Ideally a performance of the Pilgrim requires a professional
symphony orchestra and conductor. The orchestra should be available
for rehearsals as outlined below. An orchestra score and parts
will have to be hired from the composer (these items will only
be sent by courier).
A Pilgrim performance requires the following soloists (our
recommended soloists are in brackets), Uilleann pipes (Liam
O'Flynn), Female vocal (Rita Connolly), Male vocal (Liam O'Maonlai),
Harpist (Helen Davies), Gaitia (Edelmiro Fernandez), Bombarde,
Binou, and Narrator. In addition to the above the Pilgrim band
consists of Drums & percussion (Noel Eccles), Bass guitar (Eoghan
O'Neill), Keyboards (Rod McVey), Guitar (Arty McGlynn).
A choir of 200 to 300 will be needed with a variety of voices
(male & female). The choir should be of a high quality and will
require a number of rehearsals in advance of the rehearsals
outlined below. Recruiting a choir of this size provides great
scope for community involvement in the event. A high quality
Scottish pipe and drum band will also be required. As with the
choir above the recruitment of a pipe band provides further
scope for community involvement. Both the choir and the pipe
band will require a number of rehearsals in advance of the rehearsals
outlined below.
Sound & Lighting Requirements
A production staff of 6-7 (in addition to usual venue staff),
experienced in staging The Pilgrim, would be required to ensure
the smooth running of the concert, these include a production
manager, production assistant, 2 sound engineers, lighting engineer
and stage manager. Sound and Lighting technical requirements
for a performance of The Brendan Voyage are available from the
production office.
A typical rehearsal schedule for a Pilgrim Concert would be
as follows; Choir and Pipe band rehearsals in the months preceding
the concert, where possible a member of the production staff
will travel to attend some of these rehearsals
Orchestra (Read through)
Orchestra, Pilgrim Band, Soloists, (rehearsal sound system required.
(See Note1)
Orchestra, Choir, Pipe band.
Orchestra, Pilgrim Band, Soloists, Choir, Pipe band. (Rehearsal
sound system required. See Note1)
Full dress rehearsal / soundcheck
Travel; Travel costs for the soloists and production
staff from their hometowns (In most cases Dublin) will have
to be provided for, this will include all air fares (and in
some cases excess baggage), ground transport and transport to
and from the rehearsals and concert.
Accommodation; Single rooms at a high quality hotel
(4 star) or higher will be required for all the soloists and
production staff for the duration of their stay. The hotel should
be in a central position for access to rehearsals and venue
as well as having access to facilities such as good quality
restaurants, etc.
When preparing a costing for a Pilgrim concert
there are some pointers to be aware of.
-
Orchestra, Fees, transport expenses, catering.
- To be confirmed with Orchestra manager
-
Soloists & production staff, fees, conditions
& availability - confirm with Production Manager
-
Choir and Pipe band Fees (where appropriate),
transport expenses, catering (should be confirmed with their
representatives.)
-
Attached technical plans should be examined
carefully by the equipment suppliers. Do not forget to have
rehearsal sound system included in quotes from sound company.
-
A contingency fee of 15% of the total budget
is highly recommended.
-
Parts Hire and courier fees (to and from the
composer)
Note1. In order for the soloists to rehearse
with an orchestra they will require a rehearsal sound system and
operator. The sound system should consist of approx. 6 wedge monitors,
5-6 microphones, 4-5 DI boxes, a 16 channel mixing desk (with
the necessary amps, cables, etc.)
Note2. Please be aware that the Uilleann Pipes
will not function properly, if at all, in dry conditions. Humidity
is obligatory. Air-conditioning systems must be turned off during
the concert. Please discuss humidity issues in advance of the
concert as thoroughly as possible with Booking Representative.
