The first of ten reports on the Irish arts scene
The Davey Voyage
The composer Shaun Davey was born in Belfast in 1948. His music first came to public attention in 1977 when he wrote the songs for Stewart Parker 's
Catchpenny Twist. Since then he has written music extensively for television and radio. His first major work for orchestra was 'The Brendan Voyage', completed in 1980. In this he attempted to break down the rigid dividing line that usually exists between 'serious' and 'popular' music by mixing his original composition with traditional Irish folk tunes. He has continued this style in the latest orchestral suite
'Granuale', based on the 16th-century Irish woman pirate Grace O'Malley.
Shaun Davey talks to John Fairleigh about his life and work. Contributors include musicians Liam O'Flynn and Rita Connolly and the playwright Stewart Parker. Producer JUDITH ELLIOTT BBC Northern Ireland