Music to our ears
It's back to school for one of Munster's well known musicians as he takes up a artist in residency role at UCC.
The Arts Council, in partnership with The College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences and the School of Film, Music and Theatre, both at UCC, have announced the appointment of the acclaimed performer and teacher, Danny O’Mahony, as the Traditional Artist in Residence at University College Cork 2019-20. O’Mahony will deliver a series of concerts, workshops, and classes over the course of his one year residency, beginning in September.
Danny O’Mahony is a traditional accordion player from Ballyduff in Kerry. He grew up immersed in the rich musical style of that region, playing with the older generation of musicians in his locality. His late father Mick, also a musician, nurtured his keen ear and interest in traditional Irish music.
Imaginative and fearless in his interpretation, Danny’s musical style is expressive and deeply personal. His passionate engagement with the traditions of his native area is embodied in his own creative practice and style which has brought him national and international acclaim.
In 2019 Danny was the chosen musician to inherit Tony MacMahon’s iconic accordion. Tony is one of the greatest living exponents of the accordion and this responsibility is testament to Danny’s standing and reputation within the traditional arts community.
O’Mahony will be hosted by The School of Film, Music and Theatre at UCC where the study of Irish traditional music and dance has been pioneered for many decades. It is a vital part of music studies at the university, where it stands shoulder to shoulder with classical music, popular music, jazz and various world musics, including the highly acclaimed Javanese gamelan ensemble. He will be warmly welcomed by a team of internationally recognized traditional artists including Bobby Gardiner, Máire Ní Chéilleachair, Connie O’Connell, Colm Murphy, Conal Ó Gráda, Niall Vallely, Oisín Morrison, Mary Mitchell-Ingoldsby and Tríona Ní Shíocháin.