THE DUBLIN SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUITE

A unique suite was composed in 2003 by  Shaun Davey in partnership with percussionist Noel Eccles [original principal percussionist with "Riverdance"] as the musical framework of the Opening Ceremony of the Dublin Special Olympics, staged before an audience of 80,000 in Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland. Stylistically it takes up from where 'The Pilgrim' leaves off, conceived as a series of large-scale crossover works featuring Irish traditional soloists, singers, symphony orchestra, pipers and massed choir. The emotional warmth and life-affirming joy of this music ensures it a life far beyond the immediate occasion for which it was created, though it is hoped that by live performance something of the spirit which led to its creation will be conveyed around the world.  In terms of largescale presentation of a living musical culture, and statement of national celebration, this suite has no equal in  the repertoire of Irish music.

 Noel Eccles on stage, opening of the Special Olympics, Croke Park, Dublin, 2003.   

1] Dia do bheasatha;  fanfare. song of welcome, pipers and soloists.

2] A President’s welcome. Choir and orchestra.

3]] The Arrival of the Flag. Massed percussion and orchestra

4] ‘May we never have to say Goodbye’; an anthem.

5] The Arrival of the Flame. Traditional soloists and orchestra.

6] The Lighting of the flame. Orchestra.

7] Music for Fireworks. Traditional soloists, pipers, choir and orchestra.                

Concert Performances of the Dublin Special Olympics Suite

In 2003 the Suite was performed for the first time with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland as part of the opening ceremony of the Dublin Special Olympic Games.

On St Patrick’s Day, 2004,  it was performed in Chicago Symphony Hall as part of a concert to raise funds for Old St Patrick’s Cathedral. Sections from the Suite have been performed as part of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Bucharest in both 2004 and 2005. It is planned as the highpoint of a major Dublin concert of  Shaun  Davey’s works in 2006.

Dublin Special Olympics Suite Concert Requirements

Full Symphony orchestra including 5 horns and 6 percussion + tymps

Female vocal soloist and Male harmony vocal soloist

Percussion soloist

Large choir with organ

Irish harp soloist

Irish trad. fiddle soloist

Uilleann pipes soloist with chanters in D and Bb

Irish trad. button accordion soloist

2 – 4 bagpipes soloists

Amplification and stage monitors