Hill tops TG4 Traditional Music Awards

CLARE’S reputation as being the home of traditional music has been further reinforced this week with the announcement that Clare man and concertina maestro Noel Hill heads the list of recipients of the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2011 (Traditional Music Awards).

Born and reared in Caherea in West Clare but now living in the Connemara Gaeltacht, Noel is widely regarded as one of the major figures in Irish music, whose concerts and recordings have helped elevate the concertina to a new level and broadened its appeal to a new audience.
TG4 director general, Pól Ó Gallchóir says the Gradam Ceoil honours major figures in Irish traditional music during their lifetime.
“We are privileged to organise and sponsor this recognition for these extraordinary and talented artists, who instil such pride to our culture and adorn our lives with their music,” he said.
This year’s Gradam recipients range over a wide spectrum of talents. Those honoured in the various categories include a legendary Leitrim fiddler, a world-renowned pianist and academic authority, an exciting young piper from the eastern shores of Galway bay, a Grammy-nominated Chicago-born composer and performer and a multi-talented West Kerry singer and flute-player, best known for her playing with the world-renowned traditional group Danú.
An independent panel of adjudicators selects recipients of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil each year. Recipients are presented with a specially-commissioned piece by sculptor John Coll, as well as a cheque. This year’s awards will be presented at the Gradam Ceoil Concert in the Wexford Opera House on Saturday, April 2.
Recipients will be joined by a host of special guests in a concert hosted by Aoife Ní Thuairisg, which will be broadcast on TG4 on Easter Sunday, April 24 at 9.30pm.