Special Performance: Great Newfoundland & Irish Songbook
Date: Nov 17
8:00 pm
- 10:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Pianist and composer James Hurley is joined by the Irish Tenor Dean Power for a magical evening celebrating shared folksong traditions from Newfoundland and Ireland.
Power and Hurley offer new arrangements of well-known songs through a program that also features Hurley's unique compositions based on the works of Irish literary luminaries including James Joyce and WB Yeats.
This performance will include World Premieres of poems by Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Duncan Major.
Special for this performance, local artist Duncan Major has created visual art projections that accompany the music.
The evening brings tradition together with contemporary perspectives and melodies both known and new.
Tickets: $35 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms Members. Tickets are available online or by calling (709)757-8090.
About the Musicians:
James Hurley is a classical pianist and composer with a passion for improvisation. Originally from the West end of St. John's, he's been based in Germany since 2011. Together with his wife he runs Più Piano – a live performance venue and piano school which hosts events featuring artists from NL and around the world. He is affiliated with Memorial's School of Music and is dedicated to building a cultural bridge between his NL and German homes through performance and educational projects. As a musician he is involved in several solo and group projects and actively performs in Canada and the EU.
Dean Power is from Clarecastle, Ireland. He studied at both the RIAM and TU Dublin with Mary Brennan and Mairead Hurley. Following two years as a member of the opera studio at the Bavarian State Opera house, he was invited to join the house ensemble where he remained for another 9 years. Since leaving Munich he has enjoyed the flexibility of life as a freelance opera singer. His recent notable debuts include the Zurich Opera House, the Opéra de Lille, the Salzburg Festival, the Teatro Real in Madrid and the Salzburg Easter Festival, as well as guest appearances at the Bavarian State Opera, the Irish National Opera, the Armenian National Philharmonic, and with El Sistema in Venezuela. On the concert stage, his recent performances include collaborations with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland, the Irish Baroque Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Orquestra Sinfonica Portuguesa. He is currently a Cara O'Sullian Associate Artist at the Cork Opera House. In 2025, he will make his house debut at the Opera National de Paris.
Duncan Major is a St. John's-based graphic designer, animator and artist. Since 2004 he has operated the printshop Walpurgis Press, creating cards, prints, and books. In 2024, he won an Arts and Letters Award for his poetry, and in 2025, his hand-printed animated short film Imprint—inspired by his late mentor and friend Tara Bryan and produced by The National Film Board of Canada—will premiere.
Today's Events & Programs
This session is full but we've added a 12:30 pm time slot!
Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist, Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.
Who's Invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies, if your baby is on the move check out our other TOTS programs)
Monthly Sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.
About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.
Secure your spot in this unique program that blends art, music, and infant development!
Cost: $15 plus HST (per session). Cost includes: 1 Caregiver and 1 Infant. 10% Discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.
This session is full but we've added a 12:30 time slot!
Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by certified music therapist, Renée White. Join us in experiencing the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.
Who's Invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies, if your baby is on the move check out our other Tots programs).
Monthly Sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.
About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.
Cost: $15 plus HST per session. Registration includes 1 caregiver and 1 child. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709)757-8090.
Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by certified music therapist, Renée White. Join us in experiencing the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.
Who's Invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies, if your baby is on the move check out our other Tots programs).
Monthly Sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.
About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.
Cost: $15 plus HST per session. Registration includes 1 caregiver and 1 child. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709)757-8090.
Fishing for Cod
For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women, and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish.”
Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow Tour, there is something for everyone.
Each tour is approximately 30–40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
Deck the Halls with Handmade Cheer!
Get into the festive spirit with a cozy, creative evening project! Perfect for beginners and crafty folks of all skill levels, this small project is a wonderful way to spend time with friends or family—including teens—while making something special for your home.
What to Expect:
- Craft a colourful seasonal wreath using traditional techniques such as braiding fabrics, yarn wrapping, and needle felting
- Visit the holiday décor and trees throughout the building
- Sip on a coffee or hot chocolate while you craft
- Leave with a unique holiday wreath and warm memories of a joyful evening together
Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090. Limited seats available.
A Christmas Tradition is Back by Popular Demand!
Join author Kevin Major for a fireside conversation and a reading of The House of Wooden Santas, followed by a Q&A and a visit to see all 24 Santas.
The House of Wooden Santas is a deeply felt story about belief in oneself and others, and the spirit of the season. Kevin shares how the carvings of Imelda George inspired him to write this Christmas classic, photographed by Ned Pratt.
Cost: Adult $12 (+HST), Child/Youth $6 (+HST). Free for Rooms Members. Ticket includes admission to The Rooms galleries. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
The House of Wooden Santas book is available for purchase in The Rooms Giftshop.