Seanchaí - part one

For Ensemble

Premiered Monday 25 January 2010

I. The Lady
II. Digging
III. The Lady
IV. Mr Fix-my-tooth
V. The Lady
VI. Belfast Confetti
VII. The Lady
VIII. Swineherd’s Daughter
IX. The Lady
X. An Ulsterman
XI. The Lady
XII. Queen of the Fairies
XIII. The Lady

Seanchaí explores the traditional Irish storytelling tradition and proposes the contemporary Irish author and poet as seanchaithe. This the first part of what has morphed into a larger three-part work.

A Seanchaí (pronounced shan-ack-ee) is a traditional Irish storyteller, a bearer of lore. The storyteller would travel from town to town with his stories, accumulated over years, adding to them each time they were told. Myths, origins, historical lessons, current events - all would get twisted together as he forged fantastical adventures, sculpting language to give each character their distinct voice.

Seanchaí part one was premiered at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. Eternal thanks to John McKelvie who helped gather the following ensemble of amazing musicians:

Jonathan Baker - Baritone
Férdia Stone-Davis - Hurdy-gurdy/sopranino recorder
Chris Goodman - Eb/Bass Clarinet
Graeme Boyd - Bass Trombone
Zami Jalil - Viola
Sara Hajir - Cello
Mercedes Carroll - Double Bass
Jason Dixon - Storyteller/electronics/visuals