The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
CAOIN by vocalist/artist Ceara Conway will have its world premiere in Glór on April 8.
For this concert and album vocalist/artist Ceara collaborates with producer Seán Mac Erlaine, musicians Kevin Murphy (Cello), Ultan O’Brien (Viola/Fiddle) of Slow Moving Clouds, Seán Mac Erlaine (clarinet, electronics) and Francesco Turrisi (piano).
The ensemble will deliver a collection of sean nós songs that explore the beautiful sounds and sentiments of longing and loss found in traditional praise songs, lullabies with core emphasis on the traditional Irish ‘caoineadh’ or lament.
Ceara Conway has gained recognition for her singing in traditional repertoires across cultures from Irish traditional sean nós, to Portuguese, Arabic and African song and Gregorian Chant.
The essence of her music is its unique hybridity, a merging of her love and respect for tradition coupled with her interest in new styles, genres, and contemporary music.
Speaking about it, Ceara says, “Caoin was born out of my love for singing Irish traditional sean nós songs that have melodies and narratives expressing feelings of loss, longing, and the sensibility of the ‘cry.’
“Within Caoin you will hear laments (caointe) alongside praise songs, love songs, and lullabies.
“I have a grá for singing songs from all over the world but singing sean nós holds a special place in my heart for many reasons such as my Connemara roots, my love for the Irish language, and the pure visceral experience of singing melodic ornamented lines and notes.
“Most of all I love singing sean nós songs for the resonance that I experience when singing them, the emotions they express feel timeless and universal.”
A Irish contemporary singer and visual artist, Ceara creates experiential performance works that utilise traditional and contemporary songs, music, and visual art to explore social issues such as the ecological crisis, migration, and feminist concerns.
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
