Soprano Regina Nathan recalls 'special venue' following recent performance at Ballyshannon

One of the country's best known and respected sopranos, Regina Nathan, has paid an amazing tribute to the people of Ballyshannon and Rossnowlagh, following her recent successful concert in the Erne Town as part of the annual Allingham Festival.

Speaking in glowing terms of her recent experiences in Donegal, Regina, who has shared the stage with such titans of the Opera world as Plácido Domingo hailed the Abbey Arts Centre "as a special venue".

"Its been a week now since I performed my 'An Evening of Song with Regina' concert at the Allingham Festival in Ballyshannon. I am still living off the wonderful high of that whole experience. Beautiful town situated in a very beautiful area of Ireland . . . simply stunning."

"We arrived the day before the concert (10th) and the Festival was already in full swing, with lots of events on. I simply do not know how they did it. The Sand House Hotel where we stayed, was just perfect; magnificent views out to the sea with surfers and walkers alike. Delicious food, very friendly and welcoming staff and such beautiful rooms . . . with a bath! (very rare in hotels these days!!!). Table service breakfast and dinner with food to die for.

(Above: Soprano Regina Nathan enjoying a leisurely walk on the famed strands of Rossnowlagh beach)  

"I walked along the sunlit beach with my Jessie; laughter and exercise at the same time . . . cannot beat it.
Rehearsal in the Theatre at 4.00pm with the very accommodating Shane and Chris (tech) on sound and lighting.

"I don't think I made it very easy for them with all my movements on stage but they never complained. This Theatre has one of the best acoustics I have been in for ages...amazing!
" Great audience, very generous and appreciative. I really hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.
Michael Hennessy played a blinder and I was so happy he was able to play for me again, having performed this same concert with me in Glór, Ennis, this time last year.
She added: "I could go on and on . . . if you ever get the chance to visit this special venue, don't miss out on it or their Festival, The Allingham Festival, held at this time of year every year.
"My special thanks to the committee for having me. We loved every second of our stay. THANK YOU!"

No doubt the people of Ballyshannon and Rossnowlagh will be first to return the compliments and applaud a truly amazing voice and persn, who captivated the local audiences during her recent visit.