Leading Irish traditional musicians and singers draw from inspiring archival materials to uncover the stories of some exceptional traditional musicians, singers, collectors and regions in the brand-new series Taoscadh ón Tobar coming to TG4 and TG4.ie.
The Irish Traditional Music Archive’s (ITMA) flagship artistic series ‘Drawing from the Well’ launched in 2020 with the aim of connecting Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers with ITMA’s rich archival material to inspire new works of art.
TG4 and ITMA in Partnership
In partnership with TG4, ITMA now bring this concept to the small screen in Taoscadh ón Tobar as five new artists uncover the stories of significant musicians, singers, collectors, and regions. Through performances, interviews, and research, they draw from the deep well of traditional music.
Episode One on Sliabh Luachra
Episode one, on this Sunday evening ay 9:30pm., will dip into the well dipped well of the Sliabh Luachra area.
Italian-born fiddle player Andrea Palandri, from Venice, Italy and now living in Baile na bhFionnúrach, Baile na nGall, Co. Kerry, traces the life and music of Sliabh Luachra fiddle master and teacher Pádraig O’Keeffe.
He meets musicians and researchers, including Matt Cranitch, Co. Cork and Peter Browne from Dublin who have followed Pádraig’s life and uncovers previously unheard recordings.
Throughout his journey, Andrea is joined by friends and fellow musicians to perform music associated with O’Keeffe including the Cuas, Baile na nGall clan members: Clíodhna, Eoin and Cormac Begley and Nicky McAuliffe, Castleisland and Aidan Connolly, Dublin.
Episode Two on Songs from Ballyvourney
In episode two on Sunday, May 19th at 9:30pm., Cúil Aodha native Iarla Ó Lionáird studies the songs of his locality as collected by Alexander Martin Freeman in the early 1900’s.
He highlights the social context, and musical richness, of Songs from Ballyvourney and performs significant songs from the collection including Loch Léin and Aililiú na Gamhna.
Episode Three on The Queen of Irish Fiddlers
In episode three on Sunday, May 26th at 9:30pm., Doireann Ní Ghlacáin uncovers the story of fellow Dublin fiddle player Bridget Kenny, dubbed The Queen of Irish Fiddlers by Captain Francis O’Neill.
She pays homage to Mrs. Kenny, busking on a crowded Thomas Street, just around the corner from where she once lived.
Episode Four Heads Up North
In episode Four on Sunday, June 2nd at 11:10pm. Seán McElwain highlights the music of Sliabh Beagh, a border area where counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Monaghan meet.
He recalls local collector James Whiteside, studies the manuscripts, interviews historians, and performs tunes from the collection along side a host of musical guests.
Episode Five is Back in Kerry
In episode five on Sunday, June 9th at 9:30pm singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh performs a deep dive on the songs of Seán de hÓra.
He was a standard bearer of the tradition, and the only ever Oireachtas winner to hail from Corca Dhuibhne. She interviews friends and family of de hÓra to glean a deeper insight into his personal life.
Taoscadh ón Tobar will be broadcast on Sunday nights beginning this weekend, May 12th. 2024 on TG4 & TG4.ie.
To see a youtube promotion for the series just click on the link here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=296416456738675
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
