‘Sailing to Byzantium’ coming up at Seamus Heaney HomePlace 13th June marking WB Yeats' 160th birthday!

Sailing To Byzantium: Christine Tobin with Francesco Turrisi and Phil Robson

13 Jun 2025

‘Tobin gets the combination just right, giving emphasis to Yeats’ imagery and emotions, highlighting the subtler nuances, and opening the poems up to offer a new experience.’ – All About Jazz 

To mark the 160th birthday of W. B. Yeats on 13th June, renowned Irish jazz singer Christine Tobin performs Sailing to Byzantium, a collection of original songs written to 12 of Yeats’ poems. 

This live performance will feature the songs from Tobin’s acclaimed 2012 album, which won a British Composer Award in the same year. For this ambitious project, Tobin selected a range of her favourite Yeats poems, from early work through to his final collection, including such beloved works as ‘When You Are Old’ and ‘The Second Coming’. 

The broad palette of harmony and colour throughout this collection draws on influences from folk, jazz and twentieth century classical music. A perfect blend for music and poetry lovers alike.

Get tickets and more info from: https://seamusheaneyhome.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873654475