Moloney: ‘There Are No Limits: Music Is Music’

Paddy Moloney, founder of the Chieftains, was a little confused, but largely bemused, to hear that his group had been in the eye of a programming storm between officials at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, where the group plays on Monday, and the Orange County Philharmonic Society, which is sponsoring the band’s local performance.

Earlier this year, center officials were reluctant to grant the society dates on its 1993-94 calendar for its “International Artists” series concerts, including the Chieftains (who performed at the center two years ago), Les Ballets Africains and the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.

In the view of then-center President Thomas R. Kendrick, the Philharmonic Society should stick to presenting major touring orchestras, as it has in Orange County for 40 years, instead of expanding its offerings to include ethnic folk music and dance acts.

Following some acrimonious public debate, the center relented--on a onetime basis. Society officials still don’t know if they’ll be permitted to offer a similar series at the center in the future.

Responded Moloney: “Yes, I’d heard there’d been some kind of a problem with the people who run the building. But I don’t know why they’d say that.

“For us, there are no limits: Music is music, and musicians are musicians. . . . I couldn’t understand whatever happened, that (center officials) wouldn’t want us back. What they probably overlooked is the fact that all music began with folk music.

“All the great masters have pulled on it and used folk tunes in their compositions. The sound that we have perhaps is not as broad (as that of a symphony orchestra), and we don’t wear bow ties and black suits. But we are producing a music that is the basis for all music.

“When I was given my honorary doctorate from Trinity College (in Dublin in 1988), it was not just an honor for me, or even for the Chieftains, but for all folk musicians. For a very important academic establishment that is well known all around the world to award a doctorate to a folk musician is a great honor.

“So you can tell any of those people who had any doubts about bringing in the Chieftains,” he added with an impish laugh, “they must address me as Dr. Moloney.”