Macalla 1916 to Tour Ireland at Easter

Ireland, March 16, 2016 (Newswire.com) - The world premiere of Macalla 1916 was in London’ s Barbican Theatre on March 4th 2016 and a nation-wide tour kicks off on March 26th and includes concerts at the RDS, Drogheda, Wexford Opera House, Cork, Limerick, Sligo, Monaghan and Derry. 

This concert will commemorate the events of Easter 1916 in music and narration. Michael Rooney’ s suite is a breathtakingly emotional journey, encapsulating the tension, suffering and spirit of 1916 through the medium of music, song and poetry. 

Work on the The Macalla Suite began in Feb 2015 and it was my second commission from Comhaltas Ceoltorí Éireann following the Boróimhe suite in 2014. What began as a good idea, came to fruition after much exploration, research and effort. Along the way, I' ve had a great experience working with National Folk Orchestra of Ireland and best young musicians in the country. I' m really excited about nationwide tour during Easter

Michael Rooney, Composer and Conductor of Macalla 1916

The suite is comprised of six movements, which are wonderfully performed by a unique orchestra comprised of best traditional and classical musicians in Ireland and England. 

Rooney writes: 'Work on the The Macalla Suite began in Feb 2015 and it was my second commission from Comhaltas Ceoltorí Éireann following the Boróimhe suite in 2014. What began as a good idea, came to fruition after much exploration, research and effort. Along the way, I’ ve had a great experience working with National Folk Orchestra of Ireland and best young musicians in the country. I’ m really excited about nationwide tour during Easter’ . 

Nationwide Tour Details for ‘Macalla 1916’ during Easter 
Sat 26th March RDS Dublin (State Event – Invitation Only)
Sun 27th March Drogheda, TLT Theatre 
Mon 28th March Wexford, National Opera House 
Tue 29th March Cork, Cork City Hall  
Wed 30th March Limerick, Lime Tree Theatre 
Thur 31st March Monaghan, Garage Theatre 
Fri 1st April Monaghan, Garage Theatre 
Sat 2nd April Sligo, Knocknarea Arena 
Sun 3rd April Derry, Millennium Forum 

The Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland
The Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland was first formed by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the late 1980s and has always attracted the most gifted young Irish musicians and singers. In 2014, the Orchestra was reformed to perform the Boróimhe Suite, which was written by Monaghan composer Michael Rooney to commemorate the millennium of the death of Brian Ború. 

The Orchestra is made up of over sixty of the finest young traditional and classical musicians from twenty different counties, Scotland and England. Veteran broadcaster Ciana Campbell and renowned Irish actor Diarmuid de Faoite will narrate the show, which has a strong Audio/Visual element to compliment the music. 

Labhrás Ó Murchú, Árdstiurthóir CCE said..“Our cultural identity was central to the aspirations and motivation of the 1916 Easter Rising. This was evident in the poetry, songs and writings of the leadership and others. This is encapsulated in the slogan ‘ Éire, ní amháin saor ach Gaelach comh mhaith’ . This cultural emphasis is reflected in the ethos of Comhaltas and defines our extensive centenary programme. Macalla 1916 is a rare opportunity to see some of the finest young musicians and singers in a unique orchestral setting commemorating an echo of the past, a vision for the future.”

Contact Details:
Website: www.macalla1916.ie/suite 
National Folk Orchestra of Ireland: [email protected] - www.nationalfolkorchestra.ie
Michael Rooney, Composer: [email protected] - www.draiochtmusic.com
Macalla Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/macalla1916
Twitter: @macalla_1916 
Youtube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Su7hVp
Dropbox Press Resources Folder: http://bit.ly/1YnhumL