A DOCUMENTARY about a University of Limerick academic and one of the most influential figures in Irish music is to be aired this Tuesday.

Directed and produced by multi-award winning filmmaker Maggie Breathnach of Red Shoe Productions, “Between Worlds” explores the life and legacy of the pioneering Irish composer and academic  Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin (1950-2018). 

From his ground-breaking developments as a composer with a unique Irish piano style fusing classical, jazz and Irish traditional elements, to his creation of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, Ó Súilleabháin’s output had a huge impact on Irish music and music education in this country.

Heavily influenced by the pioneering work of Seán Ó Riada and Aloys Fleischman during his time at UCC, Ó Súilleabháin viewed the world as a global village.

Although Ireland was undoubtedly the epicentre of the world in his eyes, Ó Súilleabháin brought traces of his travels into his music and in turn infused world music with our traditional Irish sounds 

Between Worlds gives the audience an artistic and philosophical insight into his creative output and  themes including music, composition, education and culture come together giving viewers on an intimate insight into some of the most interesting aspects of Ó Súilleabháin’s life.  

The soundscape of the documentary includes specially curated and recorded musical performances – including poignant pieces from the Irish Chamber Orchestra which were arranged by Ó Súilleabháin during his long association with them at the University of Limerick. Central to the documentary are the contributions from Mícheál’s family, close friends and musical collaborators.

‘Between Worlds’ The Life of Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin will be screened on RTE One Television on Tuesday December 20 at 10.15pm.