Stamps hit a high note with RTÉ Performing Groups
19 June 2007
Members of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra; the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet; the RTÉ Concert Orchestra; RTÉ Cór na nÓg and the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir are beautifully photographed in colour on each stamp in a fitting tribute to the groups which have delighted audiences with wonderful vocal and instrumental performances in Ireland and abroad.
Speaking at the launch, An Post Chief Executive, Donal Connell said:
“In my view the RTÉ Performing Groups are part of what we are. The breadth and depth of their repertoire demonstrates that they lose no opportunity in their expression of classical music and they bring experience, professionalism, musicianship and commitment into contemporary settings and interpretations too.
“More than one million of these special stamps have been produced and we expect very strong interest in them from philatelists and music fans all over the world,” he concluded.
RTÉ‘s Managing Director of Radio, Adrian Moynes commented:
“We are delighted that An Post has honoured the RTÉ Performing Groups with the issue of these postage stamps. These beautiful images go into circulations as a perfect complement to the wonderful sounds created every day by the orchestras, choirs and the quartet.
The largest of RTÉ’s five performing groups, RTÉ’ National Symphony Orchestra’s work ranges from core symphonic repertoire to new works often composed specially for the ensemble by Ireland’s leading composers. Highlights of recent seasons include Bruckner, Schumann, Prokofiev and a Stravinsky retrospective.
The highly versatile RTÉ Concert Orchestra performs a broad spectrum of music ranging from the Messiah to Les Miserables. Artists with whom it has collaborated included Placido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Now entering its 21st anniversary season, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet is one of Europe’s most successful string quartets. Appointed Resident Quartet to RTÉ in 1986, and Artists in Residence at University College Cork, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet has a busy Irish and international touring schedule and has made a number of critically acclaimed commercial recordings.
The RTÉ Philharmonic Choir has been at the centre of choral music in Ireland since its foundation in 1985. This 140 strong choir is the country’s premier symphonic choral ensemble and has performed more than 52 of the major choral works since its foundation, mostly in conjunction with the RTÉ orchestras.
Founded in 1987, RTÉ Cór na nÓg draws together an exceptional grouo of 56 children ranging in age from 9 to 14 years. Achievements to date included TV and radio recordings and appearances in concerts, festivals, opera and ballet and for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as part of EU celebrations last year.
The stamps and First Day Cover were designed by Zinc Design Consultants based on contemporary photographs of the RTÉ Performing Groups. The stamps are available in a strip of five priced €2.75 and in sheetlets of 20 priced €11.
A special €11.50 Prestige Booklet containing two of each new stamp as well as background information the RTÉ Performing Group will be available together with a First Day Cover (€3.75) and stamps in a variety of self-adhesive and gummed formats at main Post Offices, online at www.irishstamps.ie and by phone at (01) 705 7400.
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Media contact: Anna McHugh, Head of Corporate Communications, An Post
TEL: 086 2530697 / (01) 705 8832
