Cantairí Chonamara Presents: Stepping Stones

Join us for an exciting, newly-devised choral, instrumental, and spoken work in Irish and English, created by our musical director Máire Ní Dhuibhir. This seven-movement celebration traces key milestones in Irish musical and literary history, from ancient to contemporary works. A reacaire (narrator) will introduce each section in verse form.

The journey begins with the ancient Irish horn, progressing through early Irish lyrics, medieval chant, and bardic poems. We then explore 18th-century Dublin, honouring Handel’s Messiah, Turlough O’Carolan, Thomas Moore, and John Field. The poetry of Hidden Ireland (17th- 19th centuries), featuring Galway poet Raifteirí, and the Celtic Revival of the early 20th century (Yeats, Ferguson, Pearse, Plunkett) follow.

The 20th century is highlighted with music and poetry by Elizabeth Maconchy, Máirtín Ó Direáin, Seán Ó Riordáin, Joyce, and Beckett, alongside new traditional music by Shaun Davey, Michael McGlynn, Zoe Conway, O’Riada, Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, Bill Whelan, Paul Brady, Van Morrison, U2, and Paddy Fahy. The performance concludes with a contemporary piece, setting a poem by Galway poet Noelle Lynskey.