Tomorrow will be a big day for Drogheda composer Michael Holohan as it will see the world premiere of his latest composition, “In the Beginning” at Kylemore Abbey in County Galway.
The music is specially written for two eighth century horns which were found in Lough Erne many years ago and will feature a string quartet
Including Simon O’Dwyer, Maria Cullen O’Dwyer, Horns and the Contempo String Quartet.
The newly composed piece will mark the presentation (by Dorothy Alioth) and dedication of ‘The Book of Kells ‘(Faksimile Verlag Luzern Switzerland 1990) to the Benedictine Nuns of Kylemore Abbey.
This magnificent book will be housed in the Abbey’s visitor centre in perpetuity.
The event is also being held in memory of the late Dr. Martin Alioth, Swiss medieval historian, broadcaster and respected journalist.
Michael was inspired by the opening lines of St. John’s gospel from the Book of Kells, ‘In the beginning was the word’………..
“The eighth Century Lough Erne Horn is housed in the Ulster Museum” Michael said.
“The marvellous coincidence is that it is identically portrayed in the Vespasian Psalter 725-775 AD in Oxford (see above). Amazingly, the horn is contemporaneous with The Book of Kells.”
With thanks to Ancient Music Ireland.
