BURREN RETREAT WITH MARTIN HAYES

Martin Hayes, the celebrated fiddler and founder of the seminal Irish-American group The Gloaming is launching a new immersive retreat which offers people the opportunity to explore the creative process to help unlock their potential. He will host the intimate gathering over five nights in County Clare, a location that gives attendees an authentic taste of Irish culture.

My experience of this music and how it was handed to me left me feeling like I was privy to a deep and beautiful secret. The depth of feeling and soul that was communicated from the true masters was much deeper, profound and subtle than is commonly perceived. They were musically tapping into the deeper layers of human existence in ways we only expect from the worlds greatest literature, theatre and art music. Their expression was equally profound but unlike the “high arts” their’s was earthy, close to nature, humble and infused with natural wisdom. It resonated with the landscape, with the ancient past and spoke directly to the human souls who were open to it. This deep musical communication was talking place in the midst of subsistence living and poverty where it was not expected to exist, it was hidden in plain sight but unless you were open to the experience it could easily pass you by. The soulfulness of this tradition defied description and though powerful, it could disappear from the room in one instant if the circumstances were not receptive to it. It was a communication that grew in strength as it was being received by the listener, it flowed from the musician to the listener in proportion to the listeners openness to receive. It didn’t translate very well to the stage or to the recording studio, it’s essence often being too subtle and too meaningful to survive in an environment of entertainment. I have only managed to fully enter this powerful and transformative space when playing acoustically in front of small groups of listeners in masterclasses where I’ve also been able to contextualize this music. I want to create opportunities for myself and smaller groups of people, to experience the music’s full depth in a beautiful intimate environment of trust and openness where it is possible for true magic to happen. Sharing the music in this deepest and most elemental way is my greatest joy. 

By hosting intimate performances alongside extended, philosophical conversations, Hayes aims to open a window into making and interpreting music. That insight will in turn provide those in attendance with the ability to open their minds to new ways of creative thinking. (Naturally it’s a process that will benefit musicians, but it’s also applicable to just about any other pursuit including one’s hobbies and what one does in the workplace. Writers, business people, painters and administrators can all be enriched by this experience. It doesn’t matter what your background is, immersion in a soulful exploration of music and the creative process can be a powerful and useful experience.) Naturally it’s a process that will benefit musicians, but it’s also applicable to many other pursuits too. Writers, painters and sculptors can benefit from the experience, as can professionals from the corporate world.

As well as being an acclaimed musician, Hayes hosts masterclasses which focus upon developing people’s leadership qualities. As the process unfolds, Hayes discovers that the group’s understanding, trust and collective spirit ascends to a higher level. That inspired this new project which uses music as a launchpad for a new era of possibilities in people’s lives. It’s designed to be a fun experience, but one that possesses soul, depth and emotional resonance.

“I’m hoping to create an immersive musical experience that builds a close-knit community where people can really open up,” he explains. “It’s more than a vacation, it’s an experience in a beautiful location which can kickstart your life. As the performances and talks take you deeper into the music, you build an understanding of the creative process and how to relate that to your own life.”

Maybe this one instead??

“The goal is to create an immersive musical experience that gives people the opportunity to have a heart opening and transformative experience ” he explains.“ It’s more than a vacation, it’s a musical experience in a beautiful location that can inspire and help you connect with your own creative reservoir. As the performances and the talks take you deeper into the music, you can build an understanding of the creative process and how to relate that to your own life ”

Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in Irish traditional music. His soulful interpretations are recognised the world over for their exquisite musicality and irresistible rhythm. Hayes has toured and recorded with guitarist Dennis Cahill for over twenty years. His group The Gloaming are renowned for their ability to recraft the traditions of Irish music for the modern age. Their self-titled debut album won the Choice Music Prize in 2015 from a strong list of nominees including U2, Hozier, Aphex Twin, Sinéad O’Connor and James Vincent McMorrow. Peter Gabriel described The Gloaming as "a wonderful mix of soulful and passionate talents who have created their own genre." 

Hayes has also collaborated  with a diverse selection of extraordinary musicians including Sting, Paul Simon, Bill Frisell, Ricky Skaggs, Jordi Savall, Brooklyn Rider, the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the RTE Concert Orchestra.

Winner of Instrumentalist of the Year at the inaugural BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Hayes also won TG4’s Musician of the Year. He also earned two awards from major New York Institutions: Person of the Year at the American Irish Historical Society, and the Spirit of Ireland award from the Irish Arts Center. Hayes and Cahill’s renown resulted in an invitation to perform for President Obama at both the White House and the House of Representatives in March 2011.

THE BURREN LANDSCAPE

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Ticket price includes transfers from airport (Shannon) / train or bus station.

  • Accommodation, Lunch and Breakfast included in price.

  • Musical performances by Martin and various different guests in the intimate, beautiful surrounds of The Burren.

  • Lectures/Talks/Discussions

  • Musical demonstrations hosted by Martin featuring other master musicians and singers giving their perspective

  • Some guests performers may also come from beyond traditional music such as the worlds of early music, poetry.

  • Guided walks in the Burren exploring nature, history and folklore

  • And much more….