As one of the leading Irish voices of her generation, Eimear Quinn’s ethereal voice has become synonymous with the season for many, since her platinum-selling album ‘O Holy Night’ in 2007.
Every winter, Eimear tours across Ireland, and she knew the time had come for new collection of winter-themed music:
Eimear says “There’s something so special about touring in December that has become a significant part of my life. The desire for connection is palpable, as is the need to escape from the frantic pace of life. The search for stillness and positivity can be facilitated through the music for a couple of hours.
There’s also an increasing hunger for music that is secular but still spiritual, in addition to the sacred carols. So with this album I aim to transition musically from autumn to winter, the Solstice, Christmas, and into the new year.
The title song is about not wanting to feel beaten down by the intensity of fear and division so prevalent in our times, but rather to rebel against it by allowing ourselves to hope and dream of a deeper human connection with each other.
The album is essentially a collection of songs about exactly that; connectedness and hope”
Songs on this new release include original tracks such as ‘Song of Winter Dreaming’, ‘Silent Snow’ and ‘Winter Solstice’(co-written with long-time collaborator, Brendan Graham), as well as Irish carols arranged by Eimear such as ‘The Wexford Carol’, ‘Suantraí ar Slanaitheora’, ‘Oíche í mBeithil Fadó’ and the beautiful Catalan folk carol ‘El Cant Dels Ocells’ (song of the birds).
Eimear is joined by the Mamisa String Quartet, and renowned folk guitarist Robbie Overson (Scullion) a partnership that dates back to her first EP in 1996.
The album will also showcase the talents of pianist Feargal Murray and Ukrainian Bandura (folk harp) player Tetiana Mazur. Eimear and Tetiana collaborate on the contemporary Irish-language carol ’Oíche í mBeithil Fadó’, a song about seeking shelter on the darkest night, recalling the Irish tradition of placing candle in the window on Christmas Eve night.
Eimear Quinn is celebrated as Ireland’s most recent Eurovision Song Contest winner (1996) with ‘The Voice’ by Brendan Graham. Her distinctive fusion of folk, sacred, and classical music has garnered her numerous honours, including a spot in the Classic FM Hall of Fame for her composition ‘In Paradisum’ for four consecutive years.
The album will come to life during a nation-wide tour of churches and cathedrals throughout Ireland in November and December.
Tour dates www.eimearquinn.com
IG: @eimearvox FB @eimearquinnvox
Nov 19 – DUBLIN- Draiocht, Blanchardstown (launch concert)
Dec 1- WEST CORK, St Multose Church, Kinsale
Dec 5- CARLOW, St Mary’s Church
Dec 7- DUBLIN – Pepper Canister Church
Dec 12 – GALWAY, St John’s Church, Ballinasloe
Dec 13 – CLARE – St Columba’s Church, Ennis
Dec 15 – EAST CORK – Sea Church, Ballycotton
Dec 16 – MEATH – Solstice Arts, Navan
Dec 20 – MONAGHAN, St Finbarr’s Church, Carrickmacross
Dec 21 – St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare.
Songs of Winter Dreaming is available to purchase at https://www.eimearquinn.com/music/songs-of-winter-dreaming