Youth trad ensemble shine bright
On Thursday, June 13, Gealóga, a traditional music ensemble formed as part of the Music Generation Mayo Music Residency Programme, performed for international delegates attending the Education Committee Meeting in Castletown House, Leixlip, a Department of Education and Skills event organised as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency.
The group of eleven young, talented traditional musicians, aged from 12 to 18, were selected through an audition process held in January 2013, and they have been progressing under the mentorship of their director, acclaimed Mayo musician and performer, Emer Mayock.
Nominated by the Mayo Music Education Partnership to represent their country on this international stage, Gealóga’s appearance marks the final event in Music Generation’s performance programme for the Department of Education and Skills EU Presidency events.
Hailing from throughout Co Mayo, Gealóga, which translates as ‘bright youth’, includes Kate Heneghan, Orla Mannion, Donal Parksinson (fiddle), Patrick Boyle (accordion), Marianna Tiernan (concertina), Ellen Murphy (harp), Alan Judge, Catherine Lambe, Grace McDonnell (flute), Niamh Mulhern (uilleann pipes) and Seán McGreal (bodhrán, whistle and voice). Over the past few months, the ensemble has been meeting regularly to share and source material, collaborate as fellow musicians, examine the history of the ensemble in traditional music, while preparing and rehearsing for the performances which will mark the culmination of their residency programme in July 2013.
An exceptionally accomplished young ensemble, members of Gealóga have successfully competed and received top prizes in the Connacht and national Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions. They have graced many prestigious performance stages as individual musicians and in groups, having been taught and influenced in their musical development by the cream of Irish traditional musicians both in Mayo and in neighbouring counties. “Each individual member is an accomplished musician in their own right,” noted Ensemble Director, Emer Mayock, “and now, as part, of the ensemble they bring their own musical imagination and energy to create a dynamic and vibrant sound.”
To celebrate Love Live Music – International Music Day, members of Gealóga undertook a whistle-stop tour of Mayo on Friday, June 21, and they are looking forward to their main performances at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar on Friday, July 12, and the Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, July 13.
