A Mother’s Voice: Amplifying the Voices of the Silenced
On January 27th, 2023, Musici Ireland unveiled a deeply personal and powerful project that I had the privilege to bring to life over the past two years: “A Mother’s Voice.” This multi-disciplinary production represents a profound collaboration between some of Ireland’s most innovative artists, including composers Linda and Irene Buckley, animators Éabha Bortollozzo and Jack Kirwan, and our dedicated string quartet. Yet, at the heart of this project are the voices of three remarkable women—Cait Ní Chormaic, Sheila O’Byrne, and Deirdre Wadding—whose stories echo through the music, animation, and the very essence of the performance.
The journey to this premiere has been long and emotionally charged. From the very beginning, when the concept of “A Mother’s Voice” was first conceived, the goal was clear: to create a platform that would bring to light the hidden and often painful histories of Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland. As someone who has spent countless hours speaking with survivors, I knew that these women’s stories were not just narratives from the past but living testimonies that continue to resonate deeply in our society today.
The development of this piece was a collaborative effort that I’m incredibly proud of. Linda and Irene Buckley’s original compositions, coupled with the haunting electronic elements, brought an emotional depth to the string quartet’s performance that was both raw and transcendent. The visual artistry of Éabha Bortollozzo and Jack Kirwan, which accompanied our music, added layers of meaning and memory, turning the performance into a multi-sensory experience. The performance of “A Mother’s Voice” was further enriched by a stunning art installation created by Bridget Ní Dhuinn, with evocative lighting designed by Eoin McNinch. This immersive installation allows the audience to experience the stories of the survivors on a deeply emotional level, surrounding them with visual and sensory elements that enhance the impact of the music, animation, and voices.
But what truly elevates “A Mother’s Voice” is the integration of the recorded testimonies of Cait, Sheila, and Deirdre—voices that I had the honour of capturing. These interviews were not easy; they were filled with pain, resilience, and a deep need for truth to be heard. Throughout the creative process, our team, including our Assistant Creative Director Jane Hackett, was steadfast in ensuring that these women’s voices remained at the forefront. We listened, we learned, and we crafted a piece that we hope does justice to their stories.
This project is more than just a performance; it is a continuation of the conversation about Mother and Baby Homes—an essential part of Ireland’s history that must not be forgotten. Through “A Mother’s Voice,” we aim to keep these stories alive, to honour the survivors, and to challenge our audience to reflect on this dark chapter in our history.
As I stood by the stage on the night of the premiere, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility and gratitude. Responsibility to the women who trusted us with their stories, and gratitude to the entire creative team who poured their hearts into bringing this project to life. This was not just a performance—it was a call to remember, to acknowledge, and to ensure that the voices of Cait, Sheila, Deirdre, and so many others are never silenced again.
“A Mother’s Voice” is our collective effort to shed light on a history that has long been shrouded in silence. It is our way of saying: we hear you, we see you, and we will continue to share your stories with the world.
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity this past year to share “A Mother’s Voice” with audiences across Ireland, Germany, Luxembourg, and America. Each performance has been a deeply moving experience, and the response from audiences has affirmed the importance of this work.
We are committed to continuing this journey, sharing “A Mother’s Voice” with as many audiences as possible, and honouring the stories that inspired it.
— Beth McNinch