Ceiliúradh
Ceiliúradh was a celebration of Irish culture that took place in the Royal Albert Hall on 10 April 2014, to mark the state visit to London of Irish President Michael D. Higgins.[1] It was attended by the President and Sabina Higgins, with Prince and Princess Michael of Kent representing the Royal Family.[2]
The event was broadcast live on RTÉ,[3] while an hour long highlights package was broadcast on BBC4 the following Sunday.[2]
The event was promoted by Culture Ireland,[4] and produced by South Wind Blows, an award winning production company in association with the venue.[5]
Background
The event was designed as a tribute to thousands of Irish people who have made Britain their home.[6] It was intended to showcase the links that exist between Ireland and the U.K. in the artistic and creative domains.[5]
Running order
The running order for the event was as follows:[1]
- House Band with Fiona Shaw - The Exiles Jig, with reading of The Song of Wandering Angus by W B Yeats
- Joseph O'Connor - The Thrill Of It All
- Paul Brady - Nothing But The Same Old Story
- House Band with Irish dancers - Medley of tunes with dancers Caitín Nic Gabhann, Seosamh O’Neachtain, Michael Maguire and Ellie Maguire
- Conor O'Brien - My Lighthouse
- Elvis Costello with Steve Naïve and Conor O’Brien - Shipbuilding
- Olivia O'Leary - Silent O Moyle, The Minstrel Boy (joined by Fiona Shaw and West Ocean String Quartet)
- Imelda May - Kentish Town Waltz, It’s Good To Be Alive
- Glen Hansard and Lisa Hannigan - Falling Slowly, The Auld Triangle (with Elvis Costello, Conor O’Brien, Paul Brady, Imelda May and John Sheahan)
- Elvis Costello - Tripwire, (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding[7]
- The Gloaming - Opening Set
- Fiona Shaw - Postscript by Seamus Heaney
- All guest singers and London Irish Choir - The Parting Glass
Dermot O'Leary acted as compere for a number of the acts.[5]
House band
The house band for the event comprised a host of Ireland's top musicians.[5]
- Liam Bradley - percussion
- John Carty - fiddle
- Aimee Farrell Courtney - bodhrán
- Anthony Drennan - guitar
- Noel Eccles - percussion
- Graham Henderson - piano
- Dónal Lunny - bouzouki and bodhrán
- Mike McGoldrick - flute and whistles
- Paul Moore - bass
- Máirtín O'Connor - accordions
- Brendan Power - harmonica
References
- "Ceiliúradh (Celebration) - 10 April 2014 | Royal Albert Hall". Royal Albert Hall. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- "Ceiliúradh (Celebration) at the Royal Albert Hall - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade". www.dfa.ie. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- "Ceiliúradh – A Celebration Live on RTÉ Player, RTÉ Radio 1 and available Internationally – Thursday 10th April 2014 @ 20.25pm | RTÉ Digital Blog". digitalblog.rte.ie. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- Tipton, Gemma. "The Irish Invasion". Irish Times. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
- "Programme for Ceiliúradh (Celebration) at Royal Albert Hall announced" (PDF). www.cultureireland.ie. Culture Ireland. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
- "Irish culture celebrated in London". BBC News. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
- Staff, Guardian (24 April 2017). "Imelda May webchat – your questions answered on Dylan, changing styles and working class music". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 April 2020.