This presentation explores the rich traditions, evolving practices, and distinctive sound of Irish choral music. Beginning with an overview of Ireland’s musical heritage, it highlights stylistic features drawn from traditional music, including sean-nós ornamentation, modal inflections, and rhythmic patterns rooted in folk song and dance. Participants will be introduced to key Irish choral composers, from nationalist voices of the 19th and 20th centuries to contemporary composers and arrangers shaping today’s choral landscape. Through selected listening and score examples for ensembles, attendees will gain practical insights into performance for a variety of ensemble types. The session also addresses performance practice considerations such as diction strategies and dialect nuances when singing in the Irish language. Concluding with resources for locating scores and recordings, this workshop equips directors and singers with the tools to explore this vibrant repertoire. By uniting cultural context and practical musicianship, participants will experience the anam (soul) and fuaim (sound) of Irish choral music while deepening their musical and linguistic understanding

Authors:
Stacie Rossow, Florida Atlantic University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Stacie Lee Rossow is currently an Associate Professor of Music and Associate Chair at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL.

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

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