FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2021
Media Contact:
Amy Tullis
amy@earlymusicseattle.org
205.409.8756 (mobile)
‘The Pure Drop’ of Irish Traditional and Sacred Song and Poetry!
I learned to love my own voice,
making a friend of it, fashioning
a fountain pen to master
the phantom language
– excerpt from ‘Early Music’ by Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin
Seattle, WA ‑ Early Music Seattle presents, Mother and Son: Lamentation and Joy in Irish traditional Song and Poetry. This unique presentation of Irish traditional song, Gregorian chant and poetry by a mother and son. This performance features one of Irelands most famous Irish singers Mícheál Moley Ó Súilleabháin and his mother, the renowned singer, theologian and musicologist, Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain PhD.
Early Music Seattle and IHC offer this unique exploration of the cross section of Irish traditional and sacred song, Gregorian chant and poetry by the internationally renowned mother and son duo, Mícheál Moley Ó’Súilleabháin and Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain, PhD.
Mícheál has inherited a store of repertoire from his mother, Nóirín, that spans many cultures of sacred and secular song. Much of the Irish language sean nós repertoire that he inherited are ancient lamentations and sacred songs that were passed from mother to daughter. Often called the ‘keening tradition (from the Irish word caoineadh) many of these melodies pre date Christianity. They will perform together as a duo as well as perform solo and speak on musical and poetic significance of St. Patrick.
Rev. Nóirín is famous for her virtuosic voice and accompanying her ancient Irish song on a number of world instruments. Mícheál will sing, recite and play the Irish bodhrán (frame drum) to accompany some traditional song also This mother and son a capella duo are world class and have performed extensively all over Europe and America. . Mícheál has just published his first book of poetry from David Whyte’s Many Rivers Press, fittingly entitled EARLY MUSIC, that features many Irish themes and figures. He will recite from that collection during this performance.
This concert, commissioned by Early Music Seattle, is an exploration of a cross section of Irish traditional and sacred song and the spoken word. If you haven’t heard of this amazing mother and son then be sure to tune in to sample ‘the pure drop’ of Irish traditional and sacred song and poetry.
This performance sponsored by Aly Gardner-Shelby and Bill Shelby
Presented in partnership with the Irish Heritage Club of the greater Seattle area
Concert Details:
Mícheál Moley Ó’Súilleabháin and Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain, PhD
Mother and Son: Lamentation and Joy in Irish traditional Song and Poetry.
Saturday, March 14 | 2pm PT
Go to earlymusicseattle.org to view
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