Beijing

The uilleann pipes are highly evolved instruments with deep roots in Irish traditions. Along with the Irish harp, they are the national instruments of Ireland. You can listen to the master play in Beijing soon.

Davy Spillane, probably the best-known uilleann piper in the world, will be playing with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong in the Celtic Connections concert at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.

The 53-year-old Spillane did not have this great passion for the pipes at first. He had started playing the whistle and only moved to play the uilleann pipes out of curiosity at 15.

His biggest claim to fame may be his role in helping to bring Riverdance to the world. In 1994, Spillane worked on the album East Wind, produced by Bill Whelan of the Irish folk group Planxty. The following year, Spillane appeared on the Whelan-produced Riverdance album, which was highly influenced by East Wind.

Eventually the theatrical group soared to international popularity, with Spillane performing as a guest soloist in the original line-up.

According to Spillane, the pipes have their origins in the bagpipes. Uilleann is the Irish word for elbow, which is basically like an oboe, and sound similar, except the air is blown from a bag rather than by mouth.

Music has always been a part of Spillane's life. When he was growing up in Ireland, it was normal for school children to pick up a traditional musical instrument. Spillane went on to become the foremost piper in the world and his career brought him to the forefront of not only Irish folk music but also contemporary music.

He has collaborated with musicians such as Enya.

For the concert in Beijing, two Riverdance tunes are included in City Chamber Orchestra's Celtic Connections program - Reel Around the Sun and an old Irish folk song, My Hero.

Also appearing will be Scottish singer-songwriter and harpist, Katie Targett Adams, the Celtic Connections Choir and a traditional Irish dance troupe.

You may contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/19/2012 page15)