‘AN COSÁN Draíochta’ - a new music commission by musician Johnny Óg Connolly in memory of his late father, renowned melodeon player Johnny Connolly, will be the first public event in the newly refurbished Stiúideo Cuan.
Stiúideo Cuan, the new creative arts and music centre in An Spidéal, will host the premiere of this new piece of music from Wednesday November 17 to Sunday 21 at 8.30pm. The work is presented by Stiúideo Cuan in conjunction with The Arts Council, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.
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An Cosán Draíochta performers (LtoR ): Jim Higgins, Bríd Treasa Ní Ghaoithín, Johnny Óg Connolly, Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill, and Seosamh Ó Neachtain.
Johnny Connolly was known by many names - Johnny na gConnollys; Johnny Phádraic Phíotair; Johnny Phádraic Phíotair Thomáis Mhichil Thaidhg; Johnny Inis Bearachain; Sean-Johnny; King of the Melodeon. He was laid to rest on New Year’s Eve 2019 and during the ensuing lockdown, Stiúideo Cuan commissioned composer and musician Johnny Óg Connolly to compose a suite in memory and celebration of his father.
‘An Cosán Draíochta’ was the name given by the inhabitants of Inis Bearachain to the path which emerged to the mainland during the ebb tide. A liminal space, An Cosán Draíochta was arterial in the life and psyche of the islanders – as was their music.
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The work will feature solo and ensemble elements, weaving together music, song, and poetry, performed by Ciara Ní Bhriain (fiddle/viola ), Clíodhna Ní Choisdealbha (banjo, tenor guitar, Greek bouzouki ), Jim Higgins (percussion ), Pádraig Ó Dubhgaill (guitar ), Johnny Óg Connolly (accordion, melodeon ), Seosamh Ó Neachtain (dancer ), and Bríd Treasa Ní Ghaoithín (singer, actor ). The producer is Darach Mac Con Iomaire, creative director of Stiúideo Cuan.
Tickets are €25/20 and available via www.stiuideocuan.ie or 091 - 553838.
