RTÉ’s Today show gets new signature
RTÉ’s Today show gets a new signature from John Byrne and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
RTÉ One’s flagship daytime TV programme Today is heading into its 10th season on air in September and to mark this it teamed up with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra to find new signature music. A competition open to musicians living in Ireland drew a very strong response of almost 200 entries, which ranged from classical to contemporary to traditional. The judging panel was struck by the high level of craftmanship, talent and enthusiasm on show. From this impressive field, the winning entry – selected via an anonymous process – was by John Byrne, a musician, composer and arranger from Navan, Co. Meath, who wins €3000 and a share of the royalties. The new signature music is being recorded by the RTÉ CO this week, with multi-instrumentalist John himself joining the orchestra to play whistles for the recording.
John has worked with artists including Bob Geldof, Billy Ocean, The Commitments, Curtis Stigers, Brian Kennedy and Mary Black, has played venues including The 3Arena and the London Palladium and has worked as score supervisor on films including Albert Nobbs, Black ’47 and Room. He comes from a musical family, with all six siblings and both parents playing music from a very young age (his brother Brian Byrne has also worked extensively with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra). With gigs and touring on hold, he has spent the Covid lockdowns in Tullamore, Co. Offaly working on his own compositions – but says this is the first time he has ever won anything!
Daithí Ó Sé – presenter of Today along with Maura Derrane and Sinead Kennedy – congratulated John Byrne: ‘It’s great to have been able to join forces with our colleagues in the RTÉ CO, create an opportunity for talent to flourish and celebrate our 10th season with a fresh new sound.’
Head of RTÉ Cork and editor of Today Colm Crowley commented: ‘The Today show team are delighted to partner with the RTÉ CO and John Byrne for this new signature theme tune which will become very familiar to The Today Show’s 180,000 viewers each day. We are thrilled with the composition’s new fresh modern Irish feel, blending beautifully with traditional influences, to capture the spirit of the show. It’s a great privilege to be able to support original Irish music in this way.’
Joe Csibi, General Manager of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, commented: ‘When we announced this competition, we said we were looking for a bright, upbeat and contemporary theme with a strong hook, that felt recognisably Irish. John Byrne has delivered on all these in some style, taking full advantage of the musical potential of the RTE Concert Orchestra, joined here by a traditional ensemble. We’re looking forward to hearing it on air in the autumn!’