March 30 2012 Titanic

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PI Week 13 March 24 - March 30 2012

Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film Titanic Commemoration Announces Star Line-Up Programme Information New this week

Titanic: A Commemoration In Page 3 Music And Film Titanic Commemoration Announces Star Line-Up

Titanic With Len Goodman Page 5 Len Goodman discovers how the impact of the Titanic disaster is still felt a century after the ship sank

The Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Page 8 Of The Ulster Hall Celebrate 150 years of The Ulster Hall with BBC Radio Ulster’s Great Northern Songbook

2 Titanic Commemoration Announces Star Line-Up Local, national and international performers to appear in Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film

Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film, live from Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, BBC Two, Saturday, April 14.

To register for complimentary tickets, log on to bbc.co.uk/tickets

A star-studded line-up of local and international performers will appear in Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film, which will be broadcast live on BBC Two on April 14 2012, 100 years after the ill-fated liner hit an iceberg.

The 90-minute event comes from the Belfast Waterfront, just across the river from Harland and Wolff shipyard, where the famous ship was built, and will include the Ulster Orchestra and massed choir performances.

Archive and specially commissioned documentary material, accompanied by stunning visual effects, will retell the story of the ship, those who built her and those who perished or survived.

The final line up of performers will be announced nearer to the event. Those already confirmed to appear include the legendary Bryan Ferry, Grammy award- winning soul and R&B singer/songwriter Joss Stone, Charlie Siem, one of the UK’s The legendary Bryan Ferry who will be performing at Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film at the brightest new classical stars, acclaimed Belfast Waterfront on April 14. The event will be broadcast live on BBC Two 3 Internationally renowned Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, one of those lined Grammy award-winning soul and R&B singer/songwriter Joss Stone will be up to perform at Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film, live on BBC Two appearing in Titanic: A Commemoration In Music And Film in the Belfast from the Belfast Waterfront on April 14 Waterfront on April 14 to be broadcast live on BBC Two English tenor Alfie Boe, internationally “The concert will be a dignified duplicate applications will not be renowned Scottish violinist Nicola commemoration of those who died and a considered. Benedetti (guest soloist with leading celebration of the craftsmanship and en- orchestras all over the world including: deavour it took to build this iconic ship. The project, which has been commis- LSO, Hallé, New York Philharmonic), The talent line-up includes local, national sioned by BBC Two and BBC Northern Armagh-born actor Colin Morgan (star of and international stars who will bring the Ireland from independent production com- BBC One’s ‘Merlin’) and Belfast actor Ian story of Titanic to life in a fitting tribute 100 pany, Whizz Kid Entertainment and Ander- McElhinney (City of Ember, Closing the years after the ship’s sinking in the North son Spratt Group Ltd, received funding Ring and Game of Thrones). Atlantic.” from Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Northern Ireland Screen and is support- Jan Younghusband, Commissioning The public may register for complimentary ed by Belfast City Council and Tourism Editor for Music and Events said: “We tickets to the event from now until 5pm on Ireland. are delighted to bring Titanic: A Wednesday, March 28 from bbc.co.uk/ Commemoration In Music And Film to tickets. A maximum of four tickets will audiences across the UK live on BBC Two be allocated per household address on the from the Waterfront in Belfast, where the basis of a random draw. No applications world’s most famous ship was built. will be accepted after the closing date and

4 Titanic With Len Goodman Len Goodman discovers how the impact of the Titanic disaster is still felt a century after the ship sank

Titanic With Len Goodman, Friday, March 30, BBC One, 8.30pm

Titanic with Len Goodman

In the new three part series, from 1909 -1912, built Titanic, in Belfast. just the beginning of the story. Generations Titanic With Len Goodman, Len worked for Harland and Wolff 50 years later, those stories linked to the Titanic are later at their yard in East London. still unfolding as Len meets the modern day Strictly Come Dancing judge descendants to learn how, a century on, Len discovers how the impact of To mark the centenary of the Titanic Titanic’s legacy lives on. the Titanic disaster is still felt a tragedy, Len explores the ship’s 100 year century after the ship sank. legacy in the three-part series, Titanic With In the first programme of the series, Len Len Goodman, on BBC One starting Friday, discovers how Titanic claimed the lives Len has his own connection to the Titanic. March 30. In the series, Len learns how for of eight men in Belfast before she even Before he was a dancer, he was a welder the victims’ families - and for the survivors touched the water. He tries his hand at for Harland and Wolff, the company that, themselves - the sinking of the ship was riveting, experiencing first-hand the blood 5 and sweat that went into building a ship a century ago. He visits Southampton, to find out why it was the city hit hardest by Titanic’s death toll. He meets descendants of Titanic’s crew who describe how just traumatised the disaster left their relatives.

Len also explores the story of the Titanic band. It’s one of the best known stories from the ship, but few will have heard how the death of one of the musicians tore his family apart for one hundred years. Len meets a descendant who tells him how and why this happened.

In the second programme, Len returns to Belfast to discover how a group of eight men who helped build Titanic, were specially chosen to sail on her, and finally Len Goodman in the Harland & Wolff Drawing offices in Belfast died on her. He brings their stories to life as he explores the very building, now derelict, where they once worked and talks to one of their great granddaughters. In London, he meets the man whose great uncle survived the tragedy, only to pay for his life with his reputation. Len learns how, even 100 years on, Titanic still sometimes casts a shadow over the family. And he helps two Titanic historians uncover the life of a stewardess who survived the disaster, only to disappear afterwards. Her story leads them to a Belfast family who, until now, had no idea they had a Titanic connection.

In the final programme of the series, Len explores Titanic’s legacy. He discovers what life was like for crew on board Titanic, through the memoirs of one of the stewardesses on board. And in order to Len at Harland & Wolff in Belfast get a sense of what Titanic was really like, forget all about their connection to the ship. board Titanic was still fighting to clear his he takes a tour around her modern-day Through the stories of two Irish brothers name right up to his death in the 1960s. counterpart, the Queen Mary 2. Just like in steerage, Len discovers that, on Titanic, Unfortunately, the key piece of evidence having money could save your life, and Titanic a century ago, this is now the largest to clear his name was not discovered until reveals the statistics that show that the cruise liner in the world. 1985 after he had died. It was the wreck of price of your ticket reflected the value of the ship. your life. He learns how, in the struggle to put the disaster behind them, the family of the He finds out how a respectable sea captain And Len discovers how the Titanic man who owned Titanic did their best to who was blamed for the deaths of all on disaster changed sea travel for ever. A new, 6 Len Goodman looks around the offices of Harland & Wolff in Belfast international convention was introduced to astonished me with their tales of how Strictly, a lovely manner with people. That, make travelling at sea safe and fair for all Titanic affected their families forever. We and his own experience in a Harland and regardless of class. Len speaks to the filmed all over the UK, but spent a whole Wolff shipyard, made him the ideal man modern sea captain who, today, follows week in Belfast where I had a wonderful with whom to explore Titanic’s legacy.” these laws to the letter. time meeting people. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and really hope everyone will get as Titanic with Len Goodman is an Len says: “Making this series has been a much enjoyment watching it at home.” independent production from fascinating journey for me. You might think 360Production for BBC One & BBC the Titanic story was just about a ship that Edward Hart, who directed and produced Northern Ireland. It has been made with sank. But I’ve found out there is so much the series, says: “Working with Len was a funding from Northern Ireland Screen. more to it than that. The real story of the total pleasure. He’s a constant professional Titanic isn’t about a ship, it’s about people, who’s determined to get it right whatever and in making this series I’ve been lucky to the weather. He’s also sharp as a tack, with meet some wonderful personalities who a curious mind and, as we all know from

7 Celebrate 150 years of The Ulster Hall with BBC Radio Ulster’s Great Northern Songbook

Vote for your favourite Northern Ireland song to be performed at the Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall event

Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall. bbc.co.uk/radioulster

BBC Radio Ulster is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the iconic Belfast music venue The Ulster Hall with the one-off event The Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall.

This special concert, which takes place inside the Ulster Hall on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, is supported by Belfast City Council and will see some of Northern Ireland’s most popular music talent join forces with the Ulster Orchestra to perform the nation’s 10 favourite songs composed by local songwriters - as voted for by the public and BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle specialist music presenters. Cara Dillon will perform alongside the Ulster Orchestra at BBC Radio Ulster/ BBC Radio Foyle concert Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall.

From Friday, March 16, music fans can log on to bbc.co.uk/radioulster to vote for their favourite locally-composed song from a shortlist compiled by presenters Gerry Anderson, Colin Murray, Ralph McLean, Lynette Fay, Stuart Bailie, Cherrie McIlwaine, Rigsy, John Toal, Hugo Duncan, John Bennett, Alan Simpson and Brian Mullen.

This public vote will run for two weeks until Friday, March 30. We will also be releasing complimentary tickets to The Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall event. Ticket applications can be made from noon, on Friday, March 30, until 5pm on Friday, April 13 at The Answer will perform at the unique concert 8 bbc.co.uk/tickets. A maximum of four tickets will be allocated per household address using a random draw. No late applications will be accepted and duplicate applications will not be considered.

Among the top Northern Ireland acts already lined-up to perform at the concert are Cara Dillon, Brian Kennedy, rock band The Answer, General Fiasco and Katharine Philippa. Further acts are yet to be announced.

The concert will be hosted by BBC Radio Ulster presenters Ralph McLean and Lynette Fay and will be broadcast live on the station at 8pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

Ralph McLean says: “We’ve always made great music here in Northern Ireland and some of the very greatest songs ever have been written by artists from up here. From Van Morrison to Jimmy Kennedy, we’ve produced songwriters of the very highest quality, people who’ve written tunes that have made people happy whatever their musical taste. I’m immensely proud of that heritage and I can’t tell you how excited I am about hosting the Great Northern Songbook – 150 Years Of The Ulster Hall.

“The people who listen to our evening shows know their music like few others so it’s going to be fascinating to see what Katharine Philippa favourites they pick. The fact that it’s in the and it’s very fitting that the live event Fergus Keeling, Head of Radio, BBC Ulster Hall also means a lot to me. I couldn’t will take place on the illustrious stage Northern Ireland, says: “Local music, tell you how many great nights of music I’ve of the Ulster Hall, which played host in its many guises, is a vital part of our enjoyed in that historic venue down the to many great local and international schedule. Staging this unique event to years. I think it’s the perfect setting for a artists through the years. The BBC Radio mark the anniversary of this renowned celebration like this. Bring it on!” Ulster audience love, know and understand music venue is our way of thanking our music and I’m delighted that they will be part listeners for making us their home for Lynette Fay says: “BBC Radio Ulster is of this celebration. I can’t wait to learn the specialist music and giving them their say a huge supporter of local bands and results of the public vote and ultimately I’m on something we know they are extremely local music of all styles. The Great really looking forward to being part of yet passionate about. Any 10 songs from our Northern Songbook will further another historical music event on a great shortlist would make for a wonderful night celebrate our diverse musical legacy, stage.” of music. That they will be performed by

9 some of the best music talent Northern Ireland has to offer, will make this a night to remember.”

Jacqui Owens, Operations Manager of Belfast Waterfront and The Ulster Hall, said: “Since opening its doors 150 years ago The Ulster Hall has been part of the very life blood of Belfast. Stars have shone and legends have been born in equal measure. While Led Zeppelin famously gave their very first live performance of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ here, The Grand Dame of Bedford Street has played host to a vast array of world famous names, from Charles Dickens to Motörhead.

“The Ulster Hall has been instrumental in helping make legends of numerous home-grown performers down Ralph McLean and Lynette will host the live concert through the years and propelling our • The public may register for accepted after the closing date and arts and entertainment talent onto the complimentary tickets to the event from duplicate applications will not be national and international stages. noon, on Friday, March 30, until 5pm on considered. Performers like Van Morrison, Ruby Friday, April 13 at bbc.co.uk/tickets. Murray, The Undertones, Stiff Little A maximum of four tickets will be allo- • The concert will be broadcast live on Fingers, Ash, Snow Patrol and countless cated per household address on the basis BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle at others have cut their teeth on this famous of a random draw. No applications will be 8pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. old stage - performing timeless music that has become the soundtrack for generations A total of 32 songs have been shortlisted by BBC Radio Ulster’s specialist music pre- across the world. senters. The public can vote for their favourite song from: Rudi - ‘Big Time’/ The Un- dertones - ‘Teenage Kicks’/ Ash - ‘Shining Light’/ Brian Kennedy - ‘Captured’/ “It’s therefore fitting that we should cel- Stiff Little Fingers - ‘Alternative Ulster’/ Them - ‘Gloria’/ The Undertones - ‘My Perfect ebrate The Ulster Hall’s 150th Birthday by Cousin’/ Van Morrison - ‘Madame George’/ Two Door Cinema Club - ‘Something showcasing the 10 most popular songs by Good Can Work’/ Snow Patrol - ‘Run’/ Divine Comedy - ‘Tonight We Fly’/ Paul Brady local artists as voted by local people. BBC - ‘The Island’/ Phil Coulter - ‘The Town I Loved So Well’/ Duke Special - ‘Freewheel’/ Radio Ulster plays a pivotal role in cham- The Divine Comedy - ‘Songs Of Love’/ The Four Of Us - ‘Mary’/ The McPeakes - ‘Will pioning home-grown music and we are You Go Lassie Go’/ David McWilliams – ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’/ Bap Kennedy delighted to partner with them to present – ‘Moonlight Kiss’/ Jimmy Kennedy - ‘South of the Border’/ Van Morrison – ‘Moon- Great Northern Songbook.” dance’/ Van Morrison – ‘Brown Eyed Girl’/ Henry McCullough – ‘Belfast to Boston’/ Clannad – ‘Theme from Harry’s Game’/ Jimmy Kennedy – ‘Red Sails In The Sunset’/ • This public vote is available online only Snow Patrol – ‘Chasing Cars’/ Cara Dillon – ‘Hill of Thieves’/ Tommy Sands – ‘The from bbc.co.uk/radioulster and will County Down’/ Kieran Goss – ‘Brand New Star’/ Phil Coulter – ‘Scorn Not His open on Friday, March 16 and run for two Simplicity’/ Phil Coulter – ‘Congratulations’/ Jimmy Kennedy - ‘Harbor Lights’. weeks until Friday, March 30.