Fritz Kreisler's Life and Music Celebrated in Tralee

Tralee violinist, Kenneth Rice, performing works by
Fritz Kreisler in Siamsa Tíre on Sunday 3rd September

Top Irish violinist, Kenneth Rice from Tralee, enthralled the audience in Siamsa Tíre on Sunday night, 3rd September, by playing some of the beautiful music composed and made famous by Viennese composer, Fritz Kreisler.

The Concert was called "Good Evening, Mr. Kreisler" and also featured Una Hunt, who accompanied Kenneth on piano as well as Petroc Trelawny, who narrated the story of Fritz Kreisler.

The show recalled the genius of the man who critics hailed as the greatest violinist of his day. He lived from 1875 to 1962 and survived two World Wars and a near-fatal traffic accident to become a musical superstar. His most popular compositions for the violin (including Liebesfreud, Liebesleid, Humoresque, Midnight Bells and Schön Rosmarin) were performed splendidly by Kenneth and Una and the audience were appreciative of the opportunity to hear the interesting stories and anecdotes introducing each piece. Petroc Trelawny recalled Kreisler's friends, Elgar, John McCormack, Puccini and Casals; his travels to Russia , Australia, Europe and America; his meetings with Kings and Prime Ministers, buskers and railwaymen.

Kenneth Rice began studying the violin with Geraldine O'Grady at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. He then went on to study with David Lillis. Having graduated from the National University of Ireland with a Masters in Performance and Interpretation, he continued his studies with David Takeno, Head of Strings at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Kenneth is a member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and leader of the Irish Chamber Orchestra Ensemble and the Derg Ensemble.

Petroc Trelawny, Kenneth Rice and Una Hunt in Siamsa Tíre
on Sunday 3rd September for the concert celebrating Fritz Kreisler