The Heartstring Quartet (Ireland/UK)

Traditional Irish music at its very best, featuring Arty McGlynn (ex Van Morrison band). Two renowned duos - Two gifted sisters - Two extraordinary guitarists. A multi-faceted, unique quartet.

Two of the most important names in Irish music - legendary guitarist Arty McGlynn  and virtuoso fiddler Nollaig Casey – who between them have played with every major Irish artist of the last thirty years – are joined for this special project by Máire Ní Chathasaigh, “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (Scotland on Sunday), and Britain’s finest flatpicking guitarist Chris Newman.  

 

MÁIRE is Ireland’s most influential harper.  As a teenager in Co Cork in the early 1970’s she invented an entirely new style that quickly became the norm amongst both her contemporaries and the younger generation of harpers.  A multiple All-Ireland and Pan-Celtic winner, in 1985 she recorded the very first harp album to concentrate on traditional Irish dance music, The New-Strung Harp -  “A mile-stone in Irish harp music” (The Irish Examiner).  In 2001 she received Irish music’s most prestigious award, that of Traditional Musician of the Year – Gradam Cheoil TG4 – “for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp and for the positive influence she has had on the younger generation of harpers.”

 

CHRIS is “one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists” (fRoots).  A prolific composer, arranger and record producer, he’s played with luminaries of many musical worlds: folk {Boys of the Laugh}, Jazz {Stéphane Grappelli and Diz Disley} and comedy {Fred Wedlock} – receiving a silver disc for producing Fred’s hit Oldest Swinger in Town.  His new CD Still Getting Away With It, a celebration of his 40-year career, is “astonishing… a must buy for any guitar player” (Scotland on Sunday)  “a triumph… One of the top guitarists of his ilk anywhere” (The Living Tradition)  “Beauty and virtuosity from a master craftsman at the peak of his abilities”  (Maverick)  “Amazing… One of our greatest musicians”  (BBC Radio 2)  “Dazzling… the most remarkable guitar playing you’re going to hear all year”  (Rock n Reel)

 

Chris and Máire have toured together worldwide since 1988.  “In a class of their own”  The Guardian  “An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling”  The Times  “Dazzling virtuosity”  The Daily Telegraph  “Music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music.”  The Irish Times.

 

Máires sister NOLLAIG’s powerful presence has graced two of Ireland’s most ground-breaking bands.  Planxty and Coolfin.  She made her Carnegie Hall Debut in 2006 as a soloist in a double concerto for classical violin and traditional fiddle by Evan Chambers.  She’s toured the world with the hit show Riverdance and performed at the 2003 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony.  A soloist in over 20 feature films, she’s recorded with Enya, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Nanci Griffith, Ricky Skaggs, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Mary Black, Carlos Nunez, Jim Rooney, Andy Irvine, Moving Hearts, Elvis Costello, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Dan ar Braz, Shaun Davey and Sharon Shannon.  Her solo album featured “exquisite fiddle-playing and superb vocals” {The Irish Times} and she’s recorded two duo albums with Arty.  She can most recently be seen playing on BBC’s transatlantic Sessions with Alison Krauss and Aly Bain.

 

ARTY, from Co. Tyrone, is one of the best-known musicians in Ireland.  Touring professionally form the age of fifteen, his playing soon came under the influence of Wes Montgomery and Thelonius Monk.  He later revived his interest in Irish Traditional music and in 1979 recorded McGlynn’s Fancy, the first recording of the guitar played in an authentic traditional style and a classic of the traditional music world. He’s Played and recorded with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, John Prine, Tim O’Brien, Jim Rooney, Jerry Douglas, Donal Lunny, Liam O’Flynn, The Chieftains and countless others.  He was a member of Planxty, Patrick Street and De Danann and lead guitarist in the Van Morrison Band for many years.  He’s also a chart-topping record producer. “Nollaig and Arty have been at the cutting edge of the modern Irish Music scene for the last 30 years”  The Irish Times

Saturday 28 February 2015 - 8:00pm

Support:  Freddie White
Tickets $45