2013 Press Releases
First Traditional Artist-in-Residence named
The Arts Council, in association with the College of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences, UCC and the School of Music and Theatre, UCC announce the appointment of the internationally renowned singer, producer and composer, Iarla Ó Lionáird, as the first Traditional Artist-in-Residence at UCC.
Iarla Ó Lionáird grew up and learned his craft in the musical heartland of Cúil Aodha in the West Cork Gaeltacht. From his iconic early recording of the vision song ‘Aisling Gheal’, through his ground-breaking recordings and performances with the Afro-Celt Sound System, his collaborative projects and his innovative fusion of the traditions of sean-nós with modern electronic music, Ó Lionaird has established himself as one of contemporary music’s most creative, exciting and ambitious artists. This is further demonstrated by his ongoing innovative and internationally acclaimed projects, including the Arts Council supported Ensemble, The Gloaming, he comes to UCC at a time when his creative powers are in full flow.
Ó Lionáird will deliver a series of concerts, workshops and seminars over the course of his 1-year residency, beginning 1 October. He will make his first public appearance in his new role at a free lunchtime concert in the Aula Maxima, UCC, on Friday 4 October, as part of the FUAIM Autumn 2013 series, when he will be joined by one of his long-time musical collaborators, the virtuoso guitarist, Steve Cooney.
Ó Lionáird will be hosted by The School of Music and Theatre at UCC. The study of Irish traditional music has been pioneered at UCC for many decades, and UCC is strongly associated with the musician and composer, Seán Ó Riada, who had such a profound impact on the cultural life of Ó Lionáird’s native Cúil Aodha.
Today, traditional music remains a vital part of music studies at the University, where it stands shoulder to shoulder with classical music, popular music and jazz, and various world musics, including the highly acclaimed Javanese gamelan ensemble. Irish traditional music is taught at UCC by an internationally recognised team of leading traditional artists, including Bobby Gardiner, Matt Cranitch, Connie O’Connell, Niall Vallely, Colm Murphy, Mary Mitchell-Ingoldsby and Mel Mercier.