The American Ireland Fund to Mark 9/11 Anniversary with World Premiere of Irish Lament from Renowned Composer Micheal O Suilleabhain in Dublin Sunday

Ireland's President and Prime Minister to join U.S. Ambassador during commemoration for all lives lost including over 1,000 of Irish descent

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ireland's solidarity with the United States and the tragic loss of almost 3,000 lives on 9/11 – over one third of whom were of Irish descent – will be marked with the world premiere of a poignant Irish lament in Dublin, Ireland, Sunday. Performed by the Irish Chamber Orchestra in front of a distinguished Irish American audience, the unique composition, titled Termon, was commissioned by The American Ireland Fund from renowned Irish composer, Micheal O Suilleabhain. Derived from the Gaelic word "tearmann" meaning place of sanctuary, Termon features the uniquely Irish wind instrument, the uilleann pipes.

The concert at the Royal Dublin Society's concert hall is the United States' official commemoration of the 9/11 anniversary in Ireland – A Ceremony of Reflection and Peace. Hosted by the U.S. Ambassador, Dan Rooney, the ceremony and its center-piece, the recital of Termon, will be attended by Ireland's President, Mary McAleese, and the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Enda Kenny.

President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, Kieran McLoughlin, said, "This tragic yet beautiful Irish lament by Micheal is a symbolic act of profound solidarity between the Irish people and the people of the United States of America. In the days following that barbarous attack on the free world, the roll-call of victims pierced the hearts of Irish people right across the world as over 1,000 people of Irish descent perished, including six Irish citizens. Citizens of all nations who died that day, their surviving families and their loved ones, will remain in our hearts and prayers forever."  McLoughlin continued, "A decade ago, The Worldwide Ireland Funds donated $1 million to organizations in the U.S. working with the survivors and their families. This Sunday, we maintain that unbroken bond of solidarity by pausing to remember those we lost through this unique and powerful traditional Irish tribute."

Composer of Termon, Micheal O Suilleabhain added, "The composition invokes the sacred space of boundaries and thresholds. It seeks to facilitate a listening at the borders of difference, and to reach towards a shared sanctuary of sound."

CEO of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, John Kelly, said, "The Irish Chamber Orchestra is honored to be part of this commemorative event. We are very aware of the deep connections between Ireland and the U.S. and the impact of this tragedy on both our nations. We look forward to performing Micheal O Suilleabhain's new work on our upcoming U.S. tour which culminates in the heart of New York, at the Lincoln Center, on the 31st October."

The American Ireland Fund is a philanthropic network that supports worthy causes in Ireland and around the world. Our mission is to be the largest network of friends of Ireland dedicated to supporting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland. Founded in 1976, The Worldwide Ireland Funds currently operate in 12 countries and have raised over $370 million for more than 1,200 outstanding organizations.

SOURCE The American Ireland Fund