In this edition of the IMRO podcast, we have an in-depth interview with Michael McGlynn - the composer, producer, director, and founder of the vocal ensemble Anúna.
Founded in 1987, Anúna has had an undeniable impact on the world stage, with Michael producing and recording 19 albums to date. The group has performed everywhere from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, to Radio City Music Hall in New York, as well as gracing stages in Morocco, China and Japan in recent years.
They’ve collaborated with a diverse range of performers including Elvis Costello, Sting and The Chieftans to name a few, with Michael composing works recorded and performed by The Chanticleer, the BBC Singers and the National Youth Choir Of Britain amongst many others.
In 2023 the Platinum/Nintendo video game Bayonetta Origins was released with the title song featuring a lyric composed by Michael McGlynn to a melody by Hitomi Kurokawa and sung by his daughter Lauren McGlynn.
Anúna are currently working on their latest album, being recorded in Iceland, and Michael kindly sent us the unreleased Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín, which is included in this episode among other compositions from Anúna's extensve discography.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Michael McGlynn spoke to Danny Carroll about first falling in love with choral music, the development of Anúna and new singers, the requirements for a good collaboration and Anúna’s involvement in video game soundtracks in recent years.
Tracks featured:
1. Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín - to be released
2. Wind On Sea
3. Dúlamán
4. La Chanson de Mardi Gras
5. Sakura
6. Media Vita
7. Revelation
All songs can be purchased on Anúna's bandcamp page: https://anuna.bandcamp.com/