Ceoltóirí Chualann
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Irish traditional music |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Seán Ó Riada |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Dublin , Ireland |
Key people | Seán Ó Riada, Paddy Moloney, Sean Potts, Sonny Brogan, John Kelly, Peadar Mercier, Seán Keane |
| Products | Traditional Irish music performances and recordings |
Ceoltóirí Chualann (pronounced) was an Irish traditional music ensemble directed by Seán Ó Riada, which included several original members of The Chieftains. The group's name merges the Irish term for musicians, Ceoltóirí, with Cualann, a district in Dublin where Ó Riada resided. His collaboration with this band played a significant role in reestablishing the bodhrán as a key percussion instrument within Celtic music.
In 1960, Ó Riada brought together musicians such as the 20-year-old Paddy Moloney, Sean Potts on tin whistle, Sonny Brogan on accordion, and John Kelly on fiddle to perform for Bryan MacMahon's theatrical production "The Song of the Anvil." Their rehearsals took place weekly at Ó Riada’s residence near Dublin.
After the play’s acclaim, Ó Riada officially formed Ceoltóirí Chualann to interpret traditional Irish songs and dance melodies arranged for instruments including harpsichord, bodhrán, piano, fiddle, accordion, flute, pipes, and whistles. This group distinguished itself from earlier folk recordings that featured classical orchestration by offering innovative arrangements of folk music. A central objective was also to revive compositions by the blind harpist and composer Turlough O'Carolan.
The band’s inaugural performance occurred at the 1960 Dublin Theatre Festival during Reacaireacht an Riadaigh (Ó Riada’s Recital) held at the Shelbourne Hotel. This occasion showcased traditional poets and singers such as Seán Ó Ríordáin and Seán Ó Tuama. In March 1961, Ó Riada launched a radio series bearing the same title, which featured music from Ceoltóirí Chualann. Shortly after its formation, Peadar Mercier and Seán Keane became members of the ensemble.
Ceoltóirí Chualann remained active until 1969, with their music being featured in the 1968 documentary The Village. That year, they produced two albums—Ó Riada and Ó Riada Sa Gaiety—the latter released after Ó Riada’s passing in 1971.
Select discography
- An Poc ar Buile EP: Seán Ó Riada accompanied by Seán Ó Sé and Ceoltóirí Chualann GL2 (196?).
- Néilí EP: Seán Ó Riada with Seán Ó Sé and Ceoltóirí Chualann GL3 (196?).
- Mo Chailín Bán EP: Seán Ó Riada featuring Seán Ó Sé and Ceoltóirí Chualann GL5 (196?).
- Reacaireacht an Riadaigh: Gael-Linn CEF 010 (LP, 1961).
- The Playboy of the Western World: Gael-Linn CEF 012 (LP, 1962).
- Gael-Linn CEF 015 (LP, 1967).
- Ding Dong: Gael-Linn CEF 016 (LP, 1967).
- An Poc ar Buile (single): Seán Ó Riada with Seán Ó Sé and Ceoltóirí Chualann CES 011
- Do Bhí Bean Uasal: Seán Ó Riada alongside Seán Ó Sé and Ceoltóirí Chualann CES 012
- Ó Riada sa Gaiety with Seán Ó Sé and Ceoltóirí Chualann: (LP, 1971) accessible at Gael-Linn ORIADACD01.
- Ó Riada's Farewell: Claddagh Records CC 12 (LP, 1972).
- Port na bPúcaí (a solo project by Ó Riada featuring traditional pieces, previously unreleased): Gael-Linn ORIADACD07 (CD, 2014)
Additional resources
- Seán Ó Sé; with Patricia Ahern (2015) "An Poc ar Buile": the life & times of Seán Ó Sé. Wilton, Cork: the Collins Press