RTÉ lyric fm celebrates the Winter Solstice with a special Ambient Orbit live broadcast
RTÉ lyric fm presents a very special Winter Solstice edition of Ambient Orbit, live from Sligo’s Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery on Sunday 21 December between 7-9pm.
Against the backdrop of a dramatic neolithic landscape, home to Ireland’s oldest megalithic tombs, the tranquil sounds are set to sweep the countryside and homes across Ireland, providing a moment of reflection as the shortest day of the year comes to a close.
The celestial event boasts an impressive mix of music, on-site ambience and live performances from Irish artists, Gweynn (Jennifer Moore), Brendan Jenkinson and Risteárd Ó hAodha. It promises to be one full of musical folklore and solstice celebrations, the perfect company on the longest night of the year.
During the December Solstice, the sun is the farthest south in the sky, leaving the Northen Hemisphere in darkness for longer than any other night of the year. In June Ambient Orbit marked the summer solstice with a similar occasion which included a live outdoor broadcast from Eyeries, Beara—home of the mythological figure An Cailleach Beara.
The Neolothic north-west location of this December’s programme, homes the remains of over 35 passage tombs constructed over 6000 years ago, setting the scene for what is sure to be a memorable winter’s night, while weaving Irish history into the spectacular musical event.
Producer of RTÉ lyric fm’s Ambient Orbit, Áine Gallagher said:
“To celebrate the Winter Solstice, Ambient Orbit are broadcasting live from Listoghil Tomb at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Co.Sligo, one of four major passage tomb cemeteries in Ireland. Overlooked to the East by Miosgán Meadhbha, the cairn associated with the mythical Queen Meabh; Ambient Orbit are delighted to be broadcasting for the first time, from the central chamber of a megalithic monument. Listoghil tomb would have been a space of great significance to our ancestors on the Cúil Irra peninsula, particularly at these times of the year where the light changes, and the days get longer. We have a fantastic line-up of artists and are really excited to hear the atmospheric sounds of Gweynn, Risteard Ó hAodha and Brendan Jenkinson reverberate around the ancient megalithic chambers, alongside the soundtrack of field recordings that we will have gathered locally.”
-ENDS-
Jade Carpenter, RTÉ Communications Lead
For additional information on the performing artists, please see below:
Gweynn (Jennifer Moore)
Irish multidisciplinary artist Gweynn combines shifting vocal landscapes, stream of consciousness writing and the ambience of distortion in her music, seeking out submerged and fragmentary melodies and atmospheres through her work. Her music creates a space and process for exploring the movements of conscious and unconscious forms of memory, along with a layered connection to place. Gweynn has performed both solo and with collaborators in venues across Ireland and internationally including, Douglas Hyde Gallery, The National Concert Hall, IMMA, Project Arts Centre, Venue MOT, Cafe Oto and more.
Brendan Jenkinson
Producer and musician, Brendan Jenkinson began experimenting with sound recording techniques at a young age, using a technique he pioneered called Multi-Mini-Disc Tracking. With this he began to write and record his own music, and that of his friend’s, which led him to his career. Today, he performs live and in studio, as well as composing for film.
Risteárd Ó hAodha
Risteárd Ó hAodha is a musician and composer from Mayo, now based in Conamara. He plays piano and cello, makes music for theatre and contemporary dance and has collaborated with artists such as Róis, Princ€ss, Olan Monk and Gemma Dunleavy. His style is rooted in experimentation and improvisation, melding traditional and classical. Outside of his solo practice, Risteárd co-runs the Gaeltacht based artists’ collective Gliogar, putting on contemporary arts events nationwide, with fellow artists Peader-Tom Mercier and Aindriú de Buitléir.