Programme

Eric Coates (1886-1957)

I Heard You Singing Music

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

For A While

Charles Gounod (1818-1893)

Ave Maria

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Deh Vieni, Non Tardar From Le Nozze Di Figaro

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Art Thou Troubled

Michael Head (1900-1976)

The Singer

Fiona Linnane

The Moon

A song setting of the poem by Barbara Hickey (1926-2022)

Michael William Balfe (1808-1870)

I dreamt that I dwelt in Marble Halls

Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848-1918)

My Heart Is Like A Singing Bird

Ivor Novello (1893-1951)

Waltz Of My Heart

Limerick soprano Eve Stafford is a graduate of the London College of Music (LLCM) and has studied under the tutelage of Olive Cowpar and Irish baritone Brendan Collins. Often described as possessing "the voice of an angel,” Eve is celebrated for her vocal clarity, elegant stage presence, and a warm, communicative rapport with her audiences.

A multi-award-winning vocalist, Eve has swept all major categories at Féile Luimnigh and Feis Maitiú Corcaigh, including first place in Operatic Solo, Oratorio, and Early Music categories and ‘The Voice of the Féile'. She has established a regular presence on the recital stage at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick and Mary I College Chapel, consistently drawing large audiences for her curated programs. Her extensive concert work includes appearances with the University of Limerick Orchestra, Limerick Choral Union, Limerick Early Music Festival and The Voices of Limerick. She is also a frequent collaborator with Opera Workshop and the Limerick Opera Festival, and has featured as the soprano soloist for Mozart’s Coronation Mass with the MIC Choral Union.

Through her 'Songbird' series, Eve has established a significant presence in the Munster music scene, bringing classical crossover performances to diverse audiences across the province. Her headline concert series and themed programs showcase her passion for personal storytelling through

song; notably, her collaborations with tenor Eoin Hynes, including the 'Lovebirds' and 'Valentine’s by Candlelight' concerts at St. Mary’s Cathedral, were met with significant acclaim. This resonance with audiences is further reflected in her recording career; her debut album, Songbird (2024), was widely celebrated, and her single The Room Next Door reached No. 1 on the Irish iTunes charts. Following a highly successful candlelight concert at St. Columba’s Church in Ennis, Eve looks forward to returning to both the Cathedral and Ennis for performances later this year.

Beyond the stage, Eve is a dedicated advocate for the arts and community connection. In 2025, she made history as the first professional singer to be elected President of Network Ireland Limerick, where she led with a focus on arts advocacy. Her insights on the intersection of professional artistry and business have led to several media appearances, including guest spots on The Limerick Lady and When You Choose You podcasts.

Eve is a central figure in the National Concert Hall’s outreach initiative, ‘Health & Harmony’. Since 2022, she has served as one of the lead artists for this program, working in association with Alzheimer’s day and respite care centres across the region performing over 200 concerts in care home settings. Following her successful solo debut in the John Field Room in 2025, she was invited to become a main regular artist for the NCH 'Tea Dance Tunes' series in Dublin for the 2026 season.

Catriona McElhinney Grimes

With her roots coming from the Gaeltacht region of West Donegal, Catriona is inspired by the natural surroundings in her native Rosses. From a musical background, she began her musical journey at the age of two, with her mother, a music teacher. She has developed her own distinctive style of piano playing, a unique authentic fusion of Irish Traditional Music, and classical influences. Her playing illustrates her skill and mastery of the piano, with sensitive and colourful arrangements of all genres from Bach to beyond.

Catriona is passionate about sharing her love of music, and also specialises in nurturing young children’s love of music. She creates her own individual music lessons through a blend of magic and fairies.

Catriona is a multi instrumentalist, Piano, Violin, Melodica, Tin Whistle, Recorder, and Organist. She has immersed herself in Music Education, having studied for her music degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Drama in London, and her Masters Degree at TU Dublin. She also holds Fellowship, Licentiate and Associate Diplomas.