Cork University Press have announced that they will publish a major new book on the late composer, musician and educator Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin in October. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin – A life in music, edited by Helen Phelan, Marie McCarthy and Nicholas Carolan, is a 576-page collection of essays and reflections by almost one hundred contributors including fiddle player Martin Hayes, conductor David Brophy, novelist Joseph O’Connor, singer Brian Kennedy and poet Paul Muldoon.

Divided into three sections, the first part looks at the work of Ó Súilleabháin as a musician, composer, performer and recording artist; part two focuses on his work as an educator in Cork; and part three explores his love of the Irish language and poetry and explores his wider impact on Irish culture.

Among the contributions are ‘The Making of Fresh Music’ by Paddy Glackin, ‘It Began Literally as a Dream’ by Nóirín Ní Riain, ‘Mícheál and the ICO: A musical journey’ by Gerard Keenan of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, ‘Reflections from the Well’ by Mel Mercier, and ‘”My Love is in America”’: Mícheál brings Irish music to Boston College’ by Elizabeth Sweeney and Christian Dupont. 

There are also pieces by Philip King, Sinead Hayes, Lillis Ó Laoire, Áine Uí Cheallaigh, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sandra Joyce, Finbarr Bradley, Paula Meehan, Fintan Vallely, Mary Nunan, Harry White, Mark Patrick Hederman, Peter Sirr, Sunniva O’Flynn, Toner Quinn and more.

In addition, the publication contains a discography and a list of writings and selected scores.

Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin – A life in music will be launched on Tuesday 22 October at 4pm at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in the University of Limerick.

The book is priced at €59/£55/$65 and can be ordered from Cork University Press. Visit www.corkuniversitypress.com.

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