"Spirit Is Here Too" is a humanistic song I wrote for the world. It promotes peace while warning of the dangers that lurk on the path of division and polarization, radicalism that leads tio disconnection from our humanity. It pains me to see the world in constant conflict with itself, and the pointless loss of lives and people’s suffering trouble me deeply. Writing songs whose objective is to uplift myself and others by offering hope in the place of despair gives me a sense of purpose these days.
This song is a collaboration with a Czech orchestra called Jihočeská Filharmonie (The South Czech Philharmonic) based in České Budějovice. It’s manager Otakar Svoboda and I have known each other since we crossed paths at the Sundance film festival in 2007 when Once came out. It has been a long time dream of mine to record and perform with an orchestra, and I am grateful to Otakar for helping me make it come true.
Given the importance this particular Czech collaboration represents for me, I decided to present the song in my native tongue in addition to English. I translated the lyrics myself, trying to stay as true to the original meaning as possible. We decided to include an instrumental version in the release as well, so that those who wish to enjoy the sound of the philharmonic in all its beauty can do so.
The song was arranged for the philharmonic by Karel Chudý and conducted by Alena Hron, first female chief conductor in Czech Republic. Coincidentally Alena and I are from the same town and graduated from the same high school, although this collaboration was the first time we had an opportunity to get acquainted.
The cover art is once again by my long time friend Nahid Hagigat out of her series titled Hand Painted Etchings from 1970’s Plates.
I am very proud of this song for peace and solidarity and it is a joy to finally release it into the world.
CREDITS:
Markéta Irglová and Jihočeská Filharmonie
Conducted by Alena Hron, Arranged by Karel Chudý
Written by Markéta Irglová
Produced by Sturla Mio Thorisson
Performed by Markéta Irglová and Jihočeská Filharmonie
Conducted by Alena Hron, the chief-conductor of Jihočeská Filharmonie
Arrangements and Musical Direction by Karel Chudý
Additional percussion by Manuel Barreto
Recorded by Roman Kamba at the Church of St. Anne in České Budějovice
and Sturla Mio Thorisson at Masterkey Studios in Iceland
Mixed by Sturla Mio Thorisson
Mastered by Scott Hull at Masterdisk
Cover art by Nahid Hagigat
Graphic Design by Mio Thorisson
Heartfelt thanks to Otakar Svoboda, Linda Neumanová, Karel Chudý, Alena Hron, Nahid Hagigat, Manuel Barreto, Jana Irglová, Marek Irgl, Maria Rawlins, Roman Kamba, Scott Hull, and Jihočeská Filharmonie.
Released on Masterkey Sounds 2024
Distributed by TuneCore
© 2024 Masterkey Sounds
℗ 2024 Marketa Irglova Music
Admin by Warner Chappell Publishing (ASCAP)
VIDEO CREDITS
Director: Anni Ólafsdóttir
Co-director: Andri Snær Magnason
Producer: Andri Snær Magnason
Producers on set: Hanna Björk Valsdóttir & Sturla Míó Þórisson
Executive Producers: Markéta Irglová & Sturla Míó Þórisson
Director of Photography: Anton Smári Gunnarsson
Focus Pullers: Hjálmar Þór Hjálmarsson
Róbert Magnússon
2nd AC : Rúnar Vilberg Hjaltason
DIT: Eva Lind Höskuldsdóttir
Gaffer: Halldór Kristinsson
Best Boy: Bjarki Heimisson
Key Grip: Tómas Freyr Jóhannsson
Production Designers: Dröfn Ösp Snorradóttir
Johnny Rozas
Costume Designer: Ellen Loftsdóttir
Costume Assistant: Arna Engilbertsdóttir
Make-Up Artist: Flora Buenano
Color Grading & Credits: Mio Thorisson
27 авг 2024
