Irish Traditional Music

IMG_7812.JPG

Swift Return

Featuring Olivia Barrett, Ellen Gibling, and Lizzy Hewitt, Swift Return blends fiddle, harp, and voice in delicate, thoughtful arrangements of Irish traditional and folk music. The trio met at the Irish World Academy in Limerick, Ireland, where they were drawn together by a shared passion for traditional music. Olivia and Ellen’s sounds reflect their immersion in the musical traditions of Canada’s West Coast and Maritime provinces and are grounded in a deep technical expertise. Lizzy’s clear tone and earnest vocals are informed by years of choral, jazz, and folk singing throughout the US and Europe. Swift Return was first formed when the trio was selected to represent the Academy onstage at the 2019 Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. They recently completed a tour of Nova Scotia in August 2023.

Recordings

I recorded an album during my Master’s year in the Irish World Academy. I was fortunate to learn these songs from incredible singers.

  • A Stór Mo Chroí (from Deirdre Scanlan)

  • Molly Na gCuach Ní Chuilleanáin (from Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh) - featuring Kellie Mannion (bodhrán) and Lucia Wagner (backing vocals)

  • May Morning Dew (from Seán Keane) - harmonium generously lent by Nóirín Ní Riain

 

University of Limerick: St. Patrick’s Day Video

Released March 17, 2020

“A collaboration between the Irish World Academy & International Division at University of Limerick bringing together the talents of International students…performing a unique rendition of 'Mo Ghile Mear' to mark St Patrick’s Day. We wanted to showcase not just the wide variety of international students studying in UL and their talents, but also the reach and spread of Ireland's culture, music and spirit across the world. Each year UL welcomes thousands of students from all over the world to Ireland, and they bring Ireland to the world. On March 17th all around the world, we are all Irish.”

- UL International Division

Harp

I am a beginner harp player and loving it. Here is a video I recently recorded for a harp assessment, called Sí Beag, Sí Mór, (Small Fairy Mound, Big Fairy Mound) written by Turlough O’Carolan. Thanks to my harp teachers Ellen Gibling and Aisling Lyons for helping me get started with this beautiful instrument.

IMG_2118.jpg

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta: Céilí House Recording

BROADCAST • 21:00 • 23RD MAR 2019

  • 14:00 Padraig Og Mo Chroi (from Deirdre Scanlan)

  • 45:00 Samhradh Samhradh (from Iarla Ó Lionáird) - Lizzy Hewitt (lead vocals and piano), Ernesto Gongora (flute, backing vocals), Lucy Wagner (violin, backing vocals)