Description

Returning/Filleadh marks the return of composer/producer Colm Ó Foghlú following an extended period composing for numerous stage, radio and dance projects. Most of the pieces on the album were composed to celebrate or mark personal events in the lives of those around him and feature some of Ireland’s most renowned singers and musicians. Joining Lynda Lee (soprano), John Molloy (bass), Gavan Ring (tenor) and Sarah Waldron (soprano), Martin Johnson (cello), Conor Linehan (piano) and Sylvain Gnemmi (cor anglaise) is The Orchestra of Ireland under the baton of David Brophy.

‘The idea of this project was born in the lockdown when I hoped and dreamed of returning to the studio, someday.  And so, on 12 November 2021, a company of forty arrived in Studio 1, Windmill Lane, and recorded these tracks, live, without click or
overdubs, harking back to a simpler time, thrilling in the community of live performance.”

The album features 12 tracks including setting of texts by Shakespeare, Micheál mac Liammóir and Vincent Woods, the Irish word Filleadh also be a homonym of file or poet. Returning also features The Blasket Suite performed by Aoife Ní Bhriain (violin), Niamh Ní Charra (concertina), Noreen O’Donoghue (harp) and Musici Ireland conducted by Liam Bates.

“I believe Colm Ó Foghlú is one of the most talented and innovative musicians and composers working in Ireland, both eloquent and erudite about the craft of music.”. –

Eavan Boland