Creedon's Musical Atlas of Ireland returns for another season of stories and songs

Broadcaster John Creedon explores Ireland's rich musical heritage Sunday 2 August on RT One and RT Player

Broadcaster John Creedon returns with the latest chapter in his summer music series, Creedon's Musical Atlas of Ireland, on Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm on RT One and RT Player.

In the returning three-part series, John embarks on a journey to explore how music shapes the identity of Ireland and delves into the profound impact music has on Irish culture. He journeys the length and breadth of the country and engages with musicians, historians and cultural experts to understand how music has influenced Irish identity and continues to evolve.

One of Ireland's oldest myths is the inspiration for the opening episode. Dagda's magical harp was said to play three noble strains of music: Suantra , Geantra and Goltra , and John explores how those three ancient musical traditions are still alive today.

First up, Suantra (The Lullaby) music that comforts, soothes and brings peace. John explores Ireland's rich tradition of lullabies with singers Sib al N Chasaide and Maighread N Dhomhnaill, whose performance asks a simple question: what happens when we stop singing our native lullabies to our children? As songs disappear from family life, what traditions, language and quiet wisdom disappear with them? Next comes Geantra (Joy) music of celebration, energy and release, encapsulated in performances by The Scratch and Absolute Lilt. The final strain is Goltra (Lament) music that gives voice to grief. John meets Fermanagh's R is, who explores the ancient Irish tradition of keening, where women led communities in expressing loss through song.

The episode also features a personal performance from Galway composer E mear Noone, the first woman to conduct the orchestra at the Academy Awards. Performing her composition Malach, Angel Messenger with the RT Concert Orchestra, she reflects on writing the work following the loss of her child, using music to express the different stages of grief.

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2026/07/30/creedons-musical-atlas-of-ireland-retu...
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