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Cuimhní Rúnda | Hidden Memories

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

Discover the enchanting world of Cuimhní Rúnda, a musical journey curated by Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh, a gifted singer and musician hailing from Dungiven, County Derry. Nestled on the shores of Lough Swilly in County Donegal, Nodlaig brings to life a compilation of original, contemporary music in her latest release, ‘Cuimhní Rúnda,’ available since November 2023.

Renowned for her critically acclaimed debut album, “Under a Pale Moon,” released by Wren Records in 2004, Nodlaig’s new creation promises to be both life-affirming and a poignant reflection on what’s lost and hidden beyond our imagination, as expressed by Robert McMillen of the Irish News.

This musical odyssey spans two decades of inspiration, weaving together classical and traditional influences into a seamless tapestry. From the mellow tones of the Irish harp to the soulful saxophone melodies echoing in Fanad Lighthouse, ‘Cuimhní Rúnda’ transports listeners through time and place. The Roe Valley suite, a highlight of the album, melds ancient and evocative melodies from County Derry, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.

The album not only pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Ireland but also delves into personal experiences of love and loss. As a golden thread, the revival of harping and the Gaelic language is intricately woven throughout the compilation.

Guest performances by celebrated musicians from the North West, including Derry Saxophonist Gerard McChrystal, fiddlers Martin O’Kane and Plunkett McGartland, guitarist Jonny Toman, cellist and piper Paul Gillespie, and harper Lucy Kerr, add depth and diversity to this musical masterpiece.

Immerse yourself in the beauty hidden in landscapes and the human experience with ‘Cuimhní Rúnda.’ Available on all major streaming platforms and for purchase on the official website nodlaig.com

Josh Doubles Up on You Raise Me Up

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

In 2003, rising star – and David Foster, protégé – Josh Groban first recorded Rolf Løvland’s and Brendan Graham’s, You Raise Me Up, as the single from his second album, CLOSER.

Little did singer (or the songwriters) know, the trajectory to which the Irish/Norwegian composed song, would propel him. You Raise Me Up made the young American an international star, giving him 6 weeks at No.1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart, a Grammy nomination and garnering 6 x Platinum US sales for CLOSER.

The song would also lead Groban to perform it at the interval of Superbowl 2004, and live at Oprah’s 50th Birthday celebration, etc. The song became for the singer, as producer Foster described it ‘a career song’. Now twenty years later it is still the singer’s signature song.

Now, Warner Records has released CLOSER – a special 20th Anniversary Edition of the original hit album for Josh Groban.  It features some new editions of the originally recorded songs. However, one of the key features of the album re-release is that it includes two versions of You Raise Me Up – the original hit single version with one verse and an extended 2-verse, version of the song and previously unreleased by Groban.

‘It was a great surprise’ lyricist Graham says ‘and unusual to have two versions of one’s song on the same album by the same artiste…but a compliment to the song’s endurability…as brought by Josh to such a wide audience’.

The songwriter explains: ‘The song, as written always had two verses.  In turn that seemed to have given it ‘two lives’ – the mainly ‘pop’ recordings with just one verse and multiple choruses, and then the versions, choral …and otherwise that maintained the second verse’.

‘Rolf and I are truly delighted with this latest ‘’life of the song’’ from Josh’.

 

National Concert Hall presents You Raise Me Up – The Songs and Stories of Brendan Graham with the National Symphony Orchestra

You Raise Me Up – The Songs and Stories of Brendan Graham, with The National Symphony Orchestra (Conductor, David Brophy) Cathy Jordan, Seán Keane, Camille O’Sullivan, Eimear Quinn, Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan, Anthony Kearns, Róisín O’Reilly, Feargal Murray, Neil Martin, Denis Carey, members of the Dublin Gospel Choir.

Date: National Concert Hall Sat 20th/Sun 21st Jan 2024

Tickets: https://www.nch.ie/news/national-concert-hall-presents-you-raise-me-up-the-songs-and-stories-of-brendan-graham-with-the-national-symphony-orchestra/

Cathy Jordan & Feargal Murray set to release ‘A Winter Blessing’ from the forthcoming album ‘Storybook’, The Songs of Brendan Graham

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

‘A WINTER BLESSING’ is the first single from the forthcoming album (released 19th January 2024) ‘STORYBOOK’ THE SONGS OF BRENDAN GRAHAM. Based on an old Norwegian melody, this song is an homage to Winter and the downsides it can bring. At first, Jordan’s haunting voice tells us about these; however, as the song unfolds, we are reminded that Winter is also a time filled with the promise of Homecoming. “A Winter Blessing” will be available on all streaming platforms from December 1st 2023.

Jordan’s atmospheric vocals, Murray’s understated piano, and Norway’s Annbjorg Lien’s hardanger fiddle capture the bleakness and mystery of early Winter, of Samhain, when we welcome our ‘lost loves’, who return from the other world to be with us. Winter, too, leads us into the homecomings of Christmas, when the loved ones of this life come home to us.

“It has been an honour to be the first to give voice to Brendan’s newly penned gems, says Cathy Jordan. This album has been inspired by those demos myself and Feargal made over the years. It forms a link between old tradition and more modern folk tradition.”

‘A Winter Blessing’ is available on all streaming platforms from 1st December.

 

Top prize of €1,000 in the Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2024

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

Details of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest ’24 have been announced and there’s a cash prize of €1,000 on offer for the composer of the winning song which will then go forward as the Irish entry in the Pan Celtic International Song Contest 2024 next April.

The national competition invites newly composed songs in the Irish language and is open to all styles including traditional and pop, rock and rap, country, jazz and classical. The only requirement is that both the lyrics and music be original and ‘as Gaeilge’. The songs may be written for and performed by soloists, groups or bands.

The popular song contest has been organised by Pan Celtic Carlow and held in Carlow since 2012. Sponsored by IMRO and Gael Linn the competition attracts entries of the highest quality from across the country and a flood of entries is anticipated for the song contest ‘24.

Recordings may be on smart phone, mp3, cd etc and the deadline for receipt of entries is 5pm on Friday, 5th January 2024. The organisers are anxious to point out that a professional recording is not a requirement at entry stage.

Entries received by the deadline will be shortlisted and the chosen finalists will then compete at the live gala final which will be held on Saturday, 27 January 2024 in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow.

A panel of judges will choose the winning song which will go forward to represent Ireland and go head-to-head with the other national winners from Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man at the International Pan Celtic Festival ‘24 which will be held in Carlow next Easter from 2-6 April.

Full details on the national song contest as well as the application form are available on www.panceltic.ie or by emailing pancelticcarlow@nullgmail.com or phone 087 2857048 or 085 1340047.

Entries by also posted to Pan Celtic Carlow, Glór Cheatharlach, Éire Óg, O’Brien Road, Carlow R93 Y029

Application Now Open – Creative Business Cup Ireland

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

The Creative Business Cup Ireland (CBC Ireland) is the national chapter of the global championship for entrepreneurs in the creative business space. spanning over 60 countries. It aims to promote innovation among entrepreneurs engaged in creative businesses by providing global exposure, mentoring, networking opportunities, and support structures.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to pitch their businesses and attend the CBC Ireland award ceremony and networking event in March 2024 at the new CREW Innovation & Enterprise Hub in Galway. Shortlisted applicants will receive bespoke training and mentorship from CREW’s network of industry professionals to support the development of their pitching skills and business plans before the national finals.

The CBC Ireland winner will receive additional mentoring and support from CREW and the Creative Business Academy, and access to international events and mentorship before leaving for Denmark.

The CBC Global Finals will take place in Copenhagen on June 2-3, 2024.

All expenses for the national winner to travel to Denmark in June 2024 for pitch training, networking opportunities and participation in the international finals will be covered by CREW and CBC-Ireland sponsors. This exciting trip includes networking with fellow entrepreneurs, a marketplace to showcase your business, dinner with foreign ambassadors and a chance to meet international investors and industry leaders.

  • Up to ten successful applicants will be invited to Galway to pitch their ideas at the CBC Ireland finals in March 2024 to a jury of distinguished global
    entrepreneurs, investors and creative professionals.
  • An awards ceremony and informal networking reception will follow immediately after the pitching session.
  • The Irish National Winner will be awarded a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark to compete in CBC Global Finals along with national winners from over 60
    countries!

Apply Here:  https://crewdigital.ie/cbc/

The 2024 Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival: A Celebration of Music and Song

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

Ballydehob, a picturesque village in County Cork, Ireland, is set to come alive with the melodious tunes and vibrant energy of the 2024 Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival. Scheduled to take place from June 14th to 16th, this eagerly anticipated event promises a captivating showcase of talent with an impressive lineup of performers already confirmed.

Stellar Lineup
The festival boasts an eclectic mix of performers, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience for attendees. Among the renowned artists set to grace the stage are Richard Grainger, Matt Cranitch, Jackie Daly, Jim Mageean, Pat Sheridan, Dick Miles, Rosie Stewart, Andrew Mackay, Carole Etherton, Andy Kenna, and the Merfolk Shanty Singers. The Cork Singers’ Club will also contribute to the musical tapestry, making it a truly memorable gathering for folk music enthusiasts.

Maritime Song Competition
A notable highlight of the festival is the Maritime Song Competition, sponsored by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO). With cash prizes totalling 250 euros, this competition adds an exciting element to the festivities. Entrants eager to showcase their songwriting prowess must perform their compositions live in Ballydehob on Sunday, June 16th, 2024.

How to Enter
Songwriters can submit their entries by emailing the lyrics of their songs to dickmiles77@nullgmail.com. The deadline for email submissions is midnight on June 10th, while the closing date for conventional post entries is June 5th. Physical entries must be addressed to Richard Miles, Cooragurteen, Ballydehob, County Cork, Ireland.

Live Performance Requirement
To be eligible for the competition, songwriters must be available to perform their compositions live at the festival. Additionally, all participants are required to provide legible copies of their songs to the judges at the commencement of the competition, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation process.

Join the Celebration
The 2024 Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of musical diversity and talent. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk tunes, maritime melodies, or original compositions, this festival promises something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this enchanting experience in the heart of Ballydehob.

CLIP: New Online Platform Supports Creators’ Livelihoods

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Music Rights Awareness Foundation have launched a new online platform to raise creators’ awareness of intellectual property (IP) rights and related management practices, aiming to ensure they receive recognition and fair reward for their work.

CLIP – Creators Learn Intellectual Property – is an innovative, user-friendly and free to use online learning platform that will be filled with curated content from experienced musicians and mentors that will help creators make better business choices.

Creators around the world are producing music, art and other content at record levels, and digital distribution is soaring. But they often lack critical information for managing their intellectual property rights and miss out how to get proper credit and be rewarded for their work, especially when it is consumed online – a situation that CLIP aims to improve.

“Creators draw on their talent and artistic vision to give us music, art, song and dance. Supporting them is critical to the richness of every society and country. We must do what we can to ensure they are recognised and fairly rewarded, so that they can thrive in their work and contributions to society. CLIP will support creators with the knowledge and skills they need to transform their artistic passion into a viable profession”.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang

By early 2024, CLIP will be accessible in six languages, ensuring creators worldwide can easily engage with it, even while on the go. With just a smartphone at their fingertips, creators will have instant access to all of CLIP’s content, including videos featuring established creators sharing their personal experiences.

“I know firsthand how important it is for creators to know and manage their IP rights. Today, it is an essential foundation for a successful career in the music industry. At the core of CLIP is a steadfast commitment to creators. Helping them understand the complexities of the creative industries will enable them to maximize the value of their creations”.

Björn Ulvaeus, legendary ABBA star and Co-Founder of the Music Rights Awareness Foundation, based in Stockholm, Sweden

The first version of CLIP will center on the music industry, empowering users to explore the industry’s ecosystem, understand the diverse individuals involved in bringing a song to market, grasp music creator rights and their efficient management, and much more.

“CLIP provides awareness of the various parties involved in the music industry and their functions, as well as creators’ rights and responsibilities. This knowledge is a prerequisite for being recognized and earning fair payment for their work”.

Music Rights Awareness Foundation Co-founder and President Niclas Molinder

CLIP was developed by WIPO for Creators, a consortium formed by WIPO and the Music Rights Awareness Foundation with the support of key creative industry stakeholder organisations.

Empowering Voices: Navigating the Soundscape with the We’ve Only Just Begun Directory of Irish Women and Gender Expansive Musicians

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

Launched in 2020, the We’ve Only Just Begun Directory stands as a beacon for promoting women and gender expansive artists within the Irish music scene. Boasting an extensive collection of musicians, bands, DJs, and music industry professionals, the directory encompasses individuals based in Ireland, including the North of Ireland, as well as those who are Irish and stationed abroad.

Purpose-built to champion artists, the directory serves as a bridge connecting bookers, promoters, agents, radio programmers, labels, and managers directly with profiled artists for exciting professional opportunities. Since its inception, a wide range of artists have actively leveraged the directory to forge connections and collaborate with fellow musicians.

Even though they took a break from their annual We’ve Only Just Begun Festival this year, the directory is still thriving. New artists are regularly added, and industry professionals are creating profiles, actively contributing to the dynamic growth of the directory.

If you’re not already in the directory, seize the opportunity to join today.

Explore the We’ve Only Just Begun Directory now by clicking here.

Supported by IMRO and RTE 2FM

An Cúigiú Cúige | Debut Release by Ann Cleare

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

Diatribe Records are set to release An Cúigiú Cúige, the début album from award-winning composer Ann Cleare, and the final chapter in the critically-acclaimed Landscape Series.

An Cúigiú Cúige invokes the idea of centre, drawing on the Midlands of Ireland and the now disappeared ancient province of Midhe. The island of Ireland is today divided into four provinces known in the Irish language as ‘Na Ceithre Cúige’ (the four fifths). Through the synthesis of Old Irish, new poetry from Annemarie Ní Churreáin, field recordings and symbolic mappings of Croghan Hill, Loughcrew Cairns, and Uisneach – the three sacred hills at the heart of Ireland’s now-disappeared fifth province – An Cúigiú Cúige (the fifth fifth), seeks to recover, reclaim, and reanimate a lost centre, offering new perspectives on what centredness, power, and collectivity might mean to our contemporary lives.

An Cúigiú Cúige is the recorded version of Midhe (2022), a large-scale work for symphonic orchestra, philharmonic choir, four soloists and choreographer, which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RTÉ, and New Music Dublin, and premiered on April 21st 2023 in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. The recording brings together the four soloists from the work – vocalists Frauke Aulbert, Michelle O’ Rourke, and Eoghan Desmond, and accordionist Dermot Dunne, with processed forms of the original field recordings from which the orchestral parts were transcribed, recorded by the composer at the Hill of Croghan and Boora Boglands in Co. Offaly. The combination of fixed media, literature, and musicianship on record is a breathtaking, transformative listen. The album is launched at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 2023 on Sunday November19th as a limited-edition physical matchbox (representing the lighting of the fire at the hill of Uisneach for the summer feast of Bealtaine) and will be released globally on January 19th 2024 as a digital download and across all streaming platforms.

Ann Cleare is an Irish artist working in the areas of concert music, opera, extended sonic environments, and hybrid instrumental design. She was a 2019 Ernst von Siemens Composer Prize winner, and her work has been commissioned and presented by major broadcasters such as the BBC, NPR, ORF, RTÉ, SWR, WDR and for festivals such as Gaudeamus Week, The Wittenertage fur Neue Kammermusik, International Music Institute Darmstadt, Bludenzer Tage zeitgemäßer Musik, IMATRONIC Festival of Electronic Music at ZKM, MATA Festival, Taschenopernfestival, Sound Reasons Festival in India, Shanghai New Music Week, Transit Belgium, GAIDA, Totally Huge New Music in Perth, Trattorie Parma, Rainy Days in Luxembourg, Ultraschall and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

For more information visit: www.diatribe.ie

Screen Composer Academy Summer Program for Film and Game Composers | IMRO Member Discount

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

Summer Program for Film and Game Composers
30th June – 24th July 2024
Glyfada, Athens, Greece

Screen Composer Academy are making a special IMRO Member Discount available for their 2024 summer intensive program.

The course presents a premier, industry standard approach to educating and equipping composers for scoring the visual medium through lectures from industry professionals, one-to-one mentoring, musician workshops and live orchestral recording sessions in Sierra Studios, the leading recording studio in Athens.

Taking place from June 30th – July 24th 2024 this residential program will feature guest lecturers; Richard Bellis (composer of IT and film scoring educator), Garry Schyman (composer of the Bioshock game), Miriam Cutler (composer of the documentary RGB), Jeff Atmajian (orchestrator of the film Joker), George Christopoulos (from Oticons Film Music Agency) and Thomas Mikusz (Publicist and co-founder of White Bear PR).

The three and a half week course will consist of:

  • Daily lectures 10am ­– 4pm
  • Orchestration and instrumentation classes with musician workshops
  • Midi mock-ups, recording, mixing and one-to-one music technology mentoring
  • One-to-one review of scores with guest lecturers
  • An 18 string ensemble recording session for a game cue focussing on gaming interactive compositional approaches
  • A 34 piece orchestra recording session for a film cue
  • A welcome reception, day tour to the Acropolis in Athens and farewell dinner
  • Certificate of completion recognised by Pulse College for their entry to the newly launched MA in Scoring for Film, TV and Interactive Media

Immerse yourself in the Screen Composer Academy’s intensive program, designed to equip learners with practical, creative, and conceptual skills for successfully composing scores for the screen. Explore the intricate workflows of media composers, master the art of communicating narrative through music, navigate budgetary constraints and contracts in the music business, and craft professional portfolio works.

This program serves as an ideal entry point for musicians and composers aspiring to venture into the realms of film, game, TV, and other visual media. With a dedicated team of experienced lecturers and tutors eager to share their expertise, the Screen Composer Academy’s summer program offers the perfect opportunity to take the first step towards a rewarding career in one of the most exciting and innovative industries.

IMRO Member Fees:

Program Only: €2950 (€3450 after Dec 31st 2023)
Program and Shared Room: €4500 (€5000 after Dec 31st 2023)
Program and Single Room: €6000 (€6500 after Dec 31st 2023)

These are the early bird prices which end 31st December 2023. An initial 10% deposit is required with the balance payable by April 30th 2024.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring and early career composers to gain experience and knowledge from some of the best composers in the industry. Our course differs in that we aim to provide one-to-one tutoring and mentoring to students in addition to lectures to help meet their individual needs. Students will not only gain the skills necessary to score the visual medium, but also be guided in the music business and networking aspects of the profession. In addition to the learning experience, each composer will be introduced to the fundamentals of hybrid scores and leave with professional portfolio pieces.”

Natasa Paulberg and Vasilis Milesis, Executive Directors

Email: info@nullscreencomposeracademy.com

www.screencomposeracademy.com

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