Ian Callanan
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| Ian Callanan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 March 1971 Cork, Ireland |
| Genres | Contemporary Christian, Catholic, Liturgical |
| Occupations | Composer, Songwriter, Liturgist, Author |
| Instruments | Piano, guitar |
| Years active | 1990 - present |
| Labels | GIA Publications |
| Website | www.iancallanan.com |
Ian Callanan (born 1971, Cork, Ireland) is an Irish composer of Catholic liturgical music and a contemporary Christian songwriter best known for composing the hymn Comfort My People and Take and Eat, This is my Body .
Biography
Ian Callanan is one of Ireland’s leading composers of liturgical music.[1] He hails form Cork and has been involved with liturgical music his entire life. He has been composing music for over 20 years and recently has produced his first recording for [2] in the United States. He is an accomplished composer, arranger, score editor and workshop leader. Ian's own works are undoubtedly inspired by Ireland's great musical tradition. The popularity of his music has led to much of it being used and sung in the many varied languages throughout Europe. Much of his music has been used for television and radio broadcasts in Ireland.
Ian holds an honours masters' degree in Religion and Culture from Mater Dei Institute of Education, Dublin and an honours degree in Music from NUI Maynooth. He is an active member of the Dublin Diocesan Music Commission as well as being musical director for the Knockadoon Music and Liturgy Course, a national liturgical music formation program for youth and adults alike. He is also the director of the “Emmanuel” schools programme, which involves over 2,500 secondary (high school) students, learning new liturgical music, culminating in a celebration concert. One of the most memorable moments was when Ian turned to the audience and said “Now its your turn to sing!” What followed was the sound of over 1000 voices singing in 3 part harmony filling the space with praise and song.
Ian has worked with well known composer Liam Lawton, arranging, producing and recording some of his earlier works. He has also worked with renowned composers Davis Haas and Lori True.
Discography
- Winter Skies (1997) Veritas Publications
- The Source of Life (2009) GIA Publications
- In Beauty We Walk (2012) GIA Publications
The Source of Life
"The Source of Life" has been described as ‘a surprisingly powerful collection of thirteen songs celebrating the Liturgical year. [3] Themes of creation weave their way through the poetry contained this music. The mystical Celtic spirit these songs convey is born of Ian's fascination with the complexity and delicate balance manifested between each of us and creation itself. Songs like “God of Creation,” “Seinn Allelú,” and the title track are sure to become your new parish favorites. The Source of Life is filled with some of the freshest and most exciting Liturgical music available.‘
In Beauty We Walk
In Beauty We Walk, an exciting new collection from composer Ian Callanan, [4] is a perfect combination of real-world songs for worship that implore us to become the body of Christ—to live together in unity as “one holy people.” The songs are suitable for use throughout the liturgical year and encompass a variety of musical genres infused with Celtic grace. “Lord Heal the Darkness,” “Come and Eat This Bread,” and the title track, “In Beauty We Walk,” all seek to encourage, embolden, and enliven the spirit. A striking song of farewell, “The Warm Embrace,” offers courage and consolation to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Track after track, Callanan deftly draws us toward conversion and healing while inspiring us to live out the gospel message every day of our lives. The music of In Beauty We Walk profoundly speaks to the heart—messages of love, hope, praise, joy, and thanksgiving. Immerse your liturgy and your soul in beauty!
