Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE - Episode 5

Fingal County Council’s Arts Office presents ‘Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ Episode 5 featuring Louise Mulcahy. 

‘Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ sees acclaimed broadcaster Donal Dineen take us on a deep exploration of music in the company of some of the finest music makers in the land. Together they will tell the story of their sound, the songs, the instruments and their connection to them.

In each series they will perform at THE HIDE SCULPTURE, a sculpture by artist Garrett Phelan that invites contemplation and deep listening. It is located along the Rogerstown Estuary, North County Dublin and home to a diverse population of resident and migrating birds that have chosen this place as their home. Once Upon a Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE is delighted to present Episode 5 – Louise Mulcahy.

Donal Dineen describes the series and introduces Louise saying "The whole intention behind the Once Upon A Sound series is to get a look inside that special space which exists between a musician and their instrument. This is where the magic happens and each instalment thus far has brought us closer to the alchemy.

In Episode Five we finally get to examine in detail the singular magic of the Uilleann Pipes with master piper Louise Mulcahy who was born into a musical family in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick. A veteran of several highly acclaimed albums and a multi award-winner, Louise’s repertoire is as broad and discerning as her instrumental virtuosity.

She is among the finest of a new generation of pipers that have breathed new life into the instrument and her compelling sound is powered by both a feeling for tradition and a desire for innovation. Playing the late great Liam Óg O’Flynn’s set of pipes bequeathed to her by Na Píobairí Uilleann, Louise talks about the history of the instrument and its revival before demonstrating in-depth the skill it takes to play it as well as discussing the range of unique sonic possibilities it offers."

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Seána Ó Rodaigh  said: ‘These recordings are another innovative use of the HIDE SCULPTURE at Rogerstown Park and I really look forward to hearing Louise Mulcahy. I congratulate those who are developing the park as a greater asset for the Fingal community and am delighted to see the arts contributing to this process’

Caroline Cowley, Public Art Co-ordinator has expressed ‘This series has allowed us to expand audience engagement with THE HIDE SCULPTURE as the park continues to develop into a public amenity while continuing to acknowledge the wide reach that this permanent sculpture has across a range of cultural platforms.'

Of the initiative Director of Services of the Tourism, Economic and Cultural Development Department Emer O’Gorman said ‘We are delighted to support this series especially as part of our significant investment in THE HIDE SCULPTURE at Rogerstown Park, Lusk especially during Covid 19 where it is more important than ever to support artists, especially musicians affected by the reduced opportunities to tour and perform live in the last year.' 

The location for this project is THE HIDE SCULPTURE a permanent public art work by artist Garrett Phelan. It is located on the Rogerstown Estuary, Lusk and is commissioned through Fingal County Council's Public Art Programme.  Garrett has created THE HIDE SCULPTURE as a 21st Century Monument that incorporates function by inviting a range of engagements with it across the spheres of education, music, activism and community to enable a greater understanding of the place of art in society. THE HIDE SCULPTURE and its proximity to the changing tides and migratory bird patterns of the Rogerstown Estuary, reminds us of how connected we are to our natural environment, the rituals of our ancient past and to those who valued nature as their guide and inspiration for language, music and art. 

“Having created several portraits of Donal Dineen for over a decade it was a natural and perfect progression for me to invite Donal ‘s experience and curation of musicians and music into the atmosphere, meaning and machinations of THE HIDE SCULPTURE in the most natural possible way”.- Garrett Phelan 

We are delighted to present these episodes of ‘Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ with Donal Dineen who represents integrity and seriousness to his core audience, many of whom have developed their musical knowledge with him over many years. Donal is a consistent in his commitment to connect, understand and introduce to new perspectives on music to audiences for over two decades.

‘Once Upon a Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ featuring Louise Mulcahy can be viewed here  https://vimeo.com/652500500 and will be available to view on Fingal Arts Vimeo & www.thehideproject.com  where you can also catch up on the series so far with stunning performances by Liam Ó Maonlaí  Anna Mieke, Niwel Tsumbu & Cormac Begley.