Bru Boru: Connecting Two Cultures Through Irish Folk Music

University of LimerickImage via Wikipedia
"The music of Ireland is known for its presentation and distinct melody created by performers that make it immediately identifiable as hailing from the Emerald Isle. But the instruments used-such as fiddles, banjos, accordions and harps-can also be found in the musical traditions of other countries.

Irish music ensemble Bru Boru has been playing at the Shanghai Expo's Ireland Pavilion. The group has been proving to audiences from around the globe that knowledge of Irish culture or even the country itself is not necessary to savor its music.

Eileen O'Brian is a lecturer at the University of Limerick. She plays the fiddle in the group and has been with Bru Boru for many years.

'Music is the universal language, same as Chinese music, any music from any other society in the world. You're able to communicate through your music. We've always felt it was a great way of breaking down barriers and making contact with people of other ethnic backgrounds.'"

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