Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

the rising

Are you a child of the 1916 Rising? This musical project wants you

It has some gigs lined up for next year.

DESCENDANTS OF PEOPLE who were involved in the 1916 Rising are being sought for a traditional music project that’s due to take place next year.

Called Children of the Revolution, it’s a national research and performance project being devised and produced by Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert.

How it works

They want to put together an ensemble of traditional musicians and singers from throughout the island of Ireland to perform at events marking the 2016 Commemorations.

They have found some musicians, but now they are putting the call out for more traditional musicians and singers with a 1916 Rising connection to contact them.

When they meet, the ensemble will arrange a collection of music from their own existing repertoire as well as researching tunes and songs from the 1916 period.

They will perform them at series of concerts will take place throughout the centenary year in venues throughout the country.

unnamed (4) Volunteers from Enniscorthy. Patrick Keegan back right , was grandfather of flute player Niall Keegan

The organisers explained:

Music, song and dance were central in the lives of those involved in the Rising and there is an abundance of accounts detailing songs and music which the men and women sang and played during this period.
From Fingal, we hear how the volunteers had a singing session to while away the time before the attack on Ashbourne RIC Barracks in Co Meath, while we can get insights into life in Frongoch jail through the self-penned songs of Seán Etchingham. His fellow Wexfordman, John Coady of Enniscorthy even had his bagpipes sent to Frongoch so he could lead his fellow prisoners on marches in the Welsh jail.
The accounts are endless and they are aware of many more untold stories and connections out there.

Michael Fortune told TheJournal.ie that they are not just looking for people connected to the “big heads”, but musicians who have any connection with the event.

At least one concert is planned for the National Library, and other confirmed events are in Kildare and Limerick. The dates will be in the autumn of 2016.

It’s a move away from “these big state affairs” and instead an event “where singers or musicians raise their shoulders to be proud”. It is also a non-political event, added Fortune.

If you are a musician who would like to take part in the project, you’re invited to visit the website or email aileenlambert@gmail.com for more details.

Read: Fancy a pint? Here are 11 Dublin pubs with a whole load of history>

Read; The forgotten women of Irish history might finally be remembered>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
16
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.