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The 80-minute orchestral suite, composed by Dr. Odhrán Ó Casaide, forms the centrepiece of his recently completed doctoral research at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Bound for Canada: A Musical Journey from Hardship to Hope, an orchestral suite composed by Dundalk Institute of Technology doctoral graduate Dr. Odhrán Ó Casaide, will make its Irish premiere in Ballina Arts Centre this December
The 80-minute orchestral suite, composed by Dr. Odhrán Ó Casaide, forms the centrepiece of his recently completed doctoral research at Dundalk Institute of Technology. The work pays tribute to the resilience and courage of the Irish Famine migrants who, in 1847, embarked on their perilous journeys in search of a new life.
It also serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the compassionate people of Canada who provided refuge, care, and hope to the thousands of Irish men, women, and children who arrived on those distant shores during one of the darkest chapters in our shared history.
The evening will include a welcome from Councillor Seán Carey, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council and special guests, Minister Dara Calleary, T.D. Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Robert G. Kearns, Founding Chair, Canada Ireland Foundation. The orchestra will be conducted by Pat Kenny, Musical Director with The Garda Band, and will feature the following performers:
All proceeds from both evenings will go directly to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation to support its future development of a Children’s Hospice for the Western Seaboard, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks. Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation provides palliative care services to people with life limiting illnesses and their families in County Mayo and County Roscommon.
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said:
“It is so special to have Bound for Canada premiere here in Mayo and I am incredibly proud that our next project will benefit from what’s going to be a truly fantastic event. This concert represents hope, compassion, and community coming together in support of children and families who need it most. We are extremely grateful to everyone involved.”
Dr. Sheila Flanagan, Vice President Academic Affairs, DkIT, said
“We are delighted to bring Bound for Canada to County Mayo following its successful premiere in Toronto. This sweeping musical epic represents a creative, skilled, and moving rendering of a major chapter in the conjoined histories of Ireland and Canada. It is a tribute to Canada for its compassionate response to Ireland in a year of desperate, apocalyptic need and it is indeed appropriate that the narrative within the music is representative of hope. We are thrilled to support Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in its future development of a Children’s Hospice through this concert event.”
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council, added
“Mayo County Council, in collaboration with our event partners, is proud to welcome Bound for Canada to Ballina - a celebration of the enduring relationship between County Mayo and our diaspora community in Canada. This event represents a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening international connections and fostering relationships that honour our shared heritage. It also opens new avenues for cultural, social, and economic collaboration between Mayo and our global family.
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"We are especially honoured to once again welcome His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, to County Mayo. His presence at this event underscores the importance of our transatlantic ties and the mutual respect that continues to grow between our communities.
"In addition to celebrating our diaspora, this occasion also supports the future development of a vital new Hospice service for the people of Mayo and the wider region - a testament to our collective values of compassion, care, generosity of spirit and community.
"Mayo County Council looks forward to welcoming audiences to Ballina Arts Centre on 5th and 6th December for what promises to be a significant, enjoyable and memorable event.”
To book tickets for the event, visit www.ballinaartscentre.com
To make a donation, see www.hospice.ie
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