National Symphony Orchestra to play Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin memorial concert

The National Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the family of the late Mícheál Ó Suilleabháin and in association with the University of Limerick, will pay tribute to the life and music of Mícheál with Lumen: A Celebration of the Light.

This will be the first performance of the Irish composer's work since his passing in 2018. Lumen will take place September 2 at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, and September 3 at the University Concert Hall, Limerick.

The third and final concert in a trilogy devised by Mícheál with the National Symphony Orchestra (Elver Gleams, 2017; Between Worlds, 2018), Lumen will feature some of Mícheál’s most significant and popular orchestral works conducted by David Brophy.

Lumen will be performed by a host of stunning musicians including sean-nós singers Iarla Ó Lionáird, Lillis Ó Laoire and Síle Denvir; flute player Mike McGoldrick; saxophonist Kenneth Edge; traditional percussionist Mel Mercier; uilleann piper Mark Redmond; fiddlers Liz Doherty, Zoë Conway, Aidan O’Donnell and Katie Boyle and cellist Neil Martin.

Mícheál’s frequent collaborator in music, and Chair of Performing Arts at the Irish World Academy, Mel Mercier, will direct an ensemble of UL & UCC students, honouring Mícheál’s legacy at both universities. The Eklego Ensemble includes Karl Nesbitt on flute, Conor Arkins and Claire Egan on fiddles, Paul Clesham on concertina and Niamh O’Brien on harp.

Helen Phelan, Mícheál’s wife and Professor of Arts Practice at UL, discussed Lumen saying: "The incredible generosity of the National Symphony Orchestra and special guests, many of whom were long-standing friends and collaborators of Mícheál’s, in bringing these concerts to fruition has moved us greatly as a family.

"To present this, the first full concert of Mícheál’s music since his passing, in both the orchestra's home at the National Concert Hall and in Mícheál's academic home on the banks of the Shannon as part of the University of Limerick’s fiftieth anniversary year is an extraordinary gift."

Lumen will include orchestral pieces featuring singer Iarla Ó Lionáird ('Port na bPúcaí' and 'An Buachaill Caol Dubh') as well as 'Templum' and the passionate love song 'Bean Dubh an Ghleanna', both for soprano sax and orchestra. 'Termōn' will be featured for pipes and orchestra, and 'Francesco Walks' for the fiddle quartet, pipes, harpsichord and string orchestra. 'Oileán/Island' will feature flute soloist Mike McGoldrick.

'Fill Arís', Mícheál’s orchestral sean-nós settings of the poetry of Seán Ó Riordáin which received its world premiere in Mícheál’s last performance with the orchestra in 2018, will be a highlight of Lumen.

Anthony Long, General Manager, National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus said: "It was always our intention to present three concerts in collaboration with Mícheál. With Mícheál’s passing, Lumen has now taken on another dimension and direction.

"It is our tribute to him and we are delighted that it is coming to pass with the involvement of Mícheál’s family and as part of UL50, University of Limerick’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations."

Paying tribute to Mícheál’s influence as an academic, composer and performing musician based in the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at UL, University of Limerick President, Professor Kerstin Mey spoke about the concert, describing the late Mícheál as the "driving force" behind music in UL.

She said: "In the University of Limerick’s fiftieth anniversary year, it is fitting to remember the founding Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance with a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and guest soloists.

Mícheál was the driving force behind music in UL, influencing generations of students not just with his deep-seated understanding of Irish music and the breadth of his knowledge but with his generosity and passionate belief in the universal power of music and the arts to unite. This concert is truly a celebration of this belief with so many extraordinary musicians on stage to celebrate his legacy."

Tickets for the Limerick show can be found here, and tickets for the Dublin show can be found here.

Lumen: The Music of Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin

A concert to honour Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin during @UL's fiftieth anniversary.

David Brophy and some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians and dancers join forces on September 3rd.

Book from €25 here https://t.co/y3lF9sJ1Pe pic.twitter.com/9xp1RK57je

— University Concert Hall (@UCHLimerick) June 7, 2022

Programme

'Templum' for soprano sax and orchestra
'Bean Dubh an Ghleanna' for soprano sax and orchestra
'An Buachaill Caol Dubh' for sean-nós singer and orchestra
Eklego: Sources for bodhrán, flute, fiddles, concertina and harp
'Oileán/Island' for traditional flute and orchestra
'Termōn' for pipes and orchestra
'Port na bPúcaí' for sean-nós singer and orchestra
'Francesco Walks' for fiddle quartet, pipes, harpsichord and string orchestra
Athdheargú: Rekindling for fiddle and cello
'Fill Arís' for sean-nós singers, pipes and orchestra