Local composer hits the right note with launch
WITH the mural of the Taylor Brothers responsible for the modern uillean pipes hanging at the entrance, how appropriate that the Augustinian Chruch was chosen for the launch of Michael Holohan’s new CD ‘ The Road to Lough Swilly’.
Last Thursday night, the renowned uilleann piper Mick O’ Brien and the wonderful Boyne Chamber Orchestra performed a number of movements from the new composition to a very appreciative audience. They also played three of his Memorials ‘Sweet Dooley Gate’, ‘Marching to Drogheda’ and ‘ The Return from Fingal’. The other half of the double CD is ‘Running Beast’ , a live recording from The National Concert Hall of the playwright Donal O’ Kelly’s and Michael’s collaboration about the life of the great Hugh O’ Neill.
Dr Fintan Vallely, the author of the critically acclaimed Companion to Irish Traditional Music, launched the double album. Dr Vallely, who has already written about the composer’s music in the Companion hailed the CD as ‘a masterly and seamless combination of Irish traditional and European classical forms’. The Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Frank Godfrey made a very complimentary speech about the composer’s music and commended Michael ‘for his contribution to promoting music and the arts both in Drogheda and nationally
Michael made presentations to Dr Vallely, Mick O’ Brien and Helen Leahy of the Boyne Chamber Orchestra. He thanked the Mayor for attending and Fr. Colm O’ Mahony, Prior of The Augustinian Community for giving him the use such a beautiful church for the launch. The CDs, The Road to Lough Swilly (€15) and Fields of Blue and White are available in The Highlanes Gallery, The Design Gallery and The Augustinian Shop.