Strung
Contemporary Irish Music Ensemble
Strung are a contemporary Irish music ensemble comprising Maria Ryan (violin/vocals), Lucia Mac Partlin (violin), Séan Warren (cello) and Aonghus McCarthy (piano). Originally forming in Cork, they have toured extensively in Ireland, Europe and the US. Their dynamic ensemble and unique backgrounds allow them to subtly integrate complex harmonies and innovative motifs, while staying true to the deep-rooted authenticity of traditional Irish melodies.
This episode was created in collaboration with the JCT Music Team.
Aonghus McCarthy
Lucia Mac Partlin
Maria Ryan
Sean Warren
Full Episode
n our conversation, Maria, Lucia and Aonghus chat to us about their unique style and where they have drawn their inspiration from. They give us an insight into how they go about composing and arranging as well as how they go about sharing their music publicly.
The episode also includes two live recordings in studio of The Hut on Staffin Island (Phil Cunningham) and A tune for the girls and Anne Lacey’s (Liz Carroll).
We hope you enjoy!
Some teacher reflection questions
Q. Lucia talks about keeping traditional music at the centre of their music and then drawing on inspiration from other genres. What is your favourite musical genre? Do you like to explore other genres? What do you think are the benefits of listening to a wide variety of types of music?
Q. Maria, Lucia and Aonghus talk about the influence that their friendship has on how they arrange and compose their music. Have you had experience of playing music with friends? What has your experience been of learning and playing together?
Q. Maria talks about the band’s reflection being a gradual process. Do you think it is important for musicians to reflect on their work? Have you had experience of reflecting on your work and making gradual changes based on that reflection?
Q. The band tell us about ‘getting their music out there’. They highlight the importance of visuals when trying to draw people in. In what way do you think visuals can enhance how groups communicate to the public? Can you think of a visual that helped you take notice of a music group?
Note: The podcast might be particularly interesting to those engaged in Music or Artistic Performance as a short course at Junior Cycle. Please find more information about both here:
Music: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Junior-Cycle-Subjects/Music/
Artistic Performance: www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Short-Courses/Artistic-Performance