Our services
Commissions
Anne composes a uniquely personalised poem about your loved one and Martin composes a bespoke piece of music for the poem. Commissions can be performed live on the occasion and/or delivered on a CD with hard copy for framing. We cover every occasion from the birth of a child, through all occasions, including the eulogised passing of a loved one.
Weddings
We offer personalised poems written by Anne accompanied by a bespoke piece of music composed as a different and unique wedding gift idea, to suit both traditional and non traditional ceremonies. This distinctive gift will be performed by The Poetic Note as part of the wedding ceremony, or shortly after, and will commemorate the special day of the couple, bringing a uniquely personalised flavour to their wedding ceremony.
Gigs
Our performances consist of Anne reading her poetry to Martin’s musical compositions in a creative and inclusive way. The poetry is very accessible and the music is both emotive and reciprocal, they complement each other in an easy listening way. This creative flow is inspired by people, nature and life experiences. We love to perform and enjoy many different settings from concert venues to more intimate candle lit spaces.
The Poetic Note
The Poetic Note offers a unique collaboration of original poetry, music and song. Live gigs, commissioned pieces, personalised wedding gifts that consist of a poem written about and tailored for a loved one. Anne writes the poem and Martin composes the music/song to accompany the poem, which we perform live at the celebration or event. We also offer a physical CD or digital download to commemorate the occasion.
We also perform live concerts as a duo showcasing our large catalogue of entertaining, soulful and uplifting pieces. We have performed in a diverse variety of venues from The Mick Lally Theatre, on Druid Lane, Galway. All Hallows University, Dublin, Strokestown House, Roscommon, The Maritime Museum, Dun Laoighre, The Methodist Church, Athlone to the opening of restaurants, culture nights, Arts Festivals, libraries, various intimate live music venues including Wheatfield Prison, Dublin.
The poetry is is inspired by glimpses of life, experienced both personally and observationally. Some poems come from cherished memories of childhood, some from the fog of teenage years, and others from the life of the evolving adult. They are rooted in both the ordinary and the extraordinary, in the experience of feeling, the process of thought and in the consequence of actions. The flow of words and music work together to express a feeling, encase a thought or just follow a laugh, and in that can become a personal experience unique to the listener.
About us
Anne Gaffney
Poet
Anne is a poet, student, teacher and psychotherapist, who has been dabbling in poetry for years, more recently with some dedication and self-belief. Her inspiration comes in many forms, rooted in her basic love of people, and of course the twists and turns of everyday life, which includes an earthed connection with nature and ancient mystical places.
Martin O'Hara
Musician
Martin is a producer/musician who has worked extensively in TV soundtrack composition for UTV and TG4. He regularly plays live with some excellent singer-songwriters, and always strives to play from the heart. A multi-instrumentalist, he has produced and recorded many CD releases. He holds a degree in media production.
"Together we are The Poetic Note, a collaboration of poetry and music, which came from a conversation, a question and a mutual interest in creative expression. As two creative forces, a poet and a musician, we began from an unknown place to explore the potential and the possibilities of where it could, or might, take us. It is a real joy to be a part of this creative and nourishing process of composition and collaboration, and we are very proud of our work. If one other person is touched or smiles because of our creativity then we are happy with a job well done"
What our clients say
“After so many years together there wasn’t much we needed by way of wedding presents. So this gift of a personalised poem to music by The Poetic Note just blew us away! All 130 guests were so mesmerised that you could have heard a pin drop. This was a truly wonderful gift and we will treasure it forever. Thanks you two”
“We were delighted and surprised to receive such a unique gift. the Poetic Note added a personal and moving touch to our wedding ceremony….. You could have heard a pin drop and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was very special”
“As it was second time around for both of us and we were having a civil ceremony, we struggled to find something unique that summed up who we are and what we’d been through to get to this point in our lives. The Poetic Note helped us find words of joy and meaning to add a personal touch to our service and we were blown away by what they did. I would thoroughly recommend Anne and Martin for a uniquely wonderful way to personalise your wedding day”
“We choose to have a humanistic ceremony, and on our special day The Poetic Note piece brought a real sense of who we are as a couple. It was meaningful, emotive and light, all at once. It captured the quirks and the depth and is something unique we have to remember our day by. we just loved it”
“To say that I was chuffed that Anne told me she’d written a poem about me is an understatement. When I got to read the poem, I was blown away by how accurately she had tuned into my essence with her words. Thank you Anne”
“I received this piece as a gift from my daughter for a ‘special’ birthday. It was very thoughtful and personal, it brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. I recommend Anne and Martin’s collaboration of words and music as a wonderful show of love.”
Latest news
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Wedding Commission
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