An Cosán Draíochta

Stiúideo Cuan are delighted to announce that An Cosán Draíochta, a new music commission by Johnny Óg Connolly in memory of his late father, renowned melodeon player Johnny Connolly, will be on nationwide tour this Autumn.
 
Johnny Connolly; Johnny na gConnollys; Johnny Phádraic Phíotair; Johnny Phádraig Phíotair Thomáis Mhichil Thaidhg; Johnny Inis Bearachain; Sean-Johnny; King of the Melodeon – he had many names but they all brought the same man to mind: a gentle, kind, warm-hearted musical genius that filled every room he was in with joy and rhythm that lifted spirits and inspired sean-nós dancers across the globe.
 
Johnny Connolly was laid to rest on New Year’s Eve 2019. As the community of Cois Fharraige in Connemara and the wider traditional music family laid one of their heroes to rest, little did anyone know that the entire world of live music would soon be silenced completely with the onslaught of Covid-19.
 
During the ensuing lockdown, Stiúideo Cuan commissioned composer and musician Johnny Óg Connolly to compose a suite in memory and celebration of his late father. We are delighted to announce that this new work, An Cosán Draíochta, will be performed in Triskel Arts Centre on Friday 21 October 2022.
 
An Cosán Draíochta was the name given by the inhabitants of Inis Bearachain to the path which emerged to the mainland during the ebb tide. A liminal space, An Cosán Draíochta was arterial in the life and psyche of the islanders – as was their music.
 
This high-end work will feature solo and ensemble elements, seamlessly weaving music and the oral art forms of song & poetry. The A-list performers include Ciara Ní Bhriain (fiddle/viola), Clíodhna Ní Choisdealbha (banjo, tenor guitar & Greek bouzouki), Jim Higgins (piano & percussion), Pádraig Ó Dubhgaill (guitar), Johnny Óg Connolly (accordion & melodeon), Seosamh Ó Neachtain (dancer) & Áine Ní Dhroighneáin (singer / actor).
 
An Cosán Draíochta is produced by multi-award winning writer and director Darach Mac Con Iomaire, Creative Director of Stiúideo Cuan.