Joyce used his family and friends, friends and acquaintances of his parents as well as other denizens of Dublin as models for characters in his work.  Dr. Vincent O’Brien of 37 Parnell Square (now one of the houses of the Teachers’ Club) gave singing lessons to both Joyce and John McCormack and as a result, has the distinction of being mentioned by name in Ulysses. He is mentioned as conducting a large choir singing the ‘chorus from Handel’s Messiah Alleluia for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth’ in the chapter set in Dublin’s then red-light district. Joyce termed the district ‘Nighttown’ in the novel.   According to Vincent O’Brien, Joyce had a singing voice comparable to McCormack’s and O’Brien considered it a pity that he had not pursued a career in singing. Joyce’s knowledge of music didn’t go to waste, however.  He uses it extensively in all his works.

This is especially the case in the Sirens chapter of Ulysses, chapter fourteen which is set in the Ormond Hotel at four in the afternoon.   The Sirens chapter contains many musical allusions. There are one hundred and fifty eight references to forty seven different works of music in the chapter.   Songs are hummed and whistled.  There are songs of love and war, seduction and sorrow.  There is percussion and wind.  Michael and Eithne Shanley   will play recordings of some of those songs and link the music to various themes in the chapter. A limited number of garters will be available for use in the percussion section. Any gentleman or lady who wishes to use his or her own garter might kindly bring same along, one garter per person being sufficient!

This is a “stand alone” performance.  It is not necessary to have attended Part 1 in order to fully enjoy and appreciate this presentation.  Come along and enjoy.  Tadhg might even be persuaded to fry up some kidneys and fava beans in honour of the occasion!!