Garda Band to star in Irish premiere of stunning production in Ballina next week
Pat Kenny, Musical Director with the Garda Band
Following the successful international premiere of Bound for Canada: A Musical Journey from Hardship to Hope in Toronto, the Irish premiere will take place in Ballina Arts Centre, County Mayo on December 5th and 6th.
A key highlight of the event will be the performance by musicians of The Garda Band, led by Pat Kenny, Musical Director with the Garda Band, who will conduct the orchestra for this special occasion.
This 80-minute orchestral suite, composed by Dr Odhrán Ó Casaide, forms the centrepiece of his recently completed doctoral research at Dundalk Institute of Technology. The work pays tribute to the resilience and courage of the Irish Famine migrants who, in 1847, embarked on their perilous journeys in search of a new life.
It also serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the compassionate people of Canada who provided refuge, care, and hope to the thousands of Irish men, women, and children who arrived on those distant shores during one of the darkest chapters in the country’s shared history.
The evening will include a welcome from Councillor Seán Carey, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council and special guests, Minister Dara Calleary and Robert G. Kearns, Founding Chair of the Canada Ireland Foundation. The orchestra features performers such as Sibéal, Ellen Fair, Patrick Lacken, Dr Odhrán Ó Casaide, Maitiú Ó Casaide, the Garda Band and the St Muredach’s Cathedral Choir.
All proceeds from both evenings will go directly to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation to support its future development of The Sunflower Children’s Hospice for the Western Seaboard.
To book tickets for the event, visit www.ballinaartscentre.com.
To make a donation, see www.hospice.ie.
