This Scholars evening of live vocal and piano performance takes us on a journey to three branches of the Irish diaspora as reflected in songs that were written by and about the people who took those perilous journeys. We will look specifically at those who emigrated to England, North America, and Australia. The evening will include fight songs, lullabies, comedic pieces, story-telling ballads, and even a few modally infused pieces that can trace their roots back to the traditional sean-nós (or “old style” in Gaelic) of unaccompanied singing practiced in Ireland.

Together we will explore the reasons why people left their native land, their expectations and
hopes, the realities that they were confronted with upon reaching their destination, and the
many ways they responded and adjusted to those realities. Through vocal music, we will take a deep dive into the motivations that can inspire a people to not just endure, but to overcome and thrive in a new land.

Our speaker and vocalist, Sean O’Donnell, is an educator, performer, and composer; he will be accompanied by Jon Williams on piano. Sean studied vocal performance as an undergraduate and holds a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from McDaniel College. He teaches band, chorus, orchestra, and general music in Cecil County, Maryland where he has twice been nominated for Cecil County Teacher of The Year. Sean regularly performs the tenor roles in the Gilbert & Sullivan repertory with the Ardensingers Gild and with other performing groups throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Sean has composed for regional choral festivals and special events like The Folger Children’s Shakespeare Festival in Washington D.C. The arrangements of the songs in tonight’s
\ presentation represents the culmination of a lifelong fascination with the unique character of Irish folk song.

The Scholars Gild, a part of the Arden Club, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September through June. We usually use a hybrid Live-Zoom model. There are sometimes technical glitches so your patience is appreciated.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89018127886?pwd=dIPlIZUmh3FYZ9dsUaNDq5mjxiDQRm.1
Meeting ID: 890 1812 7886 Passcode: 504221

There is no fee to attend Scholars Gild discussions.  We would like to encourage all to make a donation live or at http://ardenclub.org/donate/.  Your support helps keep the virtual and in-person lights on at the Club and makes possible dynamic programming like concerts, theater, dance, and of course, our Scholars Gild evenings. 

If you would like to receive email notifications about this or future Scholars Gild events, contact the Scholars Gild via ScholarsGild@gmail.com.  Plus, follow the “Arden Scholars’ Gild” on Facebook to get all the updates.