Multi media work by Derek Ball celebrates Diwali

The multi-media show called Éanlaith Strae / Stray Birds, celebrating the work of the great Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore in his 150th anniversary month, takes place on Saturday 22nd October. The event is part of Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights. With music by Derek Ball, poetry by Tagore in Irish & English, and visual art by Donegal-based artist Ian Joyce, Éanlaith Strae / Stray Birds will take place in Hall 8, Simmonscourt, RDS, Dublin at 1:30pm.

Éanlaith Strae / Stray Birds lasts about an hour and was successfully premiered in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal in May. Its music is continuous and of three types: quiet static music accompanies the poetry recitations; after many of the poems there is music specifically commenting on the content or mood of the words; and some of the Irish translations are set as songs. Gabriel Rosenstock, who participates in the performance alongside Cathal Ó Searcaigh, provided the Irish translations of the Tagore poetry.  The composer appears playing a bodhrán.  The eminent sean-nós singer Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde and the Donegal-based visual artist Ian Joyce are also part of the show.  Víctor Yélamo conducts the Donegal Chamber Orchestra, which is funded by Co. Donegal VEC music education partnership.