ON AIR: The New Classical FM

Odhrán Ó Casaide joins Classical Jukebox to discuss “Bound For Canada” from Canada Ireland Foundation

Station Blog2023-2-28By: Classical Staff

Odhrán Ó Casaide has extensive experience as a performer in both the classical and traditional genres, and is an accomplished performer on the uileann pipes. He performed the main violin theme in the award-winning Hollywood film “Calvary” and has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Orchestra of the Royal Northern College in Manchester, the Denver Symphony Orchestra, Colorado.

On the traditional front, he has performed concerts with some of the leading Irish musicians such as Iarla O Lionard, Steve Cooney, Mary Black, Christy Moore, Sinéad O Connor and Liam Ó Maonlaí.

Odhrán has composed for RTE TV programmes, has a range of primary recordings and composed Marbhna 1916, a requiem reflecting two great musical traditions in Ireland at the time of the Rising in 1916 – classical and traditional. This work has been performed in Dublin, London, New York and Toronto. He recently was commissioned by An Garda Siochana to compose a commemorative work to mark the 100th anniversary of their foundation.

He has performed throughout the world, including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York; Massey Hall, Toronto; Royal Albert Hall, London, and on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, in the presence of Pope John Paul II. He presented a suite of traditional music to Pope Francis on his 2018 visit to Knock.

Bound For Canada, commissioned by Canada Ireland Foundation is a moving work which reflects the support and in some instances ultimate sacrifice made by Canadian medics and clergy of all denominations in assisting those fleeing famine in Ireland in 1847. This composition is in fulfilment of Odhran’s doctoral work at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland.

Daniel Vnukowski welcomed Odhrán Ó Casaide to Classical Jukebox to discuss this upcoming concert.

Listen below: