Popular festival returns

The first names have been announced for one of Cork's most popular festivals, whose curators include Hollywood star Cillian Murphy.

Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) returns for its 4th outing from 7-10 September, welcoming some of the finest international and Irish artists to stages across Cork city.

Curated by festival director Mary Hickson, Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National, actor Cillian Murphy and renowned playwright Enda Walsh, SFSH will be an unmissable 4 days of music, dance, literature, theatre and conversation, with lots of ticketed and free events to explore.

Having made her SFSH debut in 2019, Canadian singer-songwriter Feist will return this year to captivate audiences at Cork Opera House on 7 September.

Feist is well-known for her unique blend of indie rock, folk and pop, along with her emotive and introspective lyrics.

SFSH has also announced a collaboration between Bonny Light Horseman and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ames, with orchestral arrangements by Bryce Dessner.

Produced by SFSH, the show takes to the stage at Cork Opera House on 8 September and includes Folk trio Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D Johnson and Josh Kaufman who will perform their loving ode to the past in what will be a European premiere.

Also listed for the festival is Chicago-based band Wilco who will close out their European tour with a headline show in Cork Opera House on 9 September with support from Wicklow singer-songwriter Anna Mieke.

Wilco are known for their dynamic live performances and critically acclaimed albums.

Collaboration and shared experiences are at the heart of SFSH biennial festival, the results of which traditionally populate the smaller stages throughout the city.

This year, with the help of Quiet Lights, SFSH is experimenting with a new approach by inviting the Irish folk music duo Ye Vagabonds to host the festival finale Lighthouse Constellations at Cork Opera House at 6pm on 10 September.

Festival Director Mary Hickson said: "It's a lovely feeling to be able to bring projects that are close to my heart back to Cork to share with you, particularly projects and artists I have a deep connection with.

"I have been working with Feist as creative producer on her new show for the last 4 years, so it's a major highlight for me to get to present this show in Cork Opera House."

She added: "Together with Quiet Lights, we have invited the inimitable Ye Vagabonds to interact with and respond to the residency programme (an exciting programme which is yet to be revealed) and host a music finale for the festival. We have so much more to come for SFSH 2023 - keep an eye out for lots more announcements."

Tickets for Feist, Bonny Light Horseman with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Wilco, and Ye Vagabonds will go on sale at 10am tomorrow, 12 May, from corkoperahouse.ie.