Friday, March 21, saw Trinity Orchestra and DU Music join together to host a Lankum tribute concert in aid of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The PRCS sets out to provide humanitarian assistance, healthcare and social services to Palestinians “whenever and wherever needed.”
The concert, which was held in Sin É, saw 10 of Trinity Orchestra’s musicians take to the stage to perform a melody of music from contemporary Irish folk music group Lankum.
The concert saw renditions of Lankum songs such as Go Dig My Grave, Bear Creek and The Rocky Road to Dublin with vocals from Amelia Durac, Devin Synnott and Robert Phillips.
Speaking to Trinity News before the concert, chair of DU Music and Trinity Orchestra member, Robert Phillips, detailed why they chose to donate all proceeds raised towards the PRCS: “The Palestinian Red Crescent have continuously and irrevocably helped to provide the majority of medical aid and humanitarian relief in the occupied areas of Palestine and need as much financial backing as they can possibly receive in this time of crisis.”
“It is so important that we can both raise as much money and awareness as possible for those that need it.”
When asked how the idea for the concert came about Phillips said how during the summer the orchestra arranges and performs “all sorts of non-classical music,” completely altering his perception of what an orchestra “can do and play.”
“This year we have succeeded in pushing these boundaries even further,” he stated, referencing an event the society did with DUDJ in October.
“We have covered so many genres,” he continued, “but the last one to tackle was trad – so over the last few weeks we assembled a smaller group of 10 musicians to play something that was completely new for us.”
“It is an eclectic, unconventional group of instruments that covers the diverse breadth of the orchestra but on a more intimate scale – and we all happened to be free the week of Paddy’s Day, undoubtedly the best time to try out trad music together!”
Speaking about the importance of hosting a concert in support of Palestine, Philips said: “We have been put in such an immense place of privilege to be able to play music all around Ireland and abroad, and we strongly believe that music is such a powerful and positive force in the world – so the option to use this platform to raise money for such an important cause was something we have wanted to do for so long.”
“The Students Union and many societies and events before us have utilised their resources and talents to enact as much change and raise as much awareness and money as possible, and we were inspired to do the same.”
“Our hope is that this concert inspires others to use their own platforms and voices to enact as much change as possible,” he said.
When asked why they chose to perform Lankum’s music for this event, Phillips said: “Lankum are a hugely special, talented group that have used their music and the platform they have gained from it to speak about such important issues happening in Ireland and around the world.”
“They weave their political views into their dark, haunting music so effortlessly,” he said noting the “completely new and exciting” sound this brings to well-known traditional Irish songs.
“Their balance of instrumental and vocal-heavy songs, as well as their performance styles and techniques, lend themselves extremely well to our strengths, and we are excited to interpret them in a unique way.”
“The music is relatively simple but so effective, and the result is beautiful,” said Philips.
He continued by saying how: “At Glastonbury last summer, they used such a large platform to spread awareness through their music, playing ‘The Rocks of Palestine’, as well as acknowledging the ongoing genocide in their acceptance of Album of The Year at the RTE Critics Choice Awards last year.”
“They have inspired us greatly to spread their message and support the movement they have been such a key part of, and we chose this concert as our way of doing that.”
Speaking to Trinity News, the Trinity Orchestra Festival Coordinator Kate Mason said that “being involved in an event like this is such an honour.”
“To see it blossom from Robert’s idea and incorporate Trad more into our repertoire as a society is so exciting.”
“We love Lankum so much,” said Mason, “Being able to witness them at All Together Now 2023 working their magic, to now having members arranging their music is so so awesome.”
“The range of events that have happened over the past year in regards to the Festival side of our society has been so active and unique and really brings our members together in a vibrant way.”
“Being able to give to such an important and integral charity such as the Palestinian Red Crescent has been such a rewarding experience and we will cherish it in years to come,” she concluded.
During the concert, a representative of Lankum dropped off a gift to the venue for the performers: a piece of the band’s merchandise, not yet released for sale.
“Receiving the gift from Lankum was such a special moment and the most incredible end to a lovely night,” said Philips, speaking to Trinity News after the event.
“It is so nice that they heard about and appreciated our concert and decided to support by sharing our post on their Instagram and sending on the beautiful keepsakes!”
