Réalta musicians premiere new piece, and bring local young musicians to share the stage, through Live Music Now
Teenagers from Limavady and Dungiven will share the stage this month joining forces with traditional music giants, Réalta, at a first ever concert organised and hosted by local charity Live Music Now. The music charity will bring an evening of traditional music and poetry to the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 28 April 2023 as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. In partnership with Bank of Ireland, the evening will feature poet Anne McMaster whose work has been published extensively in the USA, Canada, the UK and Ireland.
Musicians from Réalta have been working with Live Music Now in the area for several years and have been given a very special commission to write a piece in honour of the local people and area, taking inspiration from the local landscape, myths and legends. They’ve also been working with young traditional musicians from Dungiven and Limavady to create music, and bring it to a public performance, alongside the well-known repertoire of traditional tunes Réalta are known for.
Commenting on the project, Alice Lewis, National Director for live Music Now, said; “Described by Irish Music Magazine as “A full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza” we are thrilled to work with Réalta to make full use of the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world and bring together young musicians to enjoy and learn from this experience. Réalta members Conor Lamb and Deirdre Galway, have been working in the area for several years, and have developed a real affinity and connection with the local community. We are so excited to have commissioned them to write a piece in honour of Limavady and to present this at a special public event. Groups of young musicians from Limavady and Dungiven have had an amazing experience to work with two of the best on the traditional music scene.
“This is very different to our regular work in special schools and care home settings, but it has grown out of the very real inspiration and community connections the musicians have developed through their music-making. Through this project supported by Bank of Ireland, through its ‘Begin Together’ fund, and Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Rural Grants programme, Live Music Now have been able to stretch ourselves in a different way, and as a result we have unlocked new creative collaborations. We can now bring new music alongside Réalta’s own music to an event for the local community to enjoy.”
Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this project from Live Music Now through the Rural Engagement Arts Programme. We know that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as alleviate isolation and loneliness. The pandemic and the resulting lockdowns across the UK have taken a toll on individual lives, with mental health and well-being adversely effected and this has been particularly compounded in rural communities which are characterised by smaller and more dispersed populations.
Thanks to The National Lottery players, this funding will increase opportunities for people living in rural communities to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. The Arts Council believes that the arts can make a vital contribution to building wellbeing, confidence and healthy, integrated communities.”
The event takes place in Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 28 April 2023 starting at 8.00pm. Please note this is cabaret style seating and a ‘bring your own’ event. Tickets £12, concession £10 are available online via Eventbrite;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/live-music-now-presents-realta-tickets-577040903877