The Allabair Trio : The Last of the Irish Bards: Turlough O'Carolan in Music & Song

Join us in the Great House attic at Sigginstown Castle to hear the music of Turlough O’Carolan with the Allabair Trio featuring Melanie O'Reilly (vocals), Dave Creevy (guitar) & Brewen Favreau (uilleann pipes & Irish whistle)

The Allabair Trio features three masters of music: guitarist-songwriter David Creevy, Celtic contemporary singer Melanie O’Reilly, and Breton musician Brewen Favrau on uilleann pipes and Irish whistle -who together collaborate to perform their unique musical project presenting the music and songs of Turlough O'Carolan, recognized as the first great Irish composer of the 17th century, while they also bring to musical life the poetry of Sliabh Luachra's Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin, one of the last of the great Gaelic poets.

They first met when they were commissioned by the Eugene O Neill Festival to perform in California, followed by the sister festival of New Ross Wexford and with the unique step of performing O Carolan's own lyrics to his instrumentals, adding a taste of music of the celtic nations. They chose the name "Allabair", because it is the old Irish word for "whisperings" or "echoes", thus channelling the echoes from Ireland's music roots in their performance. They have now added the poem-songs of Ó Súilleabháin to their repertoire, while also adding some of their own compositions which are inspired by the echoes of these unique artists.

Since they formed , they have performed in the European Heritage Weekend Festival in Normandy France, the Festival of Ferns celebrating Ancient Connections, and more recently have performed twice for the H.E. Ambassador of France to Ireland celebrating The Year of the French as part of 1798 Commemorations in Ireland and more recently performed a highly successful concert at Farmleigh House, all to packed houses and standing ovations. David will perform a development of the transcription of O’Carolan's music on guitar, while also accompanying Melanie who sings and weaves O’Carolan’s own lyrics into the melodies and Ó Súilleabháin's poetic lyrics to traditional tunes; renowned Breton musician Brewen Favreau will join them to play uilleann pipes and Irish whistle. Together will create a unique soundscape that includes some of their own compositions, which are rooted in tradition yet are utterly contemporary.

Turlough O’Carolan would have been born around the time the 17th century great house was built at Sigginstown Castle. The great house attic is on the second floor with a modern staircase and hand-rails on both sides. There are landings to rest. After the performance there will be tea and light refreshment served in the attic and 16th century tower lower hearth room at the same level.

There is limited seating in the event space, so please reserve in advance and ensure you have a seat. Tickets €15 in advance and €20 (if there are any left) at the door. Join us for a lovely evening of music in a period setting.