Irish composer Patrick Cassidy received some very exciting news in recent weeks. Violinist Patricia Treacy from Blackrock, Co. Louth was invited to perform at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and chose to play ‘Proclamation’, which Patrick originally composed for the 1916 Centenary.
Patrick has produced original music for a number of well-known films including Hannibal starring Anthony Hopkins, and John Michael McDonagh’s Irish drama Calvary.
On having his composition performed at the inauguration, Patrick told IFTN that it was a huge honour. “I was delighted when Patricia let me know that she would be playing ‘Proclamation’ at this historic event,” Cassidy said. “She previously performed this piece during the 1916 Centenary Commemorations when President Michael D. Higgins laid a wreath to honour those who fought and died in the Rising at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin.”
“This inauguration is particularly special as President Biden brings a message of hope and unity to Americans, at what is a very difficult time. I’m sure we can also look forward to him visiting his ancestral home in Ireland as soon as it’s safe to travel again,” Cassidy continued.
“Patricia plays the piece beautifully and it’s especially nice to hear my composition played on a 315-year-old Stradivarius violin, which was provided by Joe Bein & Company Rare Violins, Chicago for the occasion,” Cassidy added. “The violin is estimated to be worth $4m.”
This is not the first time that Patrick’s music has been performed at a presidential inauguration as one of the movements from his Children of Lir cantata was performed by the Irish Army Band at the inauguration of President Higgins in 2011.
Proclamation was originally written as part of the score for 1916: The Irish Rebellion; a three-part documentary, narrated by Liam Neeson, which told the dramatic story of the events that took place in Dublin during Easter Week 1916.
His album, 1916: The Irish Rebellion, is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.