As a performer it's a joy to be asked to sing, from concerts to weddings and corporate events, it's always a pleasure. Last month I was honoured to be invited to perform at the Consulate General of Ireland, New York. The event was organized as part of 'Bliain na Gaeilge', an Irish government launched campaign to mark 125 years since the revival of the Irish language.
As a fluent Irish speaker and advocate for my native language, I was thrilled to be part of the event at the Consulate. The evening brought together the lively community of Irish speakers here in New York and the language was celebrated through prose, poetry and song. It was amazing to chat as Gaeilge to attendees with American accents!
I wanted to acknowledge the history of the language as well as it's modern vibrancy in my song choices. Firstly, I chose 'Táimse im' Chodladh', a classic air from the sean-nós repertory. In this 'aisling' or dream, a beautiful lady representing Ireland visits the dreamer. He laments for his country and does not want to wake from his slumber. My second choice was a version of the well known air 'Eleanor Plunkett' by O'Carolan. I am a huge fan of Iarla Ó Lionáird and it was while listening to his album 'Foxlight' that I first heard this version. In it, the ornamentation is stripped back and it's phrased in such a way that a more modern almost pop melody reveals itself. I hope I did his version justice! Thank you to the amazing Seán McCluskey for his accompaniment on piano.
Bx
