PRESIDENT OF IRELAND MICHAEL D. HIGGINS TO ATTEND SIANSA GAEL LINN AT NATIONAL CONCERT HALL, DUBLIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013, 7.30PM
GAEL LINN NATIONAL FINAL SHOWCASES IRELAND’S
YOUNG TRADITIONAL MUSIC TALENT
OCCASION MARKS GAEL LINN’S 60th ANNIVERSARY
THE CREAM OF YOUNG TRADITIONAL music talent goes on display in the National Concert Hall, Dublin next Sunday, April 14, when eight groups from all over Ireland vie for the title of Siansa Gael Linn winners of 2013, an accolade that brings the coveted Gael Linn trophy and €2,500 cheque. Could this be the first opportunity to see and listen to the ‘Clannad’, or the ‘Altan’ of the future?
Siansa was set up by Gael Linn and is supported by, Foras na Gaeilge, Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine. Marking its 60th anniversary Gael Linn is honoured to have President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins as a distinguished guest. His Excellency will present the Gael Linn trophy to the 2013 winners.
The eight groups had to come through two preliminary rounds to feature among the finalists. At the second stage of the competition, the entrants, whose ages range from 12 to 19 years, took part in workshops designed to spark creativity and innovation in style with professional musicians. Kerry boxplayer Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich of “Beginish” and “Boys of the Lough” fame and Donegal fiddler Ciaran Ó Maonaigh, and founder of the group, “Fidil” put the young musicians through their paces. Breanndán and Ciarán will be back at the finals as judges along with other musical luminary Mary Bergin, who has played with ‘Dé Danann’ and ‘Dordán’.
BACKGROUND
Coming with a prizefund of €4,500 this year, the annual Siansa Gael Linn has pedigree. First started in 2001 with the aim of promoting Irish music through the Irish language, it has helped launch musical careers and fast-track talent onto wider audiences. Among those were…
Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl, a member of the winning “Fionnuar” in 2008, went on to become the TG4 Young Musician of the Year in 2012.
Jos and Ted Kelly, along with Paddy Hazleton, members of the 2009 winners, “Spraoi” have hit the international stage as “JPTrio” and launched their debut album
The 2010 winners, “Ioscaid” captured BBC 2’s Young Folk Award in 2012.
CONTESTANTS
“Cumasc” Corofin, Co Galway
“Cóiriú” St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt, Co Derry
“Nuada” Meánscoil San Nioclás, An Rinn, Co. Waterford
“Anois is arís” Castletroy College, Limerick
“Na Fataí Fánacha” Coláistí Eoin/Íosagáin, Dublin
“Spréach” Sligo Grammar School
“Éile” Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, Limerick
“Frioscaí” Raheny, Dublin
Each group will perform their own 10-12 minute musical arrangement and will be judged on performance on the night, choice of music, arrangement, singing and ensemble playing. File photos of the groups are available for download at
http://www.seanomainnin.com/p693596564
PRIZES
First prize Gael Linn Trophy, Cheque for €2,500
Second Prize Cheque for €1,250
Third Prize Cheque for €750
BROADCAST
Siansa Gael Linn will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, compered by the station’s popular presenter and traditional music afficionado, Áine Hensey. Independent TV company Red Shoe Productions will film the event which will be broadcast on TG4 on Wednesday 24 April at 10.30 p.m.
GAEL LINN 60th ANNIVERSARY
Siansa Gael Linn is a major event in Gael Linn’s celebration of its 60 years as a promoter of the Irish language and its heritage. It is credited with rescuing Irish traditional music from indifference, identity crisis and the ill of immigration in those early years, galvanising it with Sean Ó Riada and Ceoltóirí Laighean and administering regular shots in the arm through the decades with ground-breaking bands like Clannad. The Irish language has also benefited from its entrepreneurship in many guises: from organising country-wide and ever-popular debating competitions, drama production and Gaeltacht courses. According to Gael Linn chief executive Antoine Ó Coileáin the organisation has and never will stray from its main objective “to provide opportunity through the medium of the Irish language. You will see that today at Siansa Gael Linn and we hope to continue to provide that opportunity for the next 60 years.”
TICKETS
A limited amount of tickets are available. Call the National Concert Hall at 01 417000 or go on www.nch.ie
For Further information contact:
Seán Ó Mainnín Tel. 087 2220241 / 091 869961 / mannions@mac.com
