This unique sound and choral work was constructed using data supplied by the ESB in relation to salmon rearing and restocking, as well as other river based data from the Shannon (yearly water temperatures, flow, etc). The data made available covered the four-year life cycle (1998-2002) of the farmed salmon of the River Shannon. Using specially designed software programmes this information was fed into a computer along with a selection of Traditional Irish melodies, songs, and poems in the Irish language relating to the River Shannon.

Coisir an Tsionann (The Shannon Suite) was performed by The Irish Chamber Orchestra, Daghdha Dance Company and the Berlin based choir ‘Der Brullchor’ (the Roaring Choir), in October 2002 in the Turbine Hall of Ardnacrusha Power Station, Co.Clare. An audience of over 500 experienced the live event while the event was also web cast to an audience of almost 30,000.

Cóisir an Tsionann was kindly supported by the following organisations: ESB, The Arts Council of Ireland, Clare County Council, Limerick County Council, ‘Sionna Festival of European Traditional Music’, Clare Arts Festival, ESB Ardnacrusha Partnership Group, Limerick City Council, Shannon Development.

Click here to listen to a sound recording

click the link below for a conversation with

Craig Coleman, Arts and Sciences Museum.pdf