WOLFE Tones

The last time Nyle P. Wolfe performed on these shores, Draiocht was little more than a twinkle in the eye of a small and dedicated group of enthusiasts and the internationally acclaimed Irish baritone is having to become reacquaint-ed with his homeland through his first ever major tour here.
The good-humoured Mr. Wolfe made his debut in Cork's Opera House and has rapidly achieved international acclaim in opera and musical performances throughout Europe. Winner of several major national and international awards, he has sung in venues throughout the world. A former student of Dr. Veronica Dunne, he is a graduate of the

Royal Academy of Music in London and the International Opera Studio in Zurich. From 2001 until 2006, he was principal lyric baritone of the Musiktheater im Revier, Germany.

Highly regarded for his interpretation of opera buffo and works of the Belcanto era, he has a repertoire of over 70 operas to his credit. A familiar voice on radio, he has made several opera and musical recordings for RTE and the BBC, as well as numerous TV appearances on shows including RTE's Late Late Show.

But now he's back after seven years in Germany and is determined to redress one particular imbalance that he perceives in the music industry here.

"For far too long, the tenors have been ruling the roost in this country," he jokes. "It's about time the baritones started fighting back."

Although he has only just embarked on the tour which sees him playing Draiocht for one night only, audience reaction has been fantastic, he says, even though he has had to compete with the balmy summer-esque evenings for audiences. "If I hadn't been booked to appear, I'd maybe have stayed home myself to enjoy the beautiful weather," he laughs.

The tour has been launched to coincide with the release of Nyle's debut album "Moodswings." On the record he lends his warm baritone to a nostalgic collection of 20th century popular big band and jazz songs revisited in their original cafe settings as well as contemporary classical favourites such as Autumn Leaves, More, You're Still You, Begin the Beguine and Granada.

The concert will also feature other popular songs including "Old Man River", "You Raise Me Up" and rugby favourite "Stand Up and Fight" from Bizet's Carmen. He will also display his refined acting and comic skills with a very animated rendition of Figaro's aria from the Barber of Seville (complete with shaving foam)and Mozart's horn concerto no 4.

"Thanks to my concerts throughout Europe, I have learned that audiences are very well informed, musical and discerning," he says. "Not all my own favourites make the grade with them, while some old chestnuts from my repertoire continue to surprise me with their popularity. The programme brings together classics from American and European composers and highlights the effect that music from both sides of the Atlantic has had on popular music. "All the pieces share a quality, a simplicity and an artistry that has allowed them to cross borders and language barriers," he adds. Certainly the music evokes memories of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin while remaining very firmly rooted in the modern age.

Incidentally, despite what people think, his birth cert actually reads "Nyle." His mother, apparently, knew that Niall was frequently mispronounced as Neil and so came up with the unusual spelling to dispel all ambiguity!

"An Evening of Timeless Classics!" with Nyle Wolfe and a trio of the country's leading musicians, including distinguished musical director David Wray will perform at Draiocht's main auditorium on Saturday 5th May at 8pm. Tickets are €20 / €18.