visit: https://homemcr.org/
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 14 May 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - The Nightingale Singers (20+choir) conductor Ken Greaves accompanist Brian Milligan
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Thursday 15 May 2025
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s Free, Children (aged 4-15) £6, Seniors £6, Students £6, Adults £8, Family (4 people) £24.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Thursday 15 May 2025
Rochdale Music Café
Join us every Thursday at our Rochdale Music Café for people living with dementia and their carers! Please arrive 12 noon for a 12.30 - 1.30 music session. Free to attend and free tea, coffee & biscuits. No music experience required!
To let us know you’re going to come, or for more information, please email: hello@hmrcircle.org.uk or phone: 01706 751165.
1h 30m
Castleton Community Centre Manchester Road Castleton OL11 3AF
Thursday 15 May 2025
Fastlove - The Tribute to George Michael
Direct from London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael celebration with a brand-new show!
Make new memories whilst reliving old classics, this one is for the fans as we celebrate one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen, and we say thank you!
This show has it all, the power, emotion, and star quality in this stunning production with full video and light show, as we respectfully recreate the soundtrack to your life.
Playing all the hits, from Wham! right through his glittering career, including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Too Funky, Father Figure, Freedom, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting, Careless Whisper and many more.
From £31.00
19:30
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, M24 1AG
Friday 16 May 2025
Laughter under the Floodlights - Rochdale FC Comedy Night
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt!
Compere: Jack Miller Known for his quick wit and engaging presence; Jack Miller will keep the energy high as he navigates us through the evening with his sharp humour.
Opening Act: Patrick Monahan Patrick, with his infectious charm and captivating storytelling, has delighted audiences across the nation. His unique style blends observational comedy with hilarious anecdotes that will kick the night off perfectly.
Middle Acts: Jimmy Shirley Jimmy's laid-back style and clever punchlines have made him a favourite in the comedy circuit. With his ability to find humour in everyday situations, he's sure to keep you laughing. Maxine Wade Maxine brings her fiery energy and relatable humour to the stage. Her fresh take on modern life and witty observations are bound to leave you in stitches.
Headliner: Rob Mulholland Often hailed as Yorkshire's finest, Rob Mulholland is a comedy powerhouse. His razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humour have made him a standout performer. Expect a riotous set filled with bold jokes and side-splitting commentary.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM Show Starts: 8:00 PM
Rochdale AFC, Crown Oil Arena, Sandy Ln, Rochdale OL11 5DR, UK
Friday 16 May 2025
Bookstart Baby - Rochdale Central Library
Every Friday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session of wonderful rhymes, songs and stories specially for babies up to 15 months and their parent or carer.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
You'll receive a welcome pack with your baby's Bookstart passport for you to get stamped each time they come along to a session or visit the library. For every 6 stamps they get in their passport, they'll receive a certificate.
Free
11am - 11.30am
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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