Double delight from local artists
TWO talented local artists had a joint launch of their latest projects last week.
What Noise on Earth’ a new Christmas book of visual poetry by the local and national poet Susan Connolly and the CD ‘Prodigal Notes’ by Terry Mc Hugh poet and classical guitarist were jointly launched in The Droichead Arts Centre on Wednesday December 11th.
Susan gave an audio visual presentation about the poems contained in the book while Terry performed a number of tracks live from his CD. They were joined by guests and fellow musicians Sean Matthews singer songwriter; Breifne Holohan guitar; Maria Clarke singer and Michael Holohan composer and pianist.
Susan explains that ‘What Noise on Earth’ is a book of visual poetry on the theme of Christmas.
“Its title comes from a Breton carol, and some poems take a Christmas carol as their starting point, poems such as Gaudete, Gloria and Balulalow, while another focuses on the folkloric traditions of placing a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve,” she says. “The Viaduct over the river Boyne features and also the Maiden Tower at Mornington.
There is a poem about Francis Ledwidge, the poet from Slane, Co. Meath, sometimes called ‘ the poet of the blackbirds’.
Terry McHugh started playing guitar with the late Brian Leahy, a neighbour of his on the Ballymakenny Road. Like other musicians, he played the local pub circuit.
“I published a collection of my poems Baby’s not Settling in 2009, and needing a new musical challenge, I started studying the classical guitar with Colin Blakey (late of the Waterboys) and later pursued further studies at The DIT College of Music Chatham Row, Dublin,” says Terry.
“With advice from my friends Michael and Breifne Holohan, I decided to record my album Prodigal Notes in the wonderful acoustics of Millmount Tower. The CD was produced by Breifne Holohanm and I want to thank the staff of this historic landmark who assisted the project. The result is a ten track CD of classical guitar music which will be enjoyed by all.”
The CD may be purchased directly from Terry Mc Hugh 086-3758883 and Susan’s book is available priced €15 from The Design Gallery, Laurence St or directly from Susan Connolly 087-6641624.