A new suite of music entitled Macalla 1916 will be premiered next year at the special State reception for 1916 relatives. It was among several events announced today as part of the Comhaltas Centenary Programme.
Macalla 1916 is part of the Comhaltas 1916 Centenary Programme, which was unveiled today in Cashel, Co Tipperary. The suite is being composed by Monaghan composer, Michael Rooney, who is the director of the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland and who has previously composed such works as The Famine Suite and The Millennium Suite.
Following its debut in Dublin Castle on Easter Sunday, March 26, 2016, a nationwide concert tour of Macalla 1916 will be held at venues across the country over Easter 2016 and in October 2016. It will also tour overseas in North America in late 2016 with the support of Culture Ireland.
A major 1916-themed pageant will form part of the official open of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis, Co Clare on August 14th 2016.
The winners of the 2015 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will perform at the official State reception on Easter Sunday 2016 and ceremonies to mark the centenary of the Rising will be held by the 420 branches of Comhaltas worldwide.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys launched the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann 1916 Centenary Programme at Brú Ború, Cashel earlier today.
Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said: “Our cultural identity was central to the aspirations and motivation of the 1916 Easter Rising. This was evident in the poetry, songs and writings of the leadership and others.
"This is encapsulated in the slogan “Éire ní hamháin saor ach Gaelach chomh maith”. This cultural emphasis is reflected in the ethos of Comhaltas and will define our extensive centenary programme at home and worldwide”.
