DERRY-born singer
songwriter Phil Coulter has revealed he is penning a
new song to mark his native city's turn as UK City
of Culture next year.
Mr Coulter yesterday revealed that his new
commission takes its title from the final verse of
his world-famous ballad 'The Town I Loved So Well'.
The composer was speaking at the official launch in
Derry yesterday of the programme of events for City
of Culture 2013.
"The last line of my song 'The Town I Loved So Well'
says 'I can only pray for a bright brand new day'. I
have been burning the midnight oil writing a new
song for next year.
"The title springs from that closing stanza. It is
going to be called 'A Bright Brand New Day'," he
told the BBC.
"We've been famous for all the wrong reasons for a
long time but I think next year we are really going
to shine," he added.
During 2013, Derry will play host to a world-class
programme of cultural events including the return of
the Field Day theatre company who will present the
world premiere of a new play by American playwright
Sam Shepard. The programme also includes the first
visit to Northern Ireland by the Royal Ballet in 12
years. The Turner Prize will be presented outside of
England for the first time while there will be a new
commission by the London Symphony Orchestra. Co
Derry-born Nobel prize-winning poet, Seamus Heaney,
will give the opening address at the city's Poetry
Festival while Roddy Doyle and Julia Donaldson will
headline the Children’s Literature Festival. Carol
Ann Duffy in partnership with John A Sampsonw will
lead the way during Poetry Month.
Meanwhile, Phil Coulter will return to the city in
June for the biggest and most ambitious concert he
has ever performed in his hometown. He will be
joined by the Ulster Orchestra and guests. |
