Red Book of Ossory Series-'A Walk around the Grounds' Music Concert

'A Walk around the Grounds'

'Grounds' [tunes based on recurring chord sequences] have been fundamental to composition and improvisation throughout recorded musical history – 'Gregory Walker' was a name given to one such 16th-century dance, the Passemezzo Moderno. This programme features Early Music based on grounds from Ireland, Europe and the New World: Folías, Chaconnes, Canarios and more.

The Gregory Walkers are Laoise O’Brien (recorders), Eamon Sweeney (lute and guitars), Malachy Robinson (viol).

Laoise O'Brien, has been described in the press as a crusader with mesmerising skills and boundless imagination. Laoise has been championing the recorder since discovering the versatility and virtuosity of this historic instrument while a student of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. She has promoted the recorder through concert performances, education, recording, and broadcasting, working with multiple ensembles and arts organisations in Ireland.

Laoise is passionate about connection within the music community. She is Chair of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, part of the programming committee of Music in Kilkenny, and sits on the Local Music Education Partnership of Music Generation Kilkenny.

Dr Eamon Sweeney teaches and performs extensively, including giving broadcasts, lectures and seminars in Ireland and abroad and teaches with the CDETB. He is a member of ensembles: Sonamus, Tonos, and The Gregory Walkers and is passionate about music for young children and in healthcare settings. Eamon gratefully acknowledges the support of The Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, The Arts Council and Music Network through the Music Capital Scheme & The Artist Bursary Award.

Malachy Robinson is a prize-winning double-bass graduate of London’s Guildhall School of Music with a Masters degree in Historical Musicology from the University of London. Principal bass with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, he also plays viol with the Gregory Walkers, and as a continuo viol player he has performed with Armoniosa, Trio Quattro, Camerata Kilkenny, the Earley Musicke Ensemble, St James' Baroque, Chamber Choir Ireland and Sestina. His early music training was from his father Andrew, whose consort, the Dublin Viols, he is proud to be a member of. His viol is by René Slotboom, Utrecht.

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