A classical ‘thank you’ for NHS and frontline staff

Hosted by Northern Ireland Opera and introduced by Sean Rafferty, the concert entitled At Home for Heroes, will be screened on the NI Opera YouTube channel and is intended as a tribute to NHS and frontline workers.

Developed from an original idea by the Belfast musician Richard Yarr, details of all those performing from their homes will be released in the days ahead.

Roy Bailie, chairman of Northern Ireland Opera said: ‘‘Covid-19 has impacted every person in Northern Ireland, but none more so that our NHS personnel and frontline workers. As musicians, we appreciate just how important collaboration and teamwork are, and this is our small way of saying thank you to the people who have been outstanding at both.

‘‘This is going to be a very special evening of appreciation from some of Northern Ireland’s most outstanding classical stars.’’

Sir James and Lady Galway added: ‘‘We are honoured to give back, through music, a little something for our heroes…the frontline and NHS workers. You are stars, each and every one of you.

‘‘We thank you for your incredible strength and perseverance to help us all through these difficult days. With gratitude.’’

*At Home for Heroes’ will be broadcast via YouTube on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May at 8 pm.