Dr Estelle Murphy has been invited to give a public lecture at the Remembering Bunting Festival 2025. Her lecture will take place at 11:00am on Saturday 1 March at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast.
Born in Armagh in 1773, Edward Bunting was a prolific collector of traditional songs and tunes. His three volumes of The Ancient Music of Ireland, were published in 1796, 1809 and 1840 respectively.
Many of the tunes in Bunting’s collection have links to earlier collections and publications. In particular, Dr. Murphy explores her research into Matthew Dubourg (1703 – 67) Master of the State Music in Ireland, and virtuoso violinist, and his form of collecting Irish music in early, and mid-eighteenth century in Dublin and the influence on Bunting.
More informaiton at this LINK
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
In 2017, the Remembering Bunting Festival was conceived by Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, one of seven Comhaltas Regional Resource Centres across the island of Ireland. The mains aim of the festival were to increase awareness and understanding of the life and work of Edward Bunting, his importance to the music of the island and the role Belfast, namely the Belfast Harpers Gathering of 1792, played in preserving our rich musical legacy.
Through panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, workshops, concerts and performances, the festival offers lessons and insights which aim to build a shared cultural heritage narrative for Ulster and which contribute to an inclusive, positive and peaceful future for the province.
The festival is built upon an underlying ethos of inclusion. It values, supports and encourages cultural activities which act as a unifier amongst diverse communities. It continues to do this by building, growing and maintaining strong partnerships between the main musical traditions of the area.
The Festival enjoyed its inaugural celebration in 2018. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, delivering a comprehensive programme which features world class musicians, guest scholars, film makers, authors and both local and international guest speakers.