A Nation’s Song 1916-2016

University Concert Hall is delighted to present A Nation’s Song on Saturday 21^st May, to commemorate the Centenary of the 1916 Rising. This Gala concert will feature the Military and Pipe Bands of the Defence Forces, under Lieutenant Colonel Mark Armstrong, together with special guests Owen Gilhooly, Mairéad Buicke, Pádraic Keane and the Irish World Academy Choir.

Some of the country’s most well-loved songs and tunes will be beautifully presented by this combination of national and local talent. The Irish Army March, The Boys of Wexford, Finnegan’s Wake and Limerick’s Lament are just some of the pieces to be performed by the Military and Pipe Bands of the Defence Forces. Mairead, Owen and the Irish World Academy Choir will join them for favourites such as I Dreamt I Dwelt In Marble Halls, Danny Boy, Macushla and You Are the New Day, with everyone coming together for a rousing finale.

A Nation’s Song will celebrate Limerick’s part in the 1916 Rising by showcasing some of the city’s greatest musical talent, performing works from throughout our nation’s history.

The Defence Forces School of Music was established in 1923 with four military bands being formed during the early years of the Irish state. Defence Forces Bands continue to perform at all major military and state ceremonial occasions including all Presidential Inaugurations from that of the first president of Ireland, Douglas Hyde to the present day. The band performing for A Nation’s Song is a composite band drawn from the three bands of today’s Defence Forces – Band 1 Brigade (Cork), Band 2 Brigade (Athlone) and the Army No.1 Band (Dublin).

Defence Forces Pipe bands also play an important part in many ceremonial and sporting occasions and are probably best known from their performances during the Dublin Horse Show in August of each year.

Presented by University Concert Hall

In association with RTE lyric fm