This November, the Irish Cultural Centre (ICC), Hammersmith, marks its 30th anniversary with the London premiere of Ocean Child, a spellbinding concert weaving music, poetry, and history, narrated by Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning Irish actor Stephen Rea (The Crying Game, Michael Collins, V for Vendetta).
Taking place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November, Ocean Child is the centrepiece of the ICC’s year-long anniversary programme, which celebrates three decades of showcasing the richness and diversity of Irish arts and culture in London.
A Poetic Tribute to Memory, Exile, and the Sea
Composed and written by Belfast-born cellist Neil Martin, one of Ireland’s most celebrated composers, Ocean Childwas inspired by the tragic sinking of the RMS Tayleur off Lambay Island in 1854. The piece blends contemporary classical music with traditional Irish motifs, interlaced with Rea’s evocative narration as the mysterious “Ocean Child,” a figure embodying memory, exile, and the vast, untameable power of the sea.
The work is performed by the West Ocean String Quartet, featuring acclaimed violinists Aoife Ní Bhriain, Niamh Crowley, Kenneth Rice, and Martin on cello. They will be joined by the renowned Mulcahy sisters, Louise (pipes)and Michelle (harp), whose artistry and deep connection to Irish tradition bring an additional layer of poignancy to the performance.
Rooted and Timeless
Drawing on the rhythms of sean-nós song and the textures of European string quartets, Martin’s score creates a sound world at once ancient and modern, a dialogue between tradition and innovation that resonates across generations.
Originally commissioned by Temple Bar TradFest and supported by Fingal County Council, Ocean Child has already been hailed as one of the most ambitious and emotionally powerful works to emerge from Ireland’s contemporary music scene.
The Irish Cultural Centre: 30 Years of Irish Arts in London
Founded in 1995, the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith has become the UK’s leading hub for Irish arts and culture abroad, with a mission built on three pillars: culture, community, and education. Its anniversary year has been marked by a specially curated programme spanning music, theatre, literature, and visual arts.
“Ocean Child encapsulates everything the ICC stands for: artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and work that transcends boundaries,” said William Foote, Centre Director at the ICC. “To welcome Stephen Rea and such a stellar cast of musicians for our 30th anniversary is a privilege, and a celebration of the best of Irish creativity.”
Event Details
- What: Ocean Child – narrated by Stephen Rea
- When: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th November, 2025
- Where: Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, London
- Tickets: Here
These are the only London performances of Ocean Child, an unmissable experience for lovers of contemporary classical music, Irish traditional culture, and the transformative power of live performance.
