The 2nd New York City Tartan Week

Scottish Gaelic

Song Competition

Wednesday April 3rd 2025

The Mod 2025

FÀILTE TO NEW YORK CITY TARTAN WEEK MÒD

NYCTW PRESENTS

New York City Tartan Week is excited to host its second Scottish Gaelic Song Competition, The NYCTW Mòd. Singers from across North America and beyond will compete in this prestigious singing competition which will take place at The Tailor Public House in Manhattan on Thursday 4th April, 2024.

THE COMPETITION

New York City Tartan Week is excited to host its second Scottish Gaelic Song Competition, The NYCTW Mòd. Singers from across North 

America and beyond will compete in this prestigious singing competition which will take place at The Tailor Public House in Manhattan on Thursday 4th April, 2024.

The winner will be crowned New York City Tartan Week Mòd Champion 2024 and win a prize of $250, as well as an invitation to sing at the Pre-Parade Ceilidh sponsored by the New York Caledonian Club, plus a 12 month subscription to WeeBox sponsored by WeeBox, and other singing opportunities.

New York City Tartan Week is proud to partner with a number of Scottish Gaelic events throughout the week and we hope the Scottish and Gaelic speaking communities throughout North America and beyond will help to make NYCTW Mòd an annual event. Join us in your Clan tartan!

Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal,
ach mairidh gaol is ceòl.

The world may end, but love and music will endure.

Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal,
ach mairidh gaol is ceòl.

The world may end, but love and music will endure.

What is a mòd?

Introduction

At its core, a Mòd is a celebration of Gaelic arts, encompassing music, song, poetry, and drama. Participants, ranging from choirs and musicians to solo performers, engage in friendly competition, showcasing their talents and celebrating the beauty of the Gaelic language. The Mòd serves as a vibrant stage for the community to come together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in Gaelic heritage.

Origins of Mòd

The term “Mòd” translates to “a gathering” in Gaelic, and its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century in Scotland. The inaugural Mòd was held in Oban in 1892 and has since evolved into an annual celebration that has left an indelible mark on Gaelic culture.

A Cultural Bridge

The NYC Tartan Week Mòd, in collaboration with An Comunn Gàidhealach Ameireaganach, is a significant cultural bridge that extends the spirit of a Mòd to the heart of New York City. By hosting this celebration, the goal is not only to showcase the beauty of Scottish Gaelic arts but also to inspire a new wave of interest in Gaelic learning and foster connections within the global Gaelic community.

Learning support and tutorials performed

by Mòd Gold Medalists from Scotland

We have selected 6 popular traditional Gaelic songs. These are the prescribed pieces available to our entrants to choose to perform.

Or competitors have the option to select their own Gaelic song to perform to do this they must provide us with the sheet music,

Mod Songs:

  • Singer: Alasdair Whyte
    Song Name: Cànan nan Gàidheal
    Spoken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nioni_hB-VY
    Singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhc5vGLyV_s
    Sheet Music: http://www.nyctartanweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Song-1-Canan-nan-Gaidheal-%E2%80%93-performed-by-Alasdair-Whyte_New.pdf
  • Singer: Eillidh Cormack
    Song Name: Òran Chalum Sgàire
    Spoken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjAZ66mO5K0
    Singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i37GpxS5R2o
    Sheet Music: http://www.nyctartanweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Song-2-Oran-Chaluim-Sgaire-–-performed-by-Eillidh-Cormack_New.pdf
  • Singer: Darren MacLean
    Song Name: ‘S Truagh Nach d’ Rugadh Dall Mi (Fil O Rò)
    Spoken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xc5Br7XUZc
    Singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exqu5wPqCc0
    Sheet Music: http://www.nyctartanweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Song-3-Is-truagh-nach-do-rugadh-Dall-Mi-Fil-O-Ro-performed-by-Darren-MacLean_New.pdf
  • Singer: Eilidh Munro
    Song Name: Fear a’ bhàt
    Spoken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eX3h4R-ZvE
    Singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Q-AAbSA4o
    Sheet Music: http://www.nyctartanweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Song-4-Fear-a-bhata-–-performed-by-Eilidh-Munro_New.pdf
  • Singer: Ruairidh Cormack
    Song Name: Illean Bithibh Sunndach
    Spoken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCGxYxVYRLw
    Singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZvIuWzFn_c
    Sheet Music: http://www.nyctartanweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Song-5-Illean-Bithibh-Sunndach-–-performed-by-Ruairidh-Cormack_New.pdf
  • Singer: Joy Dunlop
    Song Name: An Ataireachd Àrd
    Spoken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-z9zIm4EGQ
    Singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etCdd9b1fGM
    Sheet Music: http://www.nyctartanweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Song-6-An-Ataireachd-Ard-–-performed-by-Joy-Dunlop_New.pdf

Gaelic words and translation via email when submitting the application to 

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, click here

Closing date for entries is Monday 04 March, 2024.

If you are interested in competing at, or attending our Mòd, you may wish to check out our Gaelic workshops the day before.

Mod Workshops:

  • Workshop Title: CONVERSATIONAL GAELIC
    Time: 11:00 AM
  • Workshop Title: GAELIC SONG
    Time: 12:00 PM

As part of the 2024 event, we are also holding Gaelic language and song workshops for avid lovers of Scottish culture. These are open to anyone and provide the opportunity to learn some basic Gaelic language and songs 


There is also the possibility to provide a more advanced Conversational Class, depending on interest/level of participants.

For tickets and more details, click here.

Sponsors and Support