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Countdown to Celtic Connections  Glasgow’s
Celtic Connections Festival, January 16 to February 3, will celebrate
the links between Scottish and Irish musical traditions with a top line-up
of Irish artists, including Moving Hearts, Liam Clancy, Luka Bloom, Cara
Dillon, Flook, Damian Dempsey, Andy Irvine, Paul Brady and Cherish The
Ladies.
Now in its 15th year Celtic Connections have built up a reputation as
being one of the primary music events in Britain.
It is the largest event of its kind with over 300 gigs, céilís,
talks, free events, late night sessions, and workshops using 14 venues
in Glasgow.
Irish artists have a very strong presence at Celtic Connections 2008,
from the opening concert Common Ground, (a star-studded collaborative
session featuring Sharon Shannon, Luka Bloom, Damian Dempsey, Karen Casey,
Michael McGoldrick, and Jim Murray) through to the Irish dance and Irish
pipes workshops on the festivals final day.
Andy Irvine and Paul Brady will perform from their 1976 album as part
of Celtic Connections classic collections stand now over three decades
later.
Their version of such songs as Lock Erne Shore and Arthur McBride remain
definitive versions.
Another jewel in the Irish line-up for 2008 is the performance by the
legendary Moving Hearts following their triumphant reunion gigs at Dublin’s
Vicar Street, in 2007.
Their live appearance in Glasgow is eagerly anticipated.
Another concert, which promises to a be true celebration of the Irish
musical tradition, is Altan and The Brendan Voyage featuring Liam O’Flynn
with the Orchestra of Scottish Opera. Shaun Daveys The Brendan Voyage
(1980), a composition inspired by historian Tim Severin’s 1976 recreation
of St. Brendan’s legendary crossing from Kerry to Newfoundland in
a leather-hulled boat, it will receive its Celtic connections premiere.
The original soloist Liam O’Fynn on Uilleann Pipes will perform
at this event. The second-half of the concert will feature Ireland’s
top traditional band Altan.
Other concerts entitled The Irish Tradition featuring Desi Wilkinson,
Séan Corcoran, Ronan Browne, Cran and Zoe Conway and Brian Finnegan.
The Singing Tree — a brand new performance in words, music and dance
celebrating the rich musical traditions of the north of Ireland, featuring
Cara Dillon, Sibeal Davitt, Gearoid Mac Lochlainn, Jarlath Henderson,
Damian O’Kane, Trevor Hutchinson, Meabh O’Hare and Eamon Murray
— to allow the festival to further explore the musical heritage
of Ireland.
Celtic connections festival brings in visitors from around the world
and is an integral and vibrant part of the cultural life of Glasgow; the
economic impact on the city is nearly £6million during a normally
quiet post-Christmas period.
The festival actively promotes artistic links and cultural exchanges across
countries and provides a platform for talented performers. Last year brought
160 agents from around the world to view the performers.
Tickets can be booked by phoning 0141 353 8000 or online: www.celticconnections.com
or at either of the Concert Halls box offices. Glasgow Royal Concert hall,
2 Sauchiehall Street. Glasgow, G2 3NY |
