Internationally renowned singer, producer and composer, Iarla Ó Lionáird, was appointed the first Traditional Artist in Residence at University College Cork (UCC) in September 2013. Throughout his year as Traditional Artist in Residence, Ó Lionáird engaged in a series of performances, including a concert with Steve Cooney in the Aula Maxima in UCC in October 2013, a collaboration with the UCC choir to premier new arrangements of music, and a collaboration with the UCC Gamelan Orchestra. Ó Lionáird also taught 'sean-nós' singing, and he gave lectures such as the Seán Ó Riada Memorial Lecture 2014, which focused on A.M. Freeman's 'Ballyvourney Collection', and its impact on the practice of traditional singing in the Múscraí Gaeltacht.
Iarla Ó Lionáird grew up and learned his craft in the musical heartland of Cúil Aodha. From his iconic early recording of the vision song Aisling Gheal, through his ground-breaking recordings and performances with the Afro-Celt Sound System and his innovative fusion of the traditions of sean-nós with modern electronic music, Ó Lionáird has become one of contemporary music's most creative, exciting and ambitious artists. As well as his solo work, Ó Lionáird is a member of The Ghost Trio and The Gloaming. Information about his recordings and tour dates are on his website.
The Traditional Artist in Residence at UCC was established in 2013 by the Arts Council in association with the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (UCC) and the School of Music and Theatre (UCC).
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