IN THE coming weeks, performances by local Tenor Andrew Irwin are to feature across the new series of ‘Northern Songs’, produced by Northern Ireland Opera.

‘Northern Songs – Series 2’ will showcase Northern Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and landmarks with songs written and performed by composers and singers from across the island of Ireland.

The first film in the new series will air on Northern Ireland Opera’s social media pages from 8pm tonight (Thursday, May 13).

Six opera singers perform throughout the series, including Catherine Donnelly, soprano; Susie Gibbons, soprano; Margaret Bridge, mezzo-soprano; John Porter, tenor; Andrew Irwin, tenor and David Howes, bass-baritone.

Filmed by Causeway Pictures around Northern Ireland, but with a particular focus for this series on counties Fermanagh, Armagh and Tyrone, this series will feature eight films and a behind-the-scenes project supported by Tourism Ireland.

A spokesman for Northern Ireland Opera said: “We’ve mostly filmed at beautiful locations and landmarks in counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Armagh for this series, although we start [on] Thursday evening right in the heart of Belfast.”

The films will be posted on Northern Ireland Opera’s Facebook page, and can also be watched over on its YouTube channel at 8pm each Thursday.

The six opera singers who perform are all former finalists or winners of the Glenarm Festival of Voice, for which applications to enter Northern Ireland Opera’s eleventh such competition are now open, with all of the details on their website.