At last night’s interview and performances by Paul Williams and Brian Kennedy, Brian and his producer Billy Farrell were awarded for their collaboration on Brian’s No.1 album ‘Voices’
The presentation took place before an interview which shone a light at both Paul and Brian’s backgrounds, style of writing, experiences working in the industry and also their views on the future of songwriting and the industry itself.
The award was presented by IMRO Director of Marketing and Membership Keith Johnson and IMRO Chairman Keith Donald.
Oscar and Grammy winning songwriter and President and Chairman of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Paul Williams, and Oscar-winning songwriter and composer, Glen Hansard, were special guests last night at an event hosted by the US Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin F. O’Malley, in collaboration with IMRO, celebrating the craft of song writing and music copyright.
Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan TD, was also in attendance at the event which took place in the Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park as part of the Creative Minds series. Creative Minds invites prominent US artists, writers, filmmakers, digital culture innovators and musicians to share their experience with young Irish audiences.
As part of the event, Glen Hansard was honoured with a special award by IMRO and ASCAP in recognition of the ongoing success of his music in the USA.
Speaking of the event, Paul Williams, President and Chairman of ASCAP said: ““It’s clear that Ambassador O’Malley has enormous respect for Irish music and understands the value of our fruitful collaboration… both creatively and economically. He spoke of the great influence Irish songwriters have had on American culture and noted the continuing efforts of IMRO and ASCAP to protect copyright and celebrate our music. The Ambassador’s residence felt like home last night. To all of us.”
Keith Donald (Chairman of IMRO), Paul Williams (President and Chairman of ASCAP), Glen Hansard and Victor Finn (IMRO CEO) at Creative Minds hosted at the US Ambassador’s residence, Phoenix Park
Keith Donald, Chairman of IMRO added: “The whole night was about creating cross-Atlantic creativity links and all thanks to Ambassador O’Malley for his kindness in putting the event together.”
Niall Stokes, editor of HotPress, led the conversation with Glen and Paul around their approach to the craft of song writing and the role of copyright in music today, before the audience of invited guests were treated to intimate acoustic performances by both songwriters.
Irish composer, Patrick Cassidy, has been nominated by ASCAP for Film Score of the Year for his original score for “Calvary”. The ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards give their members an opportunity to honour their peers in the film, TV and video game music world. The winners will be revealed at the ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards on March 9th.
Speaking from his home in Los Angeles this week, Patrick said: “I am delighted that ASCAP has nominated Calvary in the Film Score of the Year Category. Composers’ Choice nominees are hand-picked by a select group of composers, film and TV industry leaders, so it’s a great honour to be have been chosen by other music professionals for such a prestigious nomination.”
The Calvary score has also received a nomination for a Cue Award, the official awards of Tracksounds.com in the category of Best Dramatic Score. The score was previously nominated for the Discovery of the Year Award at the 14th World Soundtrack Awards.
Cassidy has composed the music and worked on the soundtrack for numerous films including ‘Hannibal’, ‘Veronica Guerin’, ‘King Arthur’, ‘Layer Cake’ and ‘Kingdom of Heaven’.
