New Zealand's only traditional Irish music festival presents the showcase concert for 2015. Headlined by the talented Aoife Granville and Niall Ó Beaglaoich (Niall Begley) direct from Ireland (exclusively for this festival), the concert features all the guest tutors for the festival.
Aoife Granville, from Dingle is highly regarded as a multi-instrumentalist and singer. She has performed, toured and recorded extensively and released her second solo album, Sáimhín Só, in April 2014. Aoife is regarded as an influential figure in the contemporary Irish fluting tradition and holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology University College Cork. Aoife was awarded a Bene Merenti from UCC for her contribution to traditional music. She has won numerous prizes at Oireachtas and Fleadhanna Cheoil, including the prestigious Senior Flute title in 2003. Aoife teaches, lectures and researches in Irish traditional music, festival musics and popular music culture.
Niall comes from a well-known West Kerry musical family and has been playing since he was a young boy. His playing is influenced by accordion greats like Seamus Begley, Tony MacMahon, Jackie Daly and Joe Burke. Níall was a finalist in the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal Competition (Reeds) in 2014 and performs regularly in his native Corca Dhuibhne (West Kerry) as well as festivals throughout Ireland.
Joining Aoife and Niall on stage are Louise Phelan on Fiddle and Liam O'Brien on Banjo, both from Ireland but currently living in Australia. Australian born multi instrumentals Ben Stephenson and New Zealand folk Music "Tui" award winning musician Brendyn Montgomery on Whistle round out this years concert lineup.
A night not to be missed for lovers of Irish music. Expect a delightful night of "craic" and toe tapping tunes from all the artists and some great traditional songs from Aoife.
Last years concert sold out so be in quick to avoid disappointment.
More information about the festival and the musicians can be found on www.irishmusic.org.nz.
Ceol Aneas
