The Gaelic Roots series is directed by Séamus Connolly, Sullivan Artist-in-Residence. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.
Connolly House is located at 300 Hammond Street in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Visitors parking on campus must use the Beacon Street Garage or the Commonwealth Avenue Garage. Please see the visitor parking page for details.
Wednesday, Sept. 16
Message of Peace: Songs and Poetry of John Boyle O’Reilly, 1844-1890
Concert by Irish folk singer Sean Tyrrell
Connolly House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Singer
and multi-instrumentalist Sean Tyrrell traces the journey of poet,
journalist, and author John Boyle O'Reilly through famine, revolution,
Fenianism, and penal servitude. Surrounded by music all his life, Sean
Tyrrell comes from a family immersed in the musical traditions of his
native Galway. During the 1960s he performed in the city's premier folk
club, the Folk Castle, honing his vocal and instrumental skills while
rubbing shoulders with a host of celebrated artists who performed
there. Sean has toured Ireland, England, Europe, America and Australia
with such artists as Kevin Glackin and Ronan Brown; Davy Spillane;
Three for the Ditch (Sean, Frankie Lane, and comedian Jack Lynch);
Paddy Keenan; poet Mary O'Malley; and Tommy Peoples. His CDs include
Message of Peace (2009), The Orchard (2006), Rising Tide (2006), The
Cry of a Dreamer (1995), and Belladonna (2006).
Sunday, Oct. 11
Travels with My Harp: An Afternoon with Mary O’Hara
Multimedia presentation by harpist Mary O'Hara
Devlin 008 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Renowned singer and harpist Mary O’Hara has appeared on many of the world's major stages, including the Royal Albert Hall, New York's Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall. Beginning with her 1956 debut recording, Songs of Erin, Mary O'Hara recorded 20 long-playing albums, ten of which feature traditional songs of Ireland and Scotland on harp and voice. Her autobiography, The Scent of the Roses, sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide since its appearance in 1980. Ms. O'Hara, who has retired from singing, will give a multimedia presentation on her life and her musical career, and afterwards will open the John J. Burns Library exhibit, "Mary O'Hara, Singer and Harpist: A Retrospective." The exhibit will feature posters, recordings, correspondence, and books from the Mary O'Hara Papers at the John J. Burns Library.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Regional Styles in Irish music: A Conversation
Discussion with Ann Spinney, Boston College
Connolly House, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Participate in a lively, informal discussion of Irish music traditions, led by Ann Spinney. Dr. Spinney is an ethnomusicologist whose research fields include Irish studies, Native American studies, and popular music.
Saturday, Nov. 14
John McCormack Weekend
Gasson Hall, 12:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Film screening, symposium, lecture, and performances, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the birth of the legendary tenor, Count John McCormack. The symposium will be moderated by Dr. Mick Moloney, recipient of the NEA National Heritage Award and former Burns Library Visiting Scholar. A special guest lecture will follow, titled "Impressions of the Great Irish Tenor," by distinguished traditional musician Paul Brock. Later in the afternoon, the John J. Burns Library will host a reception to open the exhibit, "John McCormack, Tenor: Celebrating 125 Years." The weekend will conclude with musical performances organized by Sullivan Artist-in-Residence Seamus Connolly. View the schedule of events
Thursday, Dec. 10
Irish Button Accordian
Concert by Damien Connolly: Irish Button Accordion, Melodeon, and Fiddle
Connolly House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Originally from Co. Clare, Damien Connolly began learning the accordion when he was 11 years old, taught by his father Martin Connolly. In 1997, Damien took first place in both the Under-18 All Ireland accordion and melodeon competitions, in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Now residing in Connecticut, Damien enjoys the company and musicianship of his uncle Seamus Connolly, and the two occasionally perform together. Damien followed his debut CD, Tippin Away, with The Irish Accordion Tutor Vol. 1 (2000).