Geantraí an Iarthair supported by Draíocht

Geantraí an Iarthair is a recently established folk orchestra from the North West supported by funding from Co Operation Ireland. The Orchestra consists of 45+ musicians performing a wide variety of traditional music, some newly composed with arrangements and direction by Michael Rooney.

Draíocht – Michael Rooney and June McCormack – harp and flute. Michael is a renowned composer and plays harp and concertina. Among the highlights of his recent orchestral and ensemble compositions are ‘Constance’ (Nov 2019), The Famine Suite (2019), The De Cuellar Suite (2011), The Reconciliation Suite (2015) and The Macalla Suite (2016). His most recent composition is ‘The Ulster Suite’ for Ulster Comhaltas Orchestra which was premiered in July 2022. June comes from Ballintogher, Co. Sligo. In 1998, June was awarded The TG4 Gradam ‘Young Musician of the Year Award’ in the Town Hall Theatre in Galway, and that same year, she won the All Ireland Senior Flute Competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ballina. Michael and June have recently realised a CD – ‘Tobar an Cheoil’.

Supported by Co-Operation with Northern Ireland Scheme 2022 as administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.