As the soft warmth of February begins to transform into the sweltering heat of Texas summer, the Sarofim School of Fine Arts took its audience across the Atlantic to the nation of Éire – or as we would call it, Ireland. On a Saturday afternoon, headlined by Dáthí Sproule and James Kelly, the concert paid homage to the musical traditions seen inside Ireland. Songs included in the program were a mix of traditional slip jigs, reels, songs, and ballads. 

Of these, both a slip jig and a reel refer to both a style of Irish music but share their names with a form of Irish stepdance, meaning that many of the songs in the repertoire played were written to get one’s toes tapping. Both Sproule and Kelly are well-versed in traditional Irish music, with both being acclaimed in the field and earning respect both in Ireland and abroad here in the United States. Luckily for us here at Southwestern, we were blessed with the opportunity to hear their work with our own ears.

Standout songs of the afternoon included “Farewell to Connaught/The First House in Connaught”, an interweaving between two songs. Both songs are rather popular in traditional Irish sets, but together they wove a story of renewal in the setting of Connaught – once abandoned but now with hope budding from the seeds once planted there. Continuing in the vein of high-energy tunes, one of my favorites from the program was “Danny O’Donnell’s/The Cedars of Lebanon”. Also a set played as composed by Sean Ryan, this tune was described as something inspired by the composer’s time in the advertisement industry. This piece was both mellow and melodic, while also carrying the energetic lilting of a butterfly’s wings. 

Although Irish music might be best known for its lighthearted, bright rhythms, and the joyous effect it has on those who listen, some of the pieces carried a darker side of the nation’s history. This reflected in “The Boys of Mullaghbawn”, which described at length the experiences of those who were forcibly emigrated from Ireland. Either exiled for some illegal practices or captured and set off by others, the song explores the relationship between the Irish people and immigration, something often key to their identity as people. The history of Ireland is similarly echoed in “Johnny Seoighe”, detailing the fictional experiences of a man during the Potato Famine. In the sung tale, the character is in need and seeking shelter from the cruelty of famine on behalf of his wife. When denied, he questions why because his wife is as beautiful as a morning star. Both of these songs encapsulate key parts of Irish history as memories of the Potato Famine and immigration still resound today. Both Sproule and Tom Lockney (who played fiddle for part of the concert) are immigrants from Ireland, which brings even more power to these  songs. 

This concert was truly a lovely experience for everyone there. It is not often that one gets to hear an entire program built around appreciating music from another country and culture. My sincerest appreciation goes to the Sarofim School of Fine Arts for the organization of this experience, Dáthí Sproule and James Kelly for their wonderful work, and all those involved in the production of this concert. Others who played in the concert are as follows: Bruce Cain (baritone singer), David Asbury (guitar and banjo), Tom Lockney (fiddle), Andy Balinsky (flute), Erica Braverman (concertina and sean-nós dance), Mick MacQuaid (uilleann pipes), Kenny Tweedy (accordion), and Ian Varley (keyboard). This, among other programs put on by the Sarofim School, are truly a delight to behold for students and Georgetown locals alike. 

Upcoming events include BKLYN The Musical February 27-28 at 7:30 PM and March 1st at 2:00 PM, University Choirs February 28th at 2:00 PM, Sireno Trio March 3 at 7:30pm, and other wonderful events that can be found on the website.