Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland returns for another season of stories and songs
Broadcaster John Creedon explores Ireland’s rich musical heritage Sunday 2 August on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
Broadcaster John Creedon returns with the latest chapter in his summer music series, Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland, on Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
In the returning three-part series, John embarks on a journey to explore how music shapes the identity of Ireland and delves into the profound impact music has on Irish culture. He journeys the length and breadth of the country and engages with musicians, historians and cultural experts to understand how music has influenced Irish identity and continues to evolve.
One of Ireland’s oldest myths is the inspiration for the opening episode. Dagda’s magical harp was said to play three noble strains of music: Suantraí, Geantraí and Goltraí, and John explores how those three ancient musical traditions are still alive today.
First up, Suantraí (The Lullaby) – music that comforts, soothes and brings peace. John explores Ireland’s rich tradition of lullabies with singers Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, whose performance asks a simple question: what happens when we stop singing our native lullabies to our children? As songs disappear from family life, what traditions, language and quiet wisdom disappear with them? Next comes Geantraí (Joy) – music of celebration, energy and release, encapsulated in performances by The Scratch and Absolute Lilt. The final strain is Goltraí (Lament) – music that gives voice to grief. John meets Fermanagh’s Róis, who explores the ancient Irish tradition of keening, where women led communities in expressing loss through song.
The episode also features a personal performance from Galway composer Eímear Noone, the first woman to conduct the orchestra at the Academy Awards. Performing her composition Malach, Angel Messenger with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, she reflects on writing the work following the loss of her child, using music to express the different stages of grief.
Episode two on Sunday 9 August sees John setting out to discover why Irish folk music is experiencing a revival and why a new generation of musicians are once again turning to storytelling, identity and place to make sense of modern Ireland. John traces the journey of Irish folk music from the great balladeers of the 1960s and 70s to today’s vibrant new voices. He meets songwriter and producer Phil Coulter, singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy, modern folk phenomenon Amble, urban folk singer Damien Dempsey, and Dublin hip hop artist KhakiKid.
Episode three on Sunday 16 August focuses on Irish love songs. From Count John McCormack’s Macushla to Orla Gartland’s Mine, John discovers the stories behind some of Ireland’s favourite love songs and endeavours to answer the question – why do they mean so much? The episodes features musicians Jack L, Orla Gartland, Mary Coughlan, John Spillane and writer Pat McCabe.
Presenter John Creedon said, “Music has always helped us connect, with our families, our neighbours and ourselves. These traditions still have something important to say, and this series is about rediscovering them.”
Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland returns Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
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Audrey Donohue, RTÉ Communications Lead