A musician from Northern Ireland is set to travel over 4,000 miles from home to play at one of the largest folk festivals in the world this weekend.
Marty Coyle, from Derry, is set to play at the Jodhpur Rajasthani International Folk Festival (RIFF) which welcomes thousands of music goers over a five-day period between October 6-9.
Marty is there with the support of the British Council and will take to the main stage on Sunday, October 9, to perform a set inspired by the festival’s iconic setting, blending the folk music of Ireland with that of India.
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Since 2019, the multi-instrumentalist has been working on a touring show entitled 'Citadels of the Sun' which features 60 minutes of music based around the narratives of two forts - the festival’s famous Mehrangarh Fort and the An Grianan of Aileach fort in Donegal.
This is the Derry man's second time at Jodhpur RIFF, having played the festival in 2019, before it had to take a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Speaking ahead of the show, he said: “I’m really looking forward to being back at Jodhpur RIFF. [The] last time it felt like our performance had tapped into the beginnings of something and there was more to be explored.
"This time, we’re lucky enough to be playing on the main stage in the courtyard of the palace, which is really special and makes Citadels of the Sun feel like it’s come full circle.
“The project has meant figuring out how to mix two styles of music and make them work – Irish music can be quite regimented, but the Rajasthani musicians taught us how to be freer and let go."
He continued: "We’ve spent the last year and a half adding to the show and can’t wait to play it in its entirety for the first time. It’s an original suite of continuous music, with no stopping once we start – a challenge for me, but nothing new for the Indian musicians who are used to playing in long form.
“The show ends with a celebration piece based around an old traditional Rajasthan folk song that the audience might recognise, but we’ve developed this piece in an Irish style incorporating a new reel from our piper Paul.”
Speaking about the project, Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland said: "Our aim with Connections through Culture grants is to help strengthen the creative sector between India and Northern Ireland and we hope this show at one of the world’s biggest folk festivals, will put the spotlight on Marty’s work internationally. We wish him every success during his time in India.”
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