The Music Department at UCC, in association with the Arts Council, the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS), and the School of Film, Music and Theatre at UCC, are delighted to announce the appointment of renowned singer and fiddle player, Niamh Dunne as the 2024 Arts Council / UCC Traditional Artist in Residence. As part of the role, Niamh will deliver a series of concerts, workshops, and events throughout the UCC campus community during the course of her one-year residency, beginning in January 2024.
Niamh is an accomplished fiddle player and singer. ‘Tides’, her first album of self-penned songs was released in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim. She is a member of the group, Beoga whose album ‘How to Tune a Fish’ was shortlisted for a Grammy nomination in the ‘Best Contemporary World Music Album’ category. In 2017 Beoga collaborated with Ed Sheeran on his ‘÷’ album and later that year, the band performed with Sheeran during his headline Glastonbury performance.
Niamh is a long-standing member of The Karan Casey Band and she has accumulated vast experience as a composer, performing her own compositions and songs at The Proms in the Park with The Ulster Orchestra, and with the RTÉ concert Orchestra in the National Concert Hall.
Niamh will be hosted by the Department of Music at UCC, where the study of Irish traditional music and dance has been pioneered for over a century. Irish traditional music is a key part of the Music Department’s identity, occupying a prominent place in its music curricula, alongside classical music, popular music, jazz, contemporary music, Javanese Gamelan, and various world musics.
At the Department of Music, Niamh will be warmly welcomed by a team of internationally recognised traditional artists who include Máire Ní Chéileachair, Connie O’Connell, Conal Ó Gráda, Colm Murphy, Niall Vallely, Karan Casey, Diarmuid Ó Meachair, Mary Mitchell-Ingoldsby and Jack Talty.
Niamh is UCC’s 2024 Traditional Artist in Residence
New album Tides is out now LISTEN HERE
“**** Tides is a deeply considered and generously endowed collection of original songs. Unhurried, thoughtful solo collection full of heart and soul” (The Irish Times)
“The feminist themes here…throughout the album…. are handled with a deft, incisive touch that rewards close listening.” (The Irish Echo)
“We’ve know for years that Niamh Dunne is one of our finest singers and this album brings her centre stage. It’s a keeper and quite possibly the Irish folk album of the year.” (Irish Music Magazine)
The Raven is the first single from Niamh’s new album Tides
“The Raven” draws on traditional song in its makeup and delivery, and its inception was inspired by Celtic mythology and Folklore. It loosely tells the story of The Morrigan and Cu Chulainn. The Morrigan is the Celtic Goddess of War, a triple Goddess, the Queen of Death and Destiny. She is a shapeshifter and here takes the shape of a Raven who ultimately forewarns Cu Chulainn that he will be slain in battle. The warrior pays no heed, and when The Morrigan shape-shifts into an old woman and washes his armour in the sea his fate is sealed.
Songs I Like Singing; Live EP
Available on Bandcamp
ABOUT
Niamh Dunne is an accomplished violin player and singer, who is known for her folk infused fiddle compositions and smoky warm vocal style. She has performed on the world stage as founding member of the renowned band Beoga. Beoga are best known for their Irish fusion music and 20 years touring and recording experience. Their album ‘How to tune a fish’ was shortlisted for a Grammy nomination in the ‘Best contemporary world music album’ category. In 2017 their profile was elevated through their writing and performances on Ed Sheeran’s ‘÷’ album. They made numerous appearances with Sheeran, including his headline Glastonbury performance, and were the support act on his 2018 tour.
Niamh has vast experience as a composer and has performed her own compositions with a full orchestra at the The Proms in the Park and written with top Irish song writers including Stefanie Rainey, Foy Vance and Ryan McMullan.
Her influences are rooted in traditional Irish and folk but has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of the tradition to explore new ground and pave the way for contemporary Irish music. She is well regarded session musician who focuses on layering lush strings and backing vocals for a myriad of different genres and projects. Niamh is also a collaborator and is always looking to expand her musical horizons with other artists and musicians.
Her debut album Portraits was released in 2013. Her Live EP “ Songs I Like Singing” was released in 2022 and is available here. Her first self penned collection of songs will be released in September 2022.