Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh.
A series of lectures focusing on our shared musical heritage will take place in the Tower Museum in Derry over the coming weeks.
Island Voices is in keeping with Derry City Council’s Music City programme for this year, and seeks to explore our cultural identity through both language and music.
The theme of the three lectures in this year’s programme will focus specifically on the musical heritage of the Irish and Ulster-Scots cultural traditions.
The first lecture titled ‘The Common Muse,” taking place on Tuesday next, 23 September, will be led by BBC Radio Ulster presenter Brian Mullen and will explore the “Two Nations” theory that there are two distinct races and therefore cultures on the island of Ireland.
Brian will specifically look at the tradition of Orange music and song set in the context of culture in Ireland and further afield.
On October 23, the Tower Museum will host the second lecture led by Dr Fred Freeman of the University of Edinburgh.
Titled “The Irish in Scotland: The Songs of Robert Tannahill,” the talk will focus on a collection of Scottish songs written in defence of 19th Century Irish emigrants to Scotland, and how this changed perceptions at the time.
Derek Moore.
The final lecture in the series will take place in the same venue on 20 November 20 and will feature two local speakers who will focus on the relationship between the Irish and Ulster-Scots musicians here in the city, particularly in the build up to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrations in August 2013, and the Pan Celtic Festival in 2014.
Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh, from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, and Derek Moore from the city’s Bands Forum, will reflect on the open and honest engagement which took place between their respective communities in the lead up to the celebrations.
All the lectures are free and lunch is provided. Places are expected to fill up fast and booking is essential.
For more information and to secure a place, email [email protected] or telephone: 028 7137 2411
Tags: