AN established feature of Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at UL campus are the concerts of staggering talent available freely to the public.
Last term’s series presented Emma Langford and now, with former RTE Lyric fm presenter Carl Corcoran heading up the MA in Songwriting for a second year, big bells ring for the coming academic year.
This wealth of talent showcased in a professional performance space is streamed into different categories. Jennifer de Brún works with the Academy (and as an aerial performer with Fidget Feet), co-ordinating events for the Performing Arts, as well as being one of the IWA’s team of six on the UL Committee for Inclusivity, Equality and Diversity.
Photo: Cian Reinhardt
From Jennifer, we hear of the 1.15pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday genres of concert and dance, as well as Thursday’s weekly Sunset series at 5.30pm. There are fundraisers for groups such as Limerick Marine Search and Rescue and seminars specific to disciplines and topical issues.
“We schedule concerts midweek along broad categories, Tuesdays being for trad music. Wednesdays are for schools, communities and choirs and we encourage our Academy students to support them. Thursday concerts are mostly for classical music and contemporary dance.
“Every gig is free, as with the Thursday Sunset series and we welcome every member of the public to attend.”
Where are they held? Jennifer says to head towards and beyond the bridges, entering UL at the flagpole entrance and taking a left at the second roundabout. “We are the big gold tower,” she smiles.
Tuesday September 17 sees the programme open with Chloe Feeney, a multi-instrumental musician from Ballinrobe, Mayo.
Having released the album ‘Blossom’, the spotlight is on Chloe now, a lady who has won ten all-Ireland medals. She plays concertina, harp, button accordion, banjo, whistle and melodeon.
Chloe Feeney will be joined by IWA guests Shane McGrath and Caoimhe Kilkenny.
Thursday September 19, 1.15pm sees Sive take the stage. Touring in Britain as a singer/ songwriter, Female First UK called her “one of the most inspiring and exciting artists of our time”. Sive’s second album is ‘The Roaring Girl’ and she is releasing new music via Berlin-based Veta Records.
Sunset concerts begin on October 3. Inter alia, browse on www.irishworldacademy.ie/events and pick up an impressive programme, illustrated by Maurice Gunning’s photographs.
