Wild Bees' Nest

In Bees' Nest artists Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert have worked the Goilin singers in a unique collaboration with the National Library and the Irish Traditional Music archive.  Initially the group researched songs they already sang and presented their findings in sold out public performance in December 2010.

Now the groups are creating new compositions in the traditional song genre aiming towards a final performance on 31 May in the National Library.  You can follow all the stages of the project, and hear a flavour of the singing, online at www.wildbeesnest.ie

Aileen Lambert says “In traditional song there is a great value placed on experience and age, as with it the singers storytelling and expression develops. This project draws people with a lifetime of experience of traditional song together with our cultural institutions to consider how to research and develop new songs in that style. We're delighted to have drawn together such a diverse group of singers to collaboratively explore their creativity in the area of traditional song."

Traditional singing, unaccompanied and almost always sung solo, relies on the audience as much as the singer. Singer Fergus Russell explains “Traditional singing needs the listener; that is how songs survive for generations. So, at our Goilin sessions, todays singers make songs their own, but without losing the integrity of the words or the core authenticity of the air”

For tickets to the May 31st concert call the National Library on 01 603 0259 or 01 603 0346 or email info@nli.ie

Bees' nest continues of Bealtaine’s successful relationship with The National Library of Ireland building on the “Magpie’s Nest” project fro details see www.themagpiesnest.ie