A new work by Siobhán Cleary is premiered in Killarney on 22 November.

Mis, for Irish speaking narrator and orchestra, will be performed at Malton Hotel, Killarney on 22 November at 8:00 pm. It will be performed by the Kerry Orchestra and conducted by Aidan O'Carroll. The narrator is Danny Sheehy, a poet and local historian who also wrote the text.

The work is based on the Dingle folktale Mis agus Dubh Ruis which tells the story of Mis, daughter of Dáire Dóidgheal (King of the World) who goes mad after drinking the blood of her dead father at the battle of Ventry. She spends years in the wilderness before being tamed by Dubh Ruis, harper to the king, whose music succeeds in reawakening memories of her past life.

Siobhán Cleary's Mis was commissioned by the Kerry County Council with funds from the Arts Council of Ireland. The participation of Danny Sheehy was made possible through the Arts Council Deis scheme for Traditional Arts.

Posted: 4 November 2009