Cynthia Wade, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, is to film part of her next movie in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, on St Patrick's Day. Wade’s project is called ‘Second Fiddle’ and it is based on the life and work of legendary violin maker and researcher Dr Carleen Hutchins. Hutchins is best known for creating, between the 1950s and 1960s, a family of eight proportionally-sized violins now known as the violin octet. Exhibiting for a time at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the eight instruments are now played by California violin ensemble The Hutchins Consort, named after the violin maker.
As part of the film, The Hutchins Consort will be performing with Irish traditional musicians at The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna on March 17th. The concert begins at 2pm and admission is free.
The Roadside Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in the Burren area and a popular location for tourists and locals alike. It is well-known as a hub for traditional music, and has had a number of contemporary bands take to its stage over the years.
Peter Curtin, proprietor of The Roadside Tavern, has said, “We are delighted to be able to host a wonderful afternoon of St Patrick's Day musical entertainment by an ensemble known for its unique classical performances."
Curtin continued, “We are also honoured to welcome Cynthia Wade to The Roadside Tavern and we look forward to the upcoming concert featuring in her new film. It will be a day of musical extravaganza as the musicians join with Irish traditional musicians for a day of craic at the Roadside Tavern.”
Wade won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short, in 2008 for ‘Freeheld’ which told the true story of how police detective Laurel Hester fought against injustice for her partner, Stacie, as she battled with terminal cancer. Wade was nominated for an Oscar in the same category in 2013 for ‘Mondays at Racine’, based on cancer patients who find solace in visiting a beauty salon called Racine.
