Author: Press Officer

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta will celebrate fifty years on air on 2 April, and to mark this very special occasion the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will travel to Conamara to perform in a gala concert in the heart of the Gaeltacht, broadcast live on radio, with some of the country’s top traditional musicians including Altan, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Steve Cooney, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cór Chúil Aodha and many more.

Courage, identity and pride of place are the primary themes for the commemorative concert, titled RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta 50, reflecting the station’s origins within the civil rights movement, its history as a regional and national radio service, and its vital role in sustaining and promoting the Irish language and culture over the last fifty years, with artists from all across the Gaeltachtaí taking part.

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta came on air for the first time on 2 April 1972 – Easter Sunday. The result of a long campaign by the Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement, who asserted the right of the Gaeltacht and greater Irish-language community to a daily radio service in their own language, the station has acted as a vital bridge between the Gaeltacht communities. Since then, RnaG has played a vital role as a platform for the Irish-language and all aspects of the culture, including traditional music, sean-nós singing, Gaelic games, literature, oral arts, and contemporary Irish-language songwriting, as well as providing a daily regional, national and international news service in Irish.

Dee Forbes, Director-General, RTÉ, says: “Born out of the language movement of the late sixties and early seventies, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta sought to give voice and preserve voice, to develop it and champion it. RnaG has done just that, and more, across five remarkable decades.”

“Today, RnaG continues to bring together our Gaeltachtaí, while providing an essential regional, national and international news service to all Irish-language speakers nationwide and around the globe. As a champion of our traditional arts, our sports, and our language, the contribution of RnaG to the protection, preservation and promotion of the Irish-language is immense. To all who have worked in RnaG, to all who dedicate their professional lives to RnaG today, to all who contribute, and to all who listen – happy anniversary.”  

Gearóid Mac Donncha, Ceannaire, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, says: “At its heart, this concert will demonstrate the vibrancy, courage, pride, confidence, and rich heritage of the Gaeltacht and Irish-language community.  It will be a celebration of that community, those who campaigned with the Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement, those who founded the radio service in the early 1970s and past and current staff, our loyal listeners, everyone involved in Gaeltacht life and the Irish language community, and the young people growing up today who will keep the flame alive into the future.” 

“This concert will be a very special event, broadcast live from the heart of the Gaeltacht, with local, national and international artists, young musicians, dancers and singers having the unique opportunity of playing on stage with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.   It is a privilege for RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta to have gathered such esteemed musicians together in the Gaeltacht to mark the station’s 50^th anniversary.”   

Artists performing on stage with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta 50 concert will include Altan, Cór Chúil Aodha, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Steve Cooney, Johnny Óg Connolly, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, The High Seas, Cormac Ó Beaglaoich, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Dónal O’Connor, Gerry O’Beirne and Seán Monaghan.

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has had a central role in the revival of sean-nós singing, and the concert will include performances from Ciarán Ó Gealbháin, Máire Ní Choilm, Micheál Ó Confhaola, Caitlín Ní Chualáin, Páidí Mhárthain Mac Gearailt, Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde, Étáin & Máire Ní Churraoin and Scottish singer Griogair Labhruidh who will represent the connection with the other Celtic nations.

There will also be performances from Connemara country singers Beartla Ó Domhnaill, Máirtín Beag Ó Gríofa and Anna Marie Nic Dhonncha.  The next generation will be represented by youth musical groups Ceoltóirí Óga Chois Fharraige from Conamara, Co. Galway, and An Crann Óg from Gaoth Dobhair in Donegal, and there will be sean-nós dancing from Róisín Ní Mhainín, the Hernon family and the Devanneys.

The concert will be presented by Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Michelle Nic Grianna and Sláine Ní Chathalláin.  David Brophy will conduct the orchestra, and musical arrangement will be by Cormac McCarthy.

The concert will be produced by Aniar TV, and has been funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Highlights from the concert will be featured in a TV programme to be broadcast on RTÉ One on 23 April.

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta 50 will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta at 7 pm on Saturday 2 April, and a visual stream will also be available at rte.ie/gaeilge.

TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2022 Awards ceremony will take place in Dublin for the first time in the award’s history. This is the 25^th year of the awards ceremony and it will air live on TG4 on Easter Sunday 17^th April at 9.30pm from the National Concert Hall. The annual Gradam Ceoil Awards, also known as ‘the Oscars of traditional music’, pay homage to musicians who have advanced, strengthened, and preserved traditional music in Ireland.

Musician 2022 will be awarded to Paddy Glackin. For almost half a century, Paddy has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution to traditional music in Ireland. Amongst leading influences were his father and subsequently, John Doherty, Tommie Potts and Padraig O’Keeffe. Paddy has always been eager to engage with new approaches – his seminal 1980 recording with Jolyon Jackson set a benchmark in opening cross-fertilisation within traditional music and his work with the avant-garde American composer John Cage has been universally acknowledged. The founding fiddle player with The Bothy Band, included amongst many others he has toured and recorded with are Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Liam O’Flynn, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Robbie Hannan. Fiddle player, consummate performer, seasoned broadcaster, teacher, recording artist, archivist, collaborator – a true keeper of the flame.

From Cúil Aodha in Cork Diarmuid Ó Meachair is this year’s recipient of the Young Musician 2022 award. Having started on the tin whistle and growing up singing with the Cór Cúil Aodha, Diarmuid was always immersed in the Irish traditional music world. His music not only comes from the area but very much from the blood.

Drawing from musicians such as Finbarr Dwyer, Jackie Daly, Johnny Connolly and mixing that with techniques from John Kimmell and many Quebec musicians, Diarmuid is one of the most exciting accordion/ melodeon players of his generation.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement 2022 goes to Dolores Keane. She has one of the most distinctive, soulful, and sweet voices of our generation. As a young girl, she was influenced by the singing of her aunts Sarah and Rita. She began her professional singing career with Dé Dannan in 1975 where her unique, soulful, and emotive voice was heard across the globe. Her work with John Faulkner brought new arrangements to the tradition that was to continue through the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  Her recordings with The Reel Union Band, ‘Solid Ground and ‘Lion in a Cage’ were ground-breaking. She has collaborated with Emmylou Harris, The Chieftains, Paul Brady in song from the Irish tradition and other traditions.

Connie O’Connell will be awarded Composer 2022. Connie is a fiddle player and composer from Cill na Martra, in the Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork. Connie’s music has been influenced by the renowned fiddle players of the nearby Sliabh Luachra area such as Denis Murphy, Pádraig O’Keeffe, and Julia Clifford. In 2014 a collection of 69 of his compositions was released as two CDs (recorded by Connie and his daughter, Áine), along with a book of the tunes. UCC – where Connie has taught fiddle since the 1980s – has made this Bóithrín na Smaointe project available as a free, online learning resource.

Conamara sean-nós singer Sarah Ghriallais is this year’s Singer 2022.  Sarah grew up in Cinn Mhara in the Conamara Gaeltacht steeped in the tradition of sean-nós. She won Corn Uí Riada at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 1984, an award won eight times since by various members of the Griallais family; her sisters Nan and Nora and more recently, her son, Michael Frank Ó Confhaola and her niece Celia Ní Fhátharta. Sarah was appointed singer in residence at NUIG in 2017. Her songs have been recorded by Cló Iar–Chonnacht and most recently ‘Idir Dhá Sháile 2’ by Gael Linn. The most noted songs of her repertoire are ‘Táilliúr a’Mhagadh’, ‘Eileanóir na Rún’, ‘Póg Bhideog’ and ‘Amhrán Chamuis’.

Edwina Guckian from Drumsna in Co. Leitrim receives the Outstanding Contribution Award 2022 Edwina was steeped in the music of Leitrim and Roscommon as a young child. She is a dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, artistic director, and cultural activist who since the age of 16 has innovated and moulded various projects and gatherings all of which explore the relationship between music and movement.

Through The Airc Damhsa Culture Club, The Leitrim Dance Project, The Modern-Day Mummers and her most recent projects, Sowing the Seed and Jenny put the Kettle on, she has engaged thousands of children and adults in dance, all in a fun, non-competitive environment. She works tirelessly to promote the cultural treasures of her native Leitrim through her work with most cultural and artistic organisations in Ireland today. She has performed with the biggest musical acts in Ireland today and is without doubt, one of Ireland’s leading solo dancers.

A new award introduced this year, the Music Group 2022 goes to Skara Brae. Skara Brae’s emergence in the early 1970’s rejuvenated interest in Irish traditional singing at a time when it was in danger of dying out. They produced a unique, ground-breaking sound that challenged the traditional view of sean-nós singing but remains fresh and innovative to this day. Skara Brae is sisters and brother Tríona, Maighread and Mícheal Ó Domhnaill (1951-2006) and Daithí Sproule. Skara Brae’s distinctive sound is rooted in the tradition whilst also taking inspiration from emerging pop and folk acts of the 1960’s such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. A new, young emerging audience were grabbed by Skara Brae’s raw, edgy, fresh sound and their 1971 album continue to inspire generations of traditional Irish singers and musicians to this day.

The full list of TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2022 recipients reads as follows:

• Ceoltóir /Musician – Paddy Glackin  
• Amhránaí /Singer – Sarah Ghriallais
• Ceoltóir Óg/Young Musician – Diarmuid Ó Meachair
• Gradam Saoil/Lifetime Achievement – Dolores Keane
• Cumadóir / Composer – Connie O’Connell
• Grúpa Ceoil/Music Group- Skara Brae
• Gradam Comaoine/Outstanding Contribution – Edwina Guckian

Gradam Ceoil TG4 is the premier annual traditional music awards scheme and academy.  An independent panel of adjudicators selects recipients each year.  It is not a competition.  The Gradam Ceoil recipients are presented with a specially commissioned piece by leading sculptor John Coll as well as a small stipend.

This year’s awards will be presented at the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Concert in the Nation Concert Hall, Dublin on Easter Sunday 17^th April. At this live televised concert, hosted by Doireann Glackin & Páidí Ó Lionáird, the 2022 Gradam recipients will be joined in performance on stage by their own special musical guests in a unique, star-studded line-up of musicians and award-presenters. Tickets available at www.NCH.ie

“I am delighted that TG4 can keep celebrating the very best of traditional music and song each year. We are honoured to witness such an array of spectacular performances on the Gradam stage and on the many stages and locations of our traditional music programming throughout the year. Gradam comes to Dublin for the first time to celebrate a milestone of 25 ears.  Comhghairdeas le na faighteoirí uilig.  Is sibh croí agus anam na tíre seo.”  –  TG4 Commissioning Editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne

Feis Ceoil, Ireland’s leading national classical music festival, is welcoming many of Ireland’s most talented young musicians back to live performance for judges and audiences in 2022 (28 March to 8th April, 2022, RDS Dublin)

One of the first large events to be cancelled early in the pandemic in March 2020, followed by  a full online festival in 2021,  all solo and ensemble competitions will be performed live in 2022, while Choir and Orchestra competitions will continue online.

Thousands of young Irish musicians have had more time to practice than they ever imagined, as live performances around the world came to a close. But as the world opens up again, the Feis Ceoil is committed to holding many events in the 126-year-old Festival in person, to allow young musicians the opportunity to perform live.

“While we are very happy to be providing a live performance platform for our competitors in 2022, we are also committed to retaining some of the online elements that worked so well in 2021, said CEO of Feis Ceoil Association Laura Gilsenan.  “Reaching such a broad online audience last year was hugely important, given the circumstances, so we want to build on that alongside the live experience.”

Introducing Percussion – a new competition for 2022

Feis Ceoil have introduced a Percussion competition for the first time in 2022.  In an exciting new partnership with TU Dublin Conservatoire, these competitions will be held in their their state-of-the-art facilities at their new Grangegorman campus.

New initiatives

-Online adjudications

One of the most popular aspects of Virtual Feis 2021 was the availability of recorded adjudications and the announcement of winners on the website.  This feature will be maintained, with all adjudications recorded on the day of the competition and made available online the following day.  This will enable competitors and the public to hear the adjudicator’s thoughts on the competitions and their choice of winners.

-Videoed competitions

With some people still hesitant around attending live events, Feis Ceoil will engage their online audience by recording a selection of the most popular competitions, and posting them online the following day.  This will give viewers a good overview of the Feis and the incredibly high standard of performance of our competitors from wherever suits them best.

-‘Virtual Choir Day’ and ‘Virtual Orchestra Day’

For one more year, until large numbers can be managed safely, Feis Ceoil are inviting Choir and Orchestra competitors to submit their entries by  video recording.  These will be posted on the Feis Ceol website on Tuesday March 29^th (Choirs) and Tuesday April 5^th (Orchestras) respectively.  Winners will be announced the following day.

2022 Festival Highlights:

Monday March 28 – opening day of competitions

Senior Piano; Vocal duet and solo competitions.

Tuesday March 29^th – Virtual Choir Day

Choir competition videos will be available online

Wednesday March 30th

Senior piano concerto; Junior vocal competitions.

Friday April 1^st

Dramatic Cup and €5,000 Margaret & Tony Quigley Awards. Senior singers performing operatic arias, in character with full costumes; Harps; String ensembles

Saturday April 2^nd

Aileen Gore Cup and RTE Lyric FM €1,500 Award for Senior Strings; Junior Piano under 9; Cello; Mixed Strings

Tuesday April 5th – Virtual Orchestra Day

Orchestra competition videos will be available online

Wednesday April 6^th

Musical Theatre competitions

Thursday April 7^th

Junior piano concerto; Classical Guitar; Morris Grant €2,500 Bursary for senior piano finalists

Friday April 8th – final day of competitions

The Gervase Elwes Cup for senior vocal finalists; McCullough Cup & RTÉ lyric fm €1,500 award for woodwind concerto

www.feisceoil.ie

Sponsored by IMRO

Job Title: Head of Media Licensing
Salary: Available On Request
Terms: 1-year fixed term contract (with a view to permanent thereafter)
Working Environment: Hybrid working model
Application: Please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the role to hr@nullimro.ie 

Deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 1st April

Purpose of Job

The Head of Media Licensing is responsible for delivering IMRO’s and MCPSI’s  Broadcast and Domestic Online budgets. The successful candidate will manage the commercial negotiation process for existing and prospective Media Licensing customers, acting as a key account manager to ensure first-class customer service, delivery of assigned revenue budgets, and full compliance from each licensee. The role reports to the Chief Commercial Officer. The functions attached to this position are carried out by one person, with support provided by the Media Licensing team. The Head of Media Licensing is a high-profile role tasked with significant revenue responsibility.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Deliver IMRO and MCPSI’s revenue budgets in Broadcast and Domestic Online licensing activities to exceed annual targets approved by the Chief Commercial Officer.
• Scope of Broadcast and Domestic Online revenue lines includes National Radio, National TV, Video on Demand, Cable and Satellite customers.
• Ownership of day-to-day media licensee related issues, including (i) licensee meetings and enquiries; (ii) ensuring sales and usage reports are received on time and in an appropriate format/quality and that invoices are paid within payment terms.
• Oversee the key accounts across all domestic Broadcast and Domestic Online areas, including building relationships at a senior level within IMRO’s most crucial media licensing customers
• Manage the negotiation cycle with Media Licensing customers to secure favourable terms for IMRO; draft agendas and internal preparation notes, presentations, and analysis ahead of licensee meetings, capture meeting minutes and follow up action points.
• Refer non-compliant current licenses to Chief Commercial Officer with recommendations for escalation options. This involves strict monitoring of payment terms and debt levels.
• Maintain existing tariffs/schemes to maximise revenues ensuring relevant tariffs are updated annually according to the Consumer Price Index.
• Plan thoroughly ahead of the critical negotiations; work with other IMRO departments (such as IT, Finance, Operations and Distribution) to build the analysis needed to develop proposals and work with stakeholders to secure buy-in to the approach, bringing recommendations to the Chief Commercial Officer.
• In consultation with the Chief Commercial Officer, identify and deliver new revenue opportunities through the targeted focus of available resources, monitoring of emerging markets (e.g., gaming, podcasting, live streaming) and reviewing licensing schemes.
• Ensure comprehensive market penetration across all existing media services available in the Irish marketplace
• Deliver high-quality market and industry analysis and support the development of the underlying analytical frameworks for the ongoing review and development of Media Licensing tariffs.
• Liaise with relevant third parties regarding ongoing delivery of services that will benefit Media Licensing
• Maintain a Media Licensing Contract register; ensure licence agreements are extended or re-negotiated prior to expiry.
• Contribute to the annual Media Licensing budget setting process by formulating initial budgets with accompanying rationale and justification.
• Maintain an ongoing Media Licensing revenue forecast, ensuring monthly updates throughout the calendar year.

 KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• The jobholder must have commercial experience, negotiation skills, and a clear understanding of the Media and Digital Music marketplaces.
• Proven experience in sales and account management and managing high-value complex negotiations and relationships with key clients and stakeholders
• The jobholder requires excellent interpersonal skills, allied with effective verbal and listening skills to enable them to interact effectively with personnel at all levels of the organisation. This includes political astuteness when dealing with sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, tactfully, and determinedly to build consensus with key stakeholders with different perspectives and priorities.
• In-depth understanding of market research methods and analysis and demonstrated insight into the rapidly evolving commercial uses of music in the Irish market.
• The jobholder must have excellent written and presentation skills. The role will involve detailed report writing.
• The job holder must have advanced Excel skills and be comfortable working with large datasets.
• Managing one’s workload is vital to success in this role; initiative, analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential characteristics that should be possessed by the individual holding this position.
• Willingness and the ability to work to tight deadlines, under pressure, is a must.
• Business or related degrees (could include finance, accountancy, legal, economics or other related disciplines), IP knowledge and enforcement.
• Masters or relevant professional qualification desirable.
• Interest in podcast and gaming sectors would be beneficial.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

• Personal Leadership – takes ownership of decisions and ensures decisions are consistent with legislation, precedent, and established policies/procedures.
• Managing Work – Defines objectives, sets targets, and monitors results for the business. Challenges and supports others in achieving their targets.
• Communicating Effectively – Speaks and writes clearly, ability to translate and communicate complex topics in a variety of forums, tailoring communication to effectively influence the target audience.
• Team Working – Models and inspires high levels of ethics and integrity. Demonstrates understanding when/where not to act based on culture and climate.
• Strategic Thinking – Being a visionary to define where the business should aim for in the future.
• Leading Others – Leads by example in all interactions with others; exceptional leadership skills are consistently demonstrated.