For St Brigid’s Day 2021, the Embassy of Ireland, Hungary, presented ‘A Carlow Song Cycle’, a work for soprano and guitar, composed by Gráinne Mulvey, and based on poetry by Carlow College, St. Patrick’s lecturer in poetry and creative writing Dr Derek Coyle. The work was performed by soprano Elizabeth Hilliard and classical guitarist Anselm McDonnell.
This work was commissioned by Dr Morgan Buckley, classical guitarist and lecturer in Carlow College/St Patrick’s. Professor Grainne Mulvey, DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, is a leading Irish composer and a native of Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow.
The evening consisted of:
1. A world premiere of ‘Solas Imbolc’ for solo guitar, a newly commissioned work composed by Áine Mallon for St. Brigid’s Day 2021, performed by Katalin Koltai;
2. ‘A Carlow Song Cycle’ for soprano and guitar. composed by Gráinne Mulvey, based on poetry by Derek Coyle, performed by Elizabeth Hilliard and Anselm McDonnell;
3. A world premiere of ‘Oak’ for solo guitar, a new work composed specially for this occasion by Petra Szászi, and performed by Katalin Koltai.
Following the music there was also an insightful discussion between Irish and Hungarian female practitioners around the challenges of gender and music.
You can view the evening here: CMC celebrates St. Brigid’s Day/La Fhéile Bríde in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, Hungary – YouTube
