Eamon Sweeney to run concerts as artist in residence
EAMON SWEENEY has been announced as the Mermaid Arts Centre’s Music Network arist in residence for 2018.
He will run six concerts at the Mermaid between December 2018 and May 2019, in conjunction with a learning and participation programme that will engage with a range of community groups.
The first two concerts of the series highlight some of Ireland’s finest musicians.
On December 13, ‘ Tradition in the Royal Court’ will feature Paula Murrihy (mezzo soprano), Eamonn Bonner (tenor), Cormac Breatnach (susato whistles), Colm Mac Con Iomaire (violin) and Eamon Sweeney (lute and early guitars).
‘ The First 100 Years’ with the Irish Chamber Orchestra will take place on January 17 and features special guests Mary Coughlan, Theo Dorgan, Sonamus – Cormac Breatnach (susato whistles), Annette Cleary (cello), Rachel Factor (harpsichord) and Eamon Sweeney (guitars).
Details of further performances in the concert series will be announced at a later date.
‘I am excited and grateful to have this fantastic opportunity to bring together many of my favourite artists in one great venue and present a varied programme of outreach and concerts which reflects my passions – early music, Irish music, poetry, song, music for children and babies,’ said Eamon.
Eamon began his musical studies on the violin, picked up a guitar while in his teens. He subsequently studied classical guitar at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. Whilst there, he was exposed to the baroque guitar, inspiring his doctoral research into the 17th century instrument and its variants.
Eamon teaches and performs extensively in a variety of genres and styles, giving broadcasts, lectures and seminars in Ireland and abroad. He is a member of a number of ensembles which focus on the performance of early and traditional music: Tonos, The Gregory Walkers and Sonamus. He is also codirector of the Wicklow-based music in the community initiative, Alchemy Music.
He is committed to the provision of Community Music, Music in Healthcare Settings and Early Years Music. He works with the Royal Irish Academy of Music, City of Dublin ETB, Kildare-Wicklow ETB, Music Generation and various national cultural institutions.
Eamon has received many awards and supports for his work and gratefully acknowledges the support of the Arts Offices of Wicklow, Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Councils, The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, The Arts Council and Music Network.