On Tuesday, 20th May the renowned Drawing from the Well series returns to the National Concert Hall stage for its seventh edition. Devised by ITMA and presented in association with the National Concert Hall, Drawing from the Well gathers Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, singers and dancers to showcase their work inspired by ITMA’s rich archival collections.
The forthcoming concert features many of the country’s leading traditional artists, including celebrated concertina player Cormac Begley who is joined by Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich (accordion) and Clíodhna Ní Bheaglaoich (fiddle), brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn of the iconic folk duo Ye Vagabonds and legendary guitar and bouzouki maestro Dónal Lunny. The stellar cast also includes former Planxty members Andy Irvine (mandola and bouzouki) and Matt Molloy (flute), eminent Sean-nós dancer Edwina Guckian and esteemed harpist Laoise Kelly. The distinguished line-up is completed by Ríoghnach Connolly (flute and song), Lauren O’Neill and Peadar Mac Gabhann (harp and poetry) and Brenda Castles (concertina). The concert will be presented by Liam O’Connor, Director of ITMA and guest curator Nora Hickey M’Sichili, Directrice of Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris.
Speaking about the forthcoming event, ITMA Director Liam O’Connor said: “It is deeply satisfying for ITMA to see extraordinary artists delve into our archives, uncover hidden gems, and reimagine them for performance on Ireland’s most prestigious stage. Our partnership with the National Concert Hall has gone from strength to strength, and we are thrilled by the growing international interest in the Drawing from the Well series. Tonight’s concert, curated in collaboration with the Directrice of the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris, marks another exciting step, with sister performances set to take place at Le Philharmonie de Paris, one of France’s most renowned concert halls. These archival treasures are moving beyond library shelves and archival boxes—brought to life through the imagination and skill of artists—finding new audiences online, in concert halls, and beyond.”
Robert Read, CEO of the National Concert Hall commented: “We are delighted to once again collaborate with ITMA in presenting the seventh concert in the Drawing from the Well series which features such talented performers as Cormac Begley, Ye Vagabonds, Edwina Guckian, Donal Lunny and others. Highlighting Ireland’s seminal and diverse musical heritage is an integral part of the National Concert Hall’s remit and we are thrilled to showcase these wonderful artists performing works inspired by ITMA’s rich archival collections.”
Following the 20th May concert in the NCH, ITMA will curate two sister concerts in Paris from 24-25 May in partnership with the Centre Culturel Irlandais.
