Skip to main content

Connolly, Séamus (1944-)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1944-

Biographical Note

Born in 1944 into a musical family in Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland, Séamus Connolly began playing the fiddle at age 12 and went on to win the Irish National Fiddle Championship ten times. As a young musician he traveled throughout Ireland, meeting and playing music with many of the legends of Irish music, and performing regularly on Irish radio and television. In 1976 he immigrated to America and settled in the Boston area. He has given performances and workshops around the world and created the Gaelic Roots Festival (1993-2003) at Boston College, where he was appointed Sullivan Family Artist-in-Residence in 2004. His awards have included a 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor; a 2013 National Heritage Fellowship; the 2020 TG4 Gradam Ceoil Lifetime Achievement Award; and a 2024 Comhaltas Elders of Fiddling Award.

Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) Identifier

Found in 33 Collections and/or Records:

Afternoon and Evening Masters Concerts, 1993 October 10

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

The last two of the five recordings (148089-0003 and 148089-0004) each contain some content from October 8th events. It appears that the original October 8 recordings were mostly recorded over during the October 10th Masters Concerts. The last five minutes of 148089-0003 is the October 8th New England Contra Dancing event, and 148089-0004 contains more New England Contra Dancing followed by Cape Breton Set Dancing (see "Irish Sets and Ceili Dancing" for the continuation of this event).

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 1993 October 10

Afternoon Masters Concert, 1995 October 1

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes two independent audio recordings.

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 1995 October 1

Boston College Celtic Harp Festival records

 Collection
Identifier: IM-M003-1992
Abstract

Collection of audio recordings of the 1992 Boston College Celtic Harp Festival, co-sponsored by the Boston College Music Department and Irish Studies Program. Recordings consist of a keynote lecture, panel discussion, and concert performances. Also included is Derek Bell's original manuscript and annotated sheet music for an Irish harp suite performed at the festival, as well as promotional ephemera.

Access Note

Collection is open for research. The audio cassettes are not available for playback due to format impermanence and have not been reformatted. Please let Burns Library Public Services know of your specific interest; if possible, reformatting will be scheduled.

Dates: 1992

Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival records

 Collection
Identifier: IM-M070-1993
Abstract Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival records document lectures and performances on Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton traditional music, song and dance produced by the Irish Studies Program under the coordination of faculty member Séamus Connolly. The collection primarily consists of audio and video recordings of events, complemented by brochures, correspondence, photographs, and planning documents, from the time of the festival's inception as a weekend event in 1993 through the end of its...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 1993 - 2003

Boston College Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, Workshop, and Lecture Series recordings

 Collection
Identifier: IM-M071-2003
Abstract

Recordings of events organized by the Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, Workshop, and Lecture Series at Boston College, founded in 2003 by Séamus Connolly. The Series brings together accomplished performers and experts in Irish, Scottish, American, and related folk music traditions to share their experience, knowledge, and talent with the Boston College community and beyond.

Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Recordings have been digitally copied; all original media was retained, but may not be played due to format. Use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.

Dates: 2003 - 2017

Céilí Dance, 2001 June 19

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2001 June 19

Céilí House, 1999 June 25

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Music by the Gaelic Roots Ceili Band, including Kieran Hanrahan, Séamus Connolly, Brian Conway, Helen Kisiel, Catherine McEvoy, Jimmy Noonan, Laurel Martin, Brendan McGlinchey, and Beth Sweeney. The first hour of the céilí was recorded live for Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ).

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 1999 June 25

Céilí Mor, 2000 June 23

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2000 June 23

Concert, 1990 March 25

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Performances by invited fiddle players Kevin Burke, Liz Carroll, Seamus Connolly, Brian Conway, Johnny Cronin, Paddy Cronin, Tony De Marco, Martin Hayes, Eileen Ivers, James Kelly, Andy McGann, Johnny McGreevy, Brendan Mulvihill, Paddy Reynolds, Dale Russ, Martin Wynne, with Mel Mercier on bodhran and bones. Held in Boston College's Gasson Hall.

Access Note

These recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.

Dates: 1990 March 25

Séamus Connolly papers

 Collection
Identifier: IM-M064-1999
Abstract

This collection documents the musical activities and career of Irish traditional fiddle player Séamus Connolly. The collection includes field recordings, correspondence, press clippings, publications, photographs, awards, and artifacts. It also includes research notes and materials collected by Connolly on Irish traditional music.

Access Note

Collection is open for research. Digitized versions of original recordings are available for Burns Library Reading Room use. Some audio and video items may not be immediately available due to formatting issues.

Dates: 1929 - 2013; Majority of material found within 1957 - 2013

Farewell Concert, 2000 June 24

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes two independent audio recordings plus the first half of the concert recorded a third time. Video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2000 June 24

Farewell Concert, 2001 June 23

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B). Each video recording has some flaws.

Access Note

The audio recordings on DTRS cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. All audio and video recordings on DAT and mini-DV have been digitally copied and are accessible.

Dates: 2001 June 23

Gaelic Roots Concert, 2000 June 22

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes two independent audio recordings and video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).

Access Note

The audio recordings on DTRS cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. All audio and video recordings on DAT and VHS have been digitally copied and are accessible.

Dates: 2000 June 22

Gaelic Roots Weekend, video recording by Tommy Joyce, 1993 October 8-10

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Excerpts from: Friday Paddy Keenan concert; Seisiun Mor; Saturday Step Dancing Demonstration; Saturday Concert; Sean Potts whistle workshop; Sunday family musicians concert; and Sunday Afternoon Masters Concert.

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 1993 October 8-10

Hall of Fame induction ceremony, video recording, 2002

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Inductees: Michael Danfort, John Droney, Bill Black, Seamus Connolly, Fergus Keane, the Reynolds family (Larry, Larry Jr., Sean, Mike, Paddy), Joe Burke

Performances by: Kimberley Stevens, Allison Reilly, Edward Burke, Fergus Keane, Jimmy Hogan, Tara Lynch, Bill Black, the Reynolds family (Larry, Larry Jr., Sean, Mike, Paddy)

Speakers: Ted McGraw, Patrick Danfort, Frank Kennedy, Larry Reynolds

Access Note

These recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies, identified by digital content number, can be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.

Dates: 2002

Interview with Joe Derrane, Burns Library, 2001 June 21

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2001 June 21

Interview with Peadar O'Loughlin and Jimmy Hogan, Burns Library, 2001 June 21

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2001 June 21

Irish and Scottish Step Dance Exhibition, 2002 June 21

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2002 June 21

Irish and Scottish Step Dance Exhibition (and the Gaelic Roots Dancers), 2001 June 22

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2001 June 22

Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish Step Dance Exhibition, 2002 June 18

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2002 June 18

Lecture by Earle Hitchner: "Meet the Critic"; Fiddle and Dance Styles: From Scotland and Ireland to Cape Breton and America, Moderated by Mick Moloney; and Boston Harbor Boat Cruise, 2002 June 19

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B). The boat cruise was only recorded on video.

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2002 June 19

Masters Concert, 2002 June 20

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Performers identified on the original media label who are not in the program include Randal Bays, Dana Lyn, Martin Mulhaire, Carmel O'Dea, and John Whelan. Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).

Access Note

The audio recordings on DTRS cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. All audio and video recordings on DAT and mini-DV have been digitally copied and are accessible.

Dates: 2002 June 20

Masters Concert, 2003 June 19

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes two independent audio recordings and video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).

Access Note

The audio recordings on DTRS cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. All audio and video recordings on DAT and mini-DV have been digitally copied and are accessible.

Dates: 2003 June 19

Michael Tubridy interviewed by Earle Hitchner, 2003 June 20

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Boston College Gaelic Roots Festival is primarily documented through audio and video recordings of music and dance performances and lectures. There are also extensive color snapshot photographs of the festival, and these include classes and workshops as well as concerts and lectures. A smaller amount of paper and born-digital files from Séamus Connolly and Chrysandra Walter capture event planning through correspondence, class descriptions, evaluations, press releases, artist schedules,...
Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2003 June 20

Monday Cuirmeacha Ceoil (Mini-Concert) and Gaelic Roots Ceili Dance and Step About, 2002 June 17

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B). Only the camera B recording includes the Gaelic Roots Ceili Dance and Step About.

Access Note Collection is open for research. Audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Multitrack audio recordings (DTRS and ADAT) cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. In a few instances for which audio was exclusively recorded in one of these formats, migration was outsourced.Original digital text and image files in this...
Dates: 2002 June 17