The eminent Irish musicologist and member of the IBSL advisory committee, Dr Ita Beausang, has had a letter published in BBC Music Magazine’s September 2021 issue. The letter champions the music of Ina and the resurgence of her music in recent times (including a very important centenary with the 2023 Proms from the premiere of Ina’ Magic Harp in 1923!), and was written in response to Terry Blain’s article in which the presence of women composers’ to Ireland’s musical heritage was significantly understated!
“In his Notes from the Emerald Isle (July) Terry Blain gives due credit to Ireland’s rich musical heritage, from Turlough O’Carolan in the 17th century to the likes of Seán Ó Riada in the 20th. But why in such a comprehensive four-page study is there so little mention of women composers? Only four are named, almost by accident, near the end of the article. Ina Boyle (1889-1967) was a prolific composer and produced a steady stream of orchestral, choral and vocal compositions, three symphonies, a violin concerto, an opera and ballet music, but little of it was performed. Now, thanks to a campaign by the Ina Boyle Society there is a steady stream of performances and broadcasts in Dublin, Belfast, London and further afield. In September 1923 her orchestral rhapsody The Magic Harp was conducted by Sir Henry Wood at the Proms. I hope that Terry Blain will lead a mission to have the work performed again at the Proms 100 years later, in 2023.”
Ita Beausang,Dublin, Ireland