Clare musicians lined up for Steeple Sessions

A NUMBER of Clare musicians will perform in a series of 42 candle-lit traditional Irish music concerts in Dublin. The Steeple Sessions were officially launched recently by Minister for Arts, Jimmy Deenihan and the series is set to feature musicians such as TG4 Gradam Ceoil musician of the year Noel Hill as well as fellow Clare musicians Aisling Hill and Edel Fox.

The Steeple Sessions are presented by left-handed flute player from Quin, Eileen Hassett who has hosted sessions and played at various festivals and realises the importance to musicians of a good acoustic venue and an appreciative audience. It is intended as an annual summer series which will ultimately fund itself and provide employment within the arts sector.
The series will run at the Unitarian Church, St Stephen’s Green, every Tuesday and Thursday from May 10 at 8pm. The 42 concerts – all children-friendly and alcohol-free – boast a line-up that includes Paddy Glackin, Donal Lunny, TG4 young musician of the year, Padraic Keane, and a host of the tradition’s most respected musicians, young and old.
Speaking at the launch Minister Deenihan said, “This is a unique concert series as it gives audiences not only the chance to enjoy performances by some of the most talented singers and musicians in the field of traditional Irish music but also to interact with the performers. It is concerts such as this that are so important in upholding Ireland’s reputation as a culturally and socially vibrant country. I am sure that the authentic spirit of The Steeple Sessions will prove to be a huge draw among music lovers of all ages and that the ambiance of the Unitarian Church will add an extra dimension to the concerts.”
Many musicians, tired from straining to be heard in pub gigs and sessions have welcomed the chance to perform in the atmospheric, acoustic environment of the church, where the subtleties of their music can be properly heard and appreciated. Featuring unaccompanied sean-nós singers, solos, duets, the concerts are acoustic and candlelit, with the line-up changing every night throughout the summer. It has caught the attention of the tourism industry as a welcome change from traditional Irish music shows that display the same performance every night.
An essential aspect of the concerts is that artists and audiences are encouraged to interact so that the musicians can explain their music and culture and those watching can respond with questions. This approach harks back to the old tradition whereby people made pilgrimages to visit musicians such as Willie Clancy to hear them play, sing and speak about their music and life.
Situated on the west side of Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, The Unitarian Church is within strolling distance for tourists who may wish to finish a day’s sightseeing with an early evening concert. Directly opposite the Luas line city centre stop, the venue is also equally accessible for traditional music fans, keen to experience some of the country’s finest performers in this 150-year-old candle-lit church. The venue already attracts regular visitors wanting to view its impressive collection of European and Irish stained glass as well as bronze and glass sculpture by artist Paddy McElroy. The church has long played host to a variety of social and cultural events within the arts, and the serenity and acoustics of the venue (known as The Listening Room) allows music lovers to experience the playing at its purest.
Check www.steeplesessions.com for full listing of musicians and dates. Phone 01 6788470 for advance bookings or email Dublin@steeplesessions.com.