He is the first of three Musicians-in-Residence for 2021 in a scheme jointly funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Arts Council and managed by Music Network.
During the course of his Residency, traditional flute player Iarlaith Mac Gabhann will use archival material to investigate tunes by lesser known musicians associated with the North Connacht flute tradition. In parallel to this, Iarlaith will engage with local musician and founding member of The Chieftains, Michael Tubridy. Iarlaith will investigate and record Michael’s experience in music as well as his extensive knowledge of traditional music and dance, with a focus on Dublin-based flute players.
Over the six-week Residency beginning on Wednesday 19th May, audiences will be offered insights into the creative process through regular online updates from Iarlaith on dlr’s and Music Network’s social media channels. The Residency will culminate in a public performance to showcase the material and knowledge collected from his research. It is hoped that it will be possible to schedule this as a live event in late summer or early autumn, subject to public health restrictions.
"Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to offer this opportunity to musicians allowing for the time, space and resources to focus on creating new work or developing new collaborations. We are particularly pleased to support Iarlaith as an emerging musician based in the County." An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Una Power
Iarlaith Mac Gabhann’s music is strongly influenced by flute players such as John McKenna, Tom Morrison, Packie Duignan, Patsy Hanly, Séamus Tansey and Roger Sherlock to name a few. He has performed regularly at festivals including The Cruinniú na Bhfliúit Showcase in 2019 and has taught at a range of festivals including The Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Iarlaith is a member of the band Nuadán, who released their album “Dén Díobháil” to great acclaim in 2020.
The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Musicians-in-Residence Scheme provides opportunities for performers and composers to develop and showcase new work and cultivate new artistic collaborations. The Residencies also serve to enrich the cultural environment of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and beyond.
"It is an honour and a privilege to be awarded the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Emerging Musician-in-Residence 2021, particularly during what is a barren period for many artists. What I’m most looking forward to during the residency period is delving further into historical archival material such as recordings, as well as engaging with key local musicians of the older generation, to develop and hone my flute playing, while also increasing my understanding of the music in its broader context." Iarlaith Mac Gabhann
The dlr Musicians-in-Residence Scheme was established in 2015. Previous Musicians-in-Residence have included composer and guitarist Dave Flynn, the Tommy Halferty Trio, chamber group Ikigai, percussionist and composer Éamonn Cagney, improvising pianist and composer Izumi Kimura, composer, sound designer and multi-instrumentalist Lara Gallagher, vocalist and songwriter Susan McKeown, pianist and composer Conor Linehan, sound artist and composer Craig Cox, musician and composer Sebastian Adams, The Eidola Trio, soprano Elizabeth Hilliard with composer Gráinne Mulvey, jazz drummer Matthew Jacobson and Metier, a jazz quintet led by Ronan Guilfoyle.