Works

Would be Poetess

“Text features strongly in my practice so I am always watching out for potential words, poems, stories to bring into my work. A few years ago, in the library at Kinnitty Castle, I came across a volume of poetry by Olive Verte called ‘In the land of make believe’ (published in 1901). I sourced a copy of the book online, with some difficulty, but could not find any other information about the poet or her work. When Larissa commissioned a piece for violin, Verte’s poem ‘Would be Poetess’ sprang to mind. It tells the tale of a determined, but possibly delusional, poet fighting for her work to be published. I adapted the text considerably, including changing it from third person to first and placed it in conversation with the violin, while aiming to keep the poem’s original tongue in cheek delivery. More than anything, this is a story of persistence!” – Fiona Linnane.

Larissa O’Grady performs ‘Would be Poetess’ (2023) for violin and narrator. Composed by Fiona Linnane. Commissioned by Larissa O’Grady supported by an Arts Council Ireland Commission Award. This work was developed by the artists through CMC’s Contemporary Artists Network (also known as CMC Connects) an initiative which supports New Music collaborations.

Cogarnach // Whispering

The Irish word Cogarnach directly translates as ‘whispering’ but it also suggests secrets and conspiracies. Fiona Linnane Composer, soprano Tríona Walsh Soprano and the Youth Ensembles of Cork ETB School of Music created a collaborative musical work responding to Crawford Art Gallery’s building, architecture and history.

Following a series of workshops, audiences were invited to a final performance of the work. The presentation, which was in a promenade style, explored the responses to the spaces and stories they found through music, song and sound.

Two fully-booked performances of Cogarnach took place at Crawford Art Gallery on 26 November 2024. This 3 minute video offers a flavour of a memorable project that sang to this historic building.

COGARNACH is presented as part of BUILDING AS WITNESS and kindly supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012 – 2023.

Songs of the Meteorologist

The Songs of a Meteorologist were sparked into life by soprano Roisin Walsh who was confused by the naming system of storms and hurricanes. Leaving long phone messages to composer Fiona Linnane on the subject, Fiona’s response was Stormy Weather, which hasn’t helped Roisin’s understanding of the naming system.

Filmed in October 2020 at the iconic Shannon Rowing Club, Limerick, these films were made possible through funding from Creative Ireland and Limerick City and County Council Arts Office.