By Tara McCormack
CATRIONA Gribben, a talented traditional accordionist from Upper Cotteen, Derrybeg, has recently taken the international music scene by storm.
Currently studying in Belfast, Catriona had the prestigious opportunity to attend the UNESCO World Music Marathon held in Brno, Czech Republic, over the past weekend.
This incredible opportunity arose when the team in Brno invited Belfast City Council to recommend a young accordion player from the city to participate in the Music Marathon Festival.
Catriona, who is widely recognised for her musical talents, was chosen to join an exclusive accordion masterclass led by the award-winning Vincent Peirani.
The council’s decision to nominate her was no surprise, considering she was one of last year’s Gradam Ceoil recipients.
Reflecting on her experience at the event, Catriona shared her thoughts with the Donegal News.
“I actually made so many friends and am actually really sad,” she confessed, expressing the bittersweet emotions that often accompany the end of such memorable experiences.
During her time, Catriona also had the chance to share her musical journey on Czech Republic airwaves, providing listeners with insights into her background and passion for Irish music.
In addition to being selected, she was also invited to perform on the UNESCO stage on Saturday evening.
Her performance was part of a diverse line-up that included a South Korean jazz trio and a Belgian guitarist.
Speaking about her fellow performers, the Derrybeg native said: “They are all just so cool.
“They were very good musicians as well.”
Catriona, who is also a member of the acclaimed Irish language traditional band ‘Huartan,’ was joined on stage by other talented accordionists from UNESCO cities, including Bydgoszcz, Katowice, Varazdin, Ghent, and Daegu.
In addition to her musical achievements, Catriona has an impressive academic background.
She recently completed a Master’s Degree at Queen’s University, where she focused on the preservation of Irish language songs passed down through the aural tradition.
Her dedication to her heritage continues as she embarks on a PhD at Queen’s University, following her receipt of the coveted TG4 Gradam Ceoil Bursary Award for Traditional Music last year.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she noted: “I’ve already started, and it’s difficult, so it’ll be a more intense year next year than it was this year.”
Catriona’s musical journey began with the group An Crann Óg, led by Caitlín Joe Jack and her brother, P.J. Ó Curráin.
These early experiences laid the foundation for her flourishing career in traditional Irish music.
When asked for advice for others on their musical journey, Catriona
emphasised the importance of enjoyment.
She said: “I think that tradition is a funny word to say sometimes because we’re all young people playing really old, ancient music, but playing it in our own ways. It’s just how everyone interprets it.”
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