Arcanadh Review May 23rd, 2004 Arcanadh are more famous in France than in Donegal, but all that is set to change when the unsuspecting Donegal public will have the opportunity to hear the six piece singing sensation at the An Grianán Theatre on Saturday, May 8. Like Clarke Kent, the six piece traditional band, masquerade as teachers in the daytime, but by night they transform into their alter ego - Arcanadh. Names which are more familiar to pupils and parents throughout Donegal are appearing in music shops on Monday (26 April) as the band launch their second CD "Soundings". So who are they? Well Mrs Sinead Gibson from Gortahork teaches in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Letterkenny, while husband Colm Breathnach from Ring, Co Waterford. teaches in Illistrin National School. Brother and sister Mags and Martin Gallen from Castleblaney in Co Monaghan are also teachers, Martin in Vocational College, Stranorlar and Mags also teaches in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal. Maria Corbet comes from Dublin and also teaches there alongside fellow band member Fiona Walsh, who hails form Bohola, Co Mayo. It comes as no surprise that the six met when students in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, however their musical compilations and vocal harmonies are anything but ordinary. All six can sing the lead vocals and create their own musical arrangements, Sinead on guitar and tin whistle, Colm playing the banjo and mandola, Mags on piano and fiddle, Fiona on fiddle, Maria on harp and Martin on guitar and bodhran. Together they manage to create an inspiring mix of traditional Irish music which not only appeals to a broad audience but also touches the soul. Their music is beautifully compiled an emotive mix capable of making your skin tingle and warming the heart - no easy feat. They have already achieved success in Europe and the US and hold numorous titles including "Best Hand' at the L'Orient Festival in Brittany. They have played alongside the Chieftains and Mary Black at last year's Irish Music Awards and received a rapturous welcome on stage at the Waterfront in Belfast on St Patrick's Day when they supported Kieran Goss and Juliet Turner. Four of the local members are also a regular feature in McCafferty's Bar on Wednesday nights. Ardcanadh was formed in 1998 when as students the band set off for Boston and New York, performing in clubs and pubs where songs like "Anachie Gordon", a beautiful air which tells the tale of a bride-to-be forced to marry a rich Sultan, received a fabulous reaction. Originally called "Arcana" which means the arcane elements of something, the secret or mysterious things. They changed their name on discovering an American band with the same name and a dozen albums under their belt! "We liked the name so we just added a 'dh' to it, to get a pun on cannadh, the Gaelic for "singing", explained Sinead. Talented not only on the blackboard, Sinead Gibson has also composed one of the tracks in their latest CD, "Droichead na nDeor'. Touching many heartfelt memories the ballad tells the tale of Cloich Cheann Fhoala in the Donegal Gaeltacht and the emigration of the famine years. The bridge of tears - "Droichead na nDear" which is the parting point for families and relatives in west Donegal, shelters under the Muckish mountain and provides the inspiration for the song. Martin Gallen has also composed a song on Arcanadh's latest CD, "Guerra Civil". It tells the story of two childhood friends who find themselves fighting on opposing sides of the Spanish Civil war, as was the case for many Irish men at this period. The CD contains a variety of vocal songs with one musical mix. It makes for easy listening with the wealth of talent apparent to even the most inexperienced listener. The concert on 8th May at the An Grianán featuring Arcanadh and friends is an opportunity not to be missed. The night has been organised in loving memory of Anthony Gallen, who recently lost his battle with cancer, brother of band members Mags and Martin, All proceeds raised on the night will go to the Irish Cancer Society. Tickets are £15. Concert starts at 8pm.   « Return to News