Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir to Perform at the National Concert Hall – January 22, 2023

‘INISHOWEN - A Celebration of the Traditional Music and Song of Inishowen, County
Donegal’, performed by the Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir.

Arranged and Conducted by Martin Tourish (Altan)
Choir Conducted by Lorna McLaughlin (The Henry Girls)
Introduced by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan)

The 150 member Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Martin Tourish and Lorna
McLaughlin, will present their unique celebration of the traditional music and song of Inishowen, County
Donegal.

The music that you will hear comprises a snapshot of cultural production in Inishowen spanning the timeframe of a millennium.
You will hear music from Cormacan Eigeas Mac Maelbridge’s poetic account, written in 942, of the Prince of Aileach’s tour of Ireland and slightly later, Máel Ísu Ua Brolcháin’s eleventh century hymn, Deus Meus, Adiuva Me, composed in Irish and Latin. Later, you will hear a song originating in the Middle Ages that gives us a glimpse into the psychology of the Black Death pandemic. The style of the nineteenth century is represented in Honoria Galwey’s collection.
Two movements in particular are dedicated to the little known 19th century female collector, Honoria Galwey. Honoria played a huge and until now, underrated role, in collecting songs and tunes from the local people of Inishowen, Derry and other parts
of Donegal.
The music of hugely influential Buncrana musician, composer and teacher Dinny McLaughlin, is celebrated with a very rich palette of colours, depth and often humour. a
The final movement ‘Big Nights’ finale echoing the legendry house dance gatherings of old, with the music of Seamus Grant, the Clonmany Céilí Band, Paddy and Tom Byrne, sprinkled with a touch of Jimmy Shand and some Jules Holland-style, piano boogie-woogie.

Produced by Inishowen Traditional Music Project and sponsored by Donegal County Council.
www.inishowenmusic.ie

Tickets for the Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir’s forthcoming performance at the National Concert
Hall.
Booking on the NCH website www.nch.ie