Aisling Gheal (Bright Vision): The Traditional and Classical Music of Ireland

The East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO), in collaboration with the Center for Irish Music (CIM), is delighted to present Aisling Gheal (Irish Gaelic for “Bright Vision”), a unique joint concert exploring the intersections between traditional Irish music and the classical orchestra music it inspired, Sunday, March 8th at 3 p.m. at the East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129.

To celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day season EMSO and CIM have created a remarkable program that includes a set of orchestral arrangements created for the renowned Irish band Altan by composer Fiachra Trench.  A US premiere, the set includes The Roseville, composed by CIM instructor and Altan guitarist Dáithí Sproule.

“This concert exemplifies the bridges that are possible through music,” noted ESMO Conductor Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes.  “We are crossing musical genres and traditions, crossing generations, and crossing nations.”  CIM Executive Director Norah Rendell noted that the performance is the culmination of years of preparation.  “The students in the ensemble have been working for years to develop the technical skill and aesthetic understanding of traditional Irish music.  They represent the success of our mission – passing the music down to the next generation.”

The concert program also includes the rarely performed orchestral works Irish Rhapsody No.1 by Charles Villiers Stanford and Suite of Irish Airs by Frederick May presented by EMSO.  A set of traditional Irish jigs, hornpipes, reels and airs will be performed by CIM’s Young Adult Ensemble.  The Altan orchestral arrangements, the program’s centerpiece, will be performed by the EMSO and CIM musicians together, and include songs sung in English and Irish Gaelic.

Behind the concert’s ‘bright vision’ is a spirit of “musical generosity” noted ESMO President Emily Kaczynski.  Composer/arranger Fiachra Trench and Altan, who have performed and recorded the works with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, and others, were pleased to support the ESMO-CIM collaboration.  Musician and composer Dáithí Sproule, a 2009 Bush Artist Fellow who has lived in Minnesota for over 30 years, appreciated the intersections that made the concert possible.  “We have vibrant musical communities in Minnesota, with active and committed learners, great audiences, and a cadre of hard-working volunteers.  It’s wonderful to see all these elements coming together to share music across boundaries.”

Concert admission is $10 for Adults, $6 for Seniors, while those 18 and under are free! Presale tickets will be available beginning February 9th through EMSO members or the CIM.   Following the performance an informal reception will provide opportunity to meet these talented amateur musicians.

East Metro Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra based in Woodbury, led by music director and conductor, Dr. Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes and concertmaster Michal Sobieski. The orchestra performs four to five concerts per season in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area, specializing in developing enervating collaborations with local artists and organizations, as well as special educational partnerships and programs for seniors. For more information go to www.emsorch.org or www.facebook.com/emsorch.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the Center for Irish Music (CIM) is a thriving music school based in St. Paul’s Hamline-Midway neighborhood. The CIM is dedicated to handing down traditional Irish music to the next generation of musicians in the community. Through private lessons, group classes, sessions and events featuring world-class artists, the CIM aims to inspire and support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities, throughout the Midwest, and Canada. For more information go to www.centerforirishmusic.org or https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforirishmusic.