Karl Kirby memorial concert celebrates his extraordinary talent
Karl Kirby was one of Waterford's finest ever musicians
This is more a celebration of a young life lived to the full than a memorial concert.
Everything that happens in this extraordinary coming together of musical talent across the nation celebrates and comments on the remarkable influence of a young man on the cusp of life, aged 17, when he passed away almost five years ago.
We can never underestimate the power of talent, kindness, joie de vivre, youth, family and friendship because everyone here – musicians, teachers, choirs, families and friends – are all part of Karl’s world.
Musicians travelled from all over to play in the SETU Orchestra – just as Karl did for many years of his young life.
A smashing double-bass concerto by Bottesini is performed by Dominic Dudley and celebrates Karl’s performances on the double bass with its deep mellow sound echoing around the Manor Hill Chapel.
The SETU Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Mackey, Mussorgsky’s “Great Gate of Kiev” explodes across the venue with brassy fanfares linked together by strings with an elegiac bell as background.
Karl’s sister, Sophie solos on cello with SETU Budding Bows in the Philip Bliss 'It is well'.
It’s a very gentle piece; thoughtful, evocative and the conversation with the piano gives it pace and energy.
Budding Bows reprises their recent performance in the National Concert Hall with the dazzling 'Irish Legend', that also features Karl’s sister Lucy on violin and I’m reminded of the many times Karl played with the this young strings orchestra.
Choirs are here in force and the connecting link is Karl’s participation with all of them.
SETU Boys Choir give a splendid 'Shenandoah', while the De La Salle Choir sing the powerful 'Anthem' from Chess and the complex 'Fite Fuaite', from the pen of Br Ben Hanlon.
Lumina with the SETU Youth Choir are also here with the Whitacre 'Sleep' and Hogan’s 'Elijah Rock', that rocks the chapel with its gospel sound and explosive rhythm.
Vox Amicum Brass sing the 'Largo', from Handel’s Xerxes; Trinity Capella Choir delivers a superb 'Gloria', from Vivaldi’s mass and the SETU Youth Choir’s 'O Love', from Ohio-born Elaine Hagenberg is wonderful.
Finally the massed choirs sing 'Psalm 61' that is especially composed in Karl’s honour by Dr Marian Ingoldsby bring a very special concert to a close.
Karl Kirby, double-bass player with the WIT Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, was one of Waterford’s most talented musicians.
There is nothing sadder than recording the passing of a gifted and popular young musician who has been taken all too soon.
Julie Quinlan, Head of the Music School at WIT paid a moving tribute to double-bass player Karl describing him as the “funny, amazing, thoughtful, kind, brilliant, talented and inspiring young man who passed away on Thursday, June 20, five years ago surrounded by his loving family. Karl had fought his illness with strength and courage.
He was determined to continue living his life, fulfilling his dreams and ambitions to the highest standards.
He was an extremely talented pianist and double bass player, a chorister, a soloist, an orchestral player, an accompanist, and not forgetting perfectionist!”
The National Youth Orchestra also released a very moving tribute: 'We are utterly heartbroken to share the devastating news that NYOI double bassist, Karl Kirby, passed away last night surrounded by his loving family.
'Karl was a fun, kind, talented and much loved friend to all of us and he will never be forgotten.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirby and Sloan families and Karl’s many, many friends. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.'
The thoughts and prayers of everyone involved with music in Waterford are always with his mum Darina, dad Michael, sisters Katie, Lucy and Sophie as well as with his extended family and wide circle of young friends.
God bless you Karl, you were one of our own.
