Something For The Weekend: Peter Whelan's Cultural Picks

Peter Whelan is the Artistic Director of Irish Baroque Orchestra.

He directs the opening concert of this year's Dublin HandelFest, entitled Rachel Baptist: Irelands Black Syren on Friday, July 19th.

Features soprano Rachel Redmond, the concert was inspired by the legendary Black Irish singer Rachel Baptist, and continues Peter's exploration of Ireland's musical heritage from the 1700s with Irish Baroque Orchestra.

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We asked Peter for his choice cultural picks...

FILM

It's terrifying to think that Wes Andersons's The Grand Budapest Hotel is already 10 years old. I rewatched it recently and enjoyed it even more this time round. I love the visual beauty and how it calls into question our rose-tinted perception of the past.

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MUSIC

I'm going to toot my own trumpet here! I'm especially proud of the Irish Baroque Orchestra's recent release, Rachel Baptist: Ireland's Black Syren, which celebrates the life and artistry of Rachel Baptist, an inspirational black Irish soprano who single-handedly turned the dial of expectation in the 18th century. This CD recreates a concert she gave in Kilkenny in the 1760s.

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BOOK

On the recommendation of my step-father, I recently read Rory Stewart's Politics on the Edge. I thoroughly enjoyed this exposé of the murky underbelly of the UK establishment.

TV

I don't mind telling you that I shed a tear at the end of the final Season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Susie Green and Leon Black always steal the show.

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GIG

I was so happy to catch author David Sedaris on his most recent tour. His diary readings are a highlight for me - he always cracks me up.

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ART

I was blown away by the Lavery On Location exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland earlier this year, documenting the international travels of the artist at the turn of the 20th century.

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PODCAST

I'm an avid fan of PJ and Kevin and their I'm Grand Mam podcast. No matter where I am in the world these gurlies make me feel like I'm at home.

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THE NEXT BIG THING...

I'm full of admiration for the bravery of stand-up comedians - they risk everything each time they appear on stage. The Netflix series Baby Reindeer highlighted the gritty reality of this art form. One of my absolute favorites is Mike Rice, a Kilkenny man who is already flying high. His story-telling is high-octane and fearless but his introspective moments reveal the restless soul of a poet.

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The Irish Baroque Orchestra perform Rachel Baptist: Ireland's Black Syren at the Hibernia Conference Hall, Dublin Castle on Friday, July 19th at 7.30pm, as part of this year's Dublin HandelFest - find out more here. The album release of the concert programme is now available on Linn Records.