HOMEBIRD
Homebird intertwines verbatim songwriting, sound design, performance and installation art to creatively retell the story of Fionnuala’s Grandmother, Maire de Baroid, whose family emigrated to America in the late 1940s. As the eldest girl of ten children, and at just 19 years of age, Maire decided to stay behind in Cork city, Ireland.
“Homebird, particularly poignant because it’s a true story from your grandmother’s lips.”
“And the most exquisite treat came in the form of Fionnuala Fagan’s, Homebird, a musical interpretation of a poignant family story, performed in a sweet little vintage world of lace dresses, bone China tea sets, embroidered cushions and bric-a-brac.”
Homebird Album
These songs creatively retell the story of my grandmother, Máire de Baróid, in her own words. In the late 1940s, her family emigrated to America. As a self-described “Homebird” Máire “never wanted to leave Ireland”. So, at the tender age of 19, she made the brave decision to stay behind in her beloved hometown of Cory city, as she waved her family goodbye.
This song cycle gives insight into the sense of loss Máire she experienced after her family left, and her journey back towards some sense of happiness.