A grand celebration of creative expression was held at the University of Limerick to mark the launch of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
This Valentine’s Day, the love for music and dance was in abundance on the UL campus as we kicked off a year of celebration to mark the internationally renowned academy’s 30th anniversary.
House of Light, the opening event of “Academy 30: Fís and Fás/Vision and Growth,” filled the campus with color and sound this Wednesday.
A procession across the Living Bridge featuring aerial dancers, an African drumming ensemble, and traditional Irish music and dance was a highlight of the event.
The 350-metre-long steel bridge spanning the River Shannon between UL’s Limerick and Clare campuses shook as a spectacular music and dance showcase took place.
Professor Helen Phelan, Director of the World Academy of Ireland, said: “Thirty years ago, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance existed in a realm of hopes and dreams. Today, it exists not only on the banks of the River Shannon, but at the feet of every dancer, in the hands of every musician, in the hands of every singer. It is also found in the voices of the people and in the hearts of all who are committed to the search for creative wisdom.
“The theme of our annual festival, Fís and Fás, or Vision and Growth, is about the continued growth of a sustainable, interconnected ecosystem of well-being, rooted in the regenerative power of culture, creativity and community. It evokes our shared vision for.”
Founded in 1994, the Academy appointed world-renowned composer, performer and educator Michel Ó Sillabain as its first Music Chair. O’Sillabain’s vision, championed by the university and strengthened by philanthropic support, has seen the Academy grow into an internationally recognized center for innovative performing arts education, with approximately 2,500 alumni and students over 30 years. , has over 300 current students from over 50 countries.
The Irish World Academy offers courses in Irish music and dance, classical music, contemporary dance, medieval chant, songwriting, ethnomusicology, folk choreography, festive arts, music therapy, music education, and community music, from undergraduate programs to postdoctoral programs. We provide educational opportunities regarding.
It also welcomes more than 40 musicians, dancers and singers as artists-in-residence, and runs a parallel artistic commission program that generates new compositions, choreography and works of art.
A center of excellence for academic and performance in a state-of-the-art building with two theatres, a recording studio, private practice rooms and a dance studio, the Academy is one of Ireland’s most culturally diverse performing arts educational energy centers. One. is a pioneer in bringing indigenous and global art practices into higher education culture.
Dr Sandra Joyce, Chair of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, who was Director of the Ireland World Academy from 2013 to 2022, said: As the world’s first academy to offer a full degree in Irish traditional music and both undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees in Irish dance, we have continued a series of global ‘firsts’ over the past 30 years.
“Nationally, the academy was the first in Ireland to offer a master’s program in music therapy and community music, and developed a structured doctoral program in arts studies.
“We are very proud of all that UL has achieved over 30 years and look forward to a year of events that celebrates the past while also looking ahead to an exciting growth future.” Dr. Joyce added.
The House of Light celebration coincides with the Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marks the return of light after the winter months, and is also a reference to architect Daniel Cordier’s original vision for the Academy. This is the first event in a year-long program celebrating Fís and the academies related to the theme of Fás.
A highlight of the event was a series of “Duologue” performances held at a reception in the Academy building, featuring creators performing impromptu interdisciplinary duets. The pairing included traditional Irish dancers and singers, violinists and electronic artists, pipers and contemporary dancers.
Dr Matthew Noone, World Music BA Course Director and Curator of House of Light, said: This year’s event will capitalize on the rich talent of our students and alumni, immersing the Academy and the University of Limerick campus in a celebration of creative expression.
“The event features a series of interdisciplinary duets called Duologues, which pair artists from different disciplines and challenge performers to find common ground. Irish traditional dancers will be paired with singers. , the violinist collaborated with an electronic artist, the piper collaborated with a contemporary dancer, and the audience moved freely between performances throughout the afternoon, which was truly amazing,” Dr. Noon added.
For more information on the Year of Celebration, please visit www.irishworldacademy.ie