Eibhlis Farrell facts for kids

Eibhlis Farrell (born 27 July 1953) is a talented composer from Northern Ireland. She writes many different kinds of music, from pieces for large orchestras to songs for singers and choirs.

Life Story of a Composer

Eibhlis Farrell was born in Rostrevor, a lovely place in County Down, Northern Ireland. She started writing music when she was young. She studied music at Queen's University, Belfast, where she earned her first degree. She continued her studies with famous teachers like Raymond Warren at Bristol University, getting a master's degree in composing music. Later, she studied in the United States with Charles Wuorinen and Robert Moevs, earning a doctorate from Rutgers University in New Jersey. A doctorate is a very high-level degree, showing deep knowledge in a subject.

After finishing her studies, Eibhlis became a professional composer. She also worked as the Head of Music Creative Media at the Dundalk Institute of Technology. This means she helped guide students learning about music and media. Her musical pieces have been played and broadcast all over the world. In 2007, she received a special award called an artist's residency from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, which allowed her to work at the Banff Centre in Canada.

Eibhlis Farrell is a member of Aosdána. This is a special group in Ireland that honors artists whose work has made a big impact on Irish culture. Being a member means she is recognized as an important artist.

Exploring Her Music

Eibhlis Farrell has written a wide variety of music for different groups of instruments and voices. Here are some examples of the types of music she creates:

Music for Orchestras and Bands

An orchestra is a large group of musicians playing many different instruments like violins, flutes, and trumpets. A band usually refers to a group of brass and percussion instruments. Eibhlis has written exciting pieces for both.

• A Day at the Races (1976) – An orchestral piece.
• Popcorn Overture (1977) – Another piece for orchestra.
• Kilbroney Set (1995) – This piece is special because it combines traditional Irish instruments with an orchestra.
• Fanfare for President Robinson (1991) – A lively piece for a brass band and timpani (large drums).

Music for Solo Instruments with Orchestra

Sometimes, a composer writes a piece where one instrument, like a flute or violin, is the main star, playing with an orchestra. This is called a concertante piece.

• Romanza for flute and orchestra (1980)
• Concerto Grosso for 2 violins, cello, and string orchestra (1988)

Chamber and Instrumental Music

Chamber music is written for a small group of instruments, usually one player per part, and is often played in smaller rooms or halls. Instrumental music is for one or more instruments without singing.

• Five Trifles for oboe and piano (1976)
• String Quartet No. 2 (1977) – For four string instruments.
• Six Candles on a Birthday Cake for clarinet and piano (1989)
• Earthshine for harp (1992)
• Skyshapes for flute solo (1994) – A piece just for one flute.
• The Bell of Bronach for violin solo (2009)

Music for Piano and Organ

Eibhlis has also composed pieces specifically for the piano and the organ.

• Time Drops (1989) – A piano piece.
• Tadhg's Playstation (2007) – Another piano piece.
• Gleann na Sídhe – The Fairy Glen (2011) – A piano piece with a magical name.
• Play (1985) – An organ piece.

Vocal and Choral Music

Vocal music is written for singers, often with instruments. Choral music is for a choir, which is a group of singers.

• Eleven Celtic Epigrams for mezzo-soprano (a type of female singer) and orchestra (1976)
• Songs of Death for mezzo-soprano and piano (1980)
• The Silken Bed for mezzo-soprano, violin, cello, and piano or harpsichord (1993)
• Ave Maris Stella for soprano (another type of female singer) and string quartet (2009)
• Christmas Carols (1989–2007) – Choral pieces for the holiday season.
• A Garland for the President for soprano and mixed chorus (a choir with male and female voices) without instruments (1990)
• The Queen of Connemara for baritone (a type of male singer), female chorus, violin, and Irish harp (1995)