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The Inishowen Peninsula is home to a rich and enduring tradition of unaccompanied singing, with songs carried for generations through individual singers & families.‘Sounding the Peninsula’ pays tribute to these singers, and the collectors who have documented their legacy, in a unique evening of traditional song arranged for solo voice and the Inishowen Trad Choir – a new ‘voice’ in the tradition.
The performance will feature the Inishowen Trad Choir, under the direction of Lorna McLaughlin (The Henry Girls), and four of Ireland’s leading award winning traditional & folk singers & recording artists: Nell Ní Chróinín (TG4 Singer of the Year), Niall Hanna (TG4 Singer of the Year), Rita Gallagher (TG4 Singer of the Year) and John Francis Flynn (RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Best Folk Singer). Each singer will perform songs sung and collected in Inishowen, specially arranged by Gerry Cullen (The Voice Squad), Ruth Clinton (Landless), Neil Burns, and Joleen McLaughlin (The Henry Girls). Musical accompaniment: Joleen McLaughlin (harp), Paula Houton (flute/whistle) and Milo Crossan (mandolin).
The Inishowen Trad Choir is a mixed voice adult choir drawing singers from across the Inishowen Peninsula, Derry and Co. Donegal. Inspired by involvement in ITMP’s music & choral suite ‘Inishowen’, Lorna McLaughlin & Grace Toland, formed the choir in 2023 to focus on developing a new outlet for singers to learn and perform traditional songs from Inishowen. The group combines the power of two great traditions – the unaccompanied singer and choral singing to create a new ‘voice’ in our rich song heritage.
Our programme for Sounding the Peninsula is drawn from ITSC’s multimedia archive of older singers, many of whom were recorded by ITSC founder Jimmy McBride during the 1980s and 1990s. These videos and sound recordings capture a wealth of singing sessions in pubs and homes, featuring songs that delve back hundreds of years into the oral tradition, sitting happily alongside those heard on the radio, or found in the Ireland’s Own. This collection of songs and singers is a wonderful window into a time when singing held a central role in the life and homes of the community, and in entertainment. Sadly many of these singers are no longer with us but their legacy will remain alive in those who continue to learn and sing their songs.
The concert will include songs from: Kate Doherty (Denery) from the Isle of Doagh, Clonmany; Charlie McGonigle (James Eoghain), Cloontagh, Clonmany; Corney McDaid, Cockhil, Buncrana; Sarah Diver (Granny Coyle), Urris, Clonmany. Their songs have been given into the hands of four contemporary arrangers to interweave choir, solo voice and occasionally musical accompaniment to create unique interpretations of the material.
ITSC founded in 1988 continues to play a central role in providing space and opportunities for singers to continue to sing these songs with monthly singing sessions, and an annual festival of traditional singing. It now manages a range of archival and creative projects, striving to keep singing alive and accessible for everyone. If you would like more information on getting involved in, and/or supporting our activities and projects please visit our website.
For more information on all the ‘Sounding the Peninsula’ performers, arrangers and original singers, visit the Inishowen Traditional Singers’ Circle website.
Sounding the Peninsula is generously funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Donegal County Council.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
An Grianan Theatre, Port Road,Letterkenny, Ireland
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