Triskel Christchurch Gigs at Cork Folk Festival 2024
45th Cork Folk Festival at the Triskel Arts Centre
Thursday 3rd October 8pm Tickets €28
45th Cork Folk Festival presents award winning UK songwriter Seth Lakeman with supporting act Moynihan
Seth Lakeman is an English folk artist born in Devon in the UK. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing violin, guitar, banjo, violin and mandolin, and is known for his rhythmic, chordal fiddle parts, which he can play and sing over simultaneously. He often writes songs about sailors, soldiers and miners, as well as traditional songs and songs inspired by legends of the southern English coastlines
Seth was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for ‘Kitty Jay’. Seth’s thrilling solo performance of the eponymous title track on live television won him unanimous praise and started him on an incredible solo journey which has included record deals, 11 album releases (including 6 Top 40), BBC Radio 2 playlisted singles, a clutch of awards and touring all over the world. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the album’s release
Seth released his latest and 11th studio album Make Your Mark in November 2021. The album features 14 powerful, brand-new songs including the singles Higher We Aspire and title track Make Your Mark which were playlisted at BBC Radio 2. Seth was also delighted to be asked in late 2022 to record on Van Morrison’s new album ‘Moving On Skiffle’ which was released in March this year and he collaborated with Public Service Broadcasting. He has previously worked and toured extensively with Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) with his band the Sensational Space Shifters.
Moynihan are a trio of musical siblings from Cork City. Three of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, Deirdre Moynihan on fiddle & vocals, Diarmaid Moynihan on uilleann pipes & whistles and Donncha Moynihan on guitar. Tthey were founding members of the ground breaking band Calico. They are delighted to return to Cork to showcase music from their wonderful new album entitled Black Brook. The album takes its name from one of the tributaries which flows into the river Lee at the mouth of Cork harbour. These extraordinary musicians have recorded and toured with many renowned artists such as Lunasa, Flook, Carlos Nuñez and Alain Stivell. Inspired by their individual and collective musical journeys, their music draws on diverse creative influences and combines traditional Irish music with contemporary material written by the band.
“Takes listeners to a refreshingly new level in traditional Irish Music” – Irish Music Magazine
“A remarkable collection…one of the albums of the year” – 5 stars, The Irish Times
Friday 4th October Tickets €28
Iarla Ó Lionaird, Cormac McCarthy, Matthew Berrill plus Rosie McCarthy
The 45th Cork Folk Festival presents a memorable and unique concert: an inspired pairing of twice Grammy nominated vocalist Iarla Ó Lionáird with renowned pianist/composer Cormac McCarthy and acclaimed clarinet maestro Matthew Berrill. An exciting, moving and dramatic new ensemble coming together to explore Iarla’s rich and varied repertoire through their compelling transcendent interpretations. The concert will begin with a performance from singer Rosie McCarthy from Macroom.
Iarla Ó Lionáird has carved a long and unique career in music both internationally and in Ireland. From his iconic early recording of the vision song ‘Aisling Gheal’ as a young boy to his ground breaking recordings with Dublin’s Crash Ensemble and New York’s Alarm Will Sound, he has shown a breadth of artistic ambition that sets him apart in the Irish Music fraternity.
A twice Grammy nominated artist, Ó Lionáird has worked with a stellar cast of composers internationally including Donnacha Dennehy, Dan Trueman, Kate Moore, Nico Muhly, Linda Buckley, Gavin Bryars and David Lang, and he has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Peter Gabriel, Nick Cave, Robert Plant and Sinead O’Connor. His unique singing style has carried him to stages and concert halls all over the world, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House and beyond. He has performed as soloist with concert and symphony orchestras including the Ulster Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Centre, USA, the Irish National Symphony Orchestra and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Also an accomplished broadcaster, O’ Lionaird’s recent Radio Series Vocal Chords on the mysteries of the human voice, for Ireland’s National Classical Music Broadcaster, RTÉ Lyric FM, won both Gold and Silver Awards at the New York Radio Festival 2016/2018.
His own voice has graced the silver screen also, with film credits extending from The Gangs of New York to Hotel Rwanda and most recently as featured singer in the film Brooklyn starring Saoirse Ronan. He is the vocalist with the critically acclaimed Irish/American band The Gloaming.
“Magnificently expressive” The New York Times
“One of the most dramatic voices in contemporary music” The Guardian
“Ó Lionáird’s real triumph is his voice: as soft as a feather bed and as searingly sharp as a blade when the mood calls” The Irish Times
“His voice will astound you. It soars – and it’s as profound, simple and beautiful as wild horses… Genius is the operative word here.” Time Out New York
Cormac McCarthy is a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork, Ireland. Noted for a diverse stylistic palette, and equally at home in a variety of genres, his music is said to “defy categorisation” (RTÉ Lyric FM). In 2010, having completed his Masters degree in composition at the MTU Cork School of Music, Cormac received the prestigious Bill Whelan International Music Bursary, an award earmarked for young Irish composers studying abroad. He spent a number of years living in Chicago, where he completed a Masters in Jazz Studies at DePaul University.
His compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by artists including Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, Mick Flannery, Martin Hayes, Andrea Corr, Gavin James, Niamh Regan, Jack O’Rourke, The DePaul Jazz Ensemble, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Crash Ensemble, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra and the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra. He has performed extensively at concert venues, clubs and festivals throughout Europe and the US, sharing the stage/recording studio with artists across a wide musical spectrum, including Peter Washington, Nell Ní Chróinín, Billy Drummond, Liz Carroll, Donal Lunny, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra & the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
Matthew Berrill is a sought after musician and is a member of many ensembles in the jazz, improvised and traditional Irish worlds, including Ensemble Ériu and the Irish Memory Orchestra.
He teaches in numerous music education projects throughout Galway County, was conductor of the University of Galway Concert Orchestra and is a founder, teacher and ensemble director in the Headford Music Works teaching and performing scheme.
In July 2022, Matthew graduated with distinction following a two year Masters in Jazz Performance and Composition at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, London, which was made possible by a scholarship offered by the Academy.
Saturday 5th October 3.30pm €15
The Phoenix Bar Revisited
At the Triskel Christchurch 5th October 3pm Tickets €15
This concert will feature musicians who all played in the Phoenix bar in Cork during the 1970’s. The Phoenix Bar was one of the first bars in Cork City that welcomed traditional and folk music sessions. Over the years it became a musical hub and spawned a plethora of folk groups including The Phoenix Céilí Band, The Lee Valley String Band, Coppinger Stang, The Four Star Trio, Stokers Lodge, The Steam Packet Co. and the dynamic duo of Jackie Daly and Séamus Creagh.
The line up for the concert will feature Jackie Daly, Jimmy Crowley, Conal Ó Grada, Colm Murphy, Eoin O Riabhaigh, Mick Daly & Tana O’ Brien plus Pat Ahern, Fred Willis and Ger Shine of Coppinger Stang.
No doubt the concert will revisit tunes and songs not played for decades. And you can be sure there will be a few stories told of the craic and banted to had at the Phoenix during those heady days – miss it at your peril.
Saturday 5th October 8pm
Music Network Tour; Michael McGoldrick, Nollaig Casey, Niall McCabe
Music Network brings together three extraordinary artists for an unforgettable evening of folk and traditional music.
This newly curated lineup features, acclaimed fiddle and viola player Nollaig Casey, one of Ireland’s fast-rising stars of the folk world, guitarist and singer Niall McCabe, and the incomparable multi-instrumentalist Mike McGoldrick.
Nollaig Casey is one of Ireland’s most gifted and versatile musicians, known for her distinctive sound and instantly recognisable playing style. She has worked with a host of renowned artists including Enya, Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, Mary Black, Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon. As a member of groundbreaking bands Coolfin and Planxty, her influence on Irish music is enduring.
Niall McCabe, with his self-effacing humor and captivating stories of growing up on a remote Irish island, brings an effortless charm to his performances. His natural, distinct voice is earning him a growing and loyal fanbase across Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America.
Former BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year Mike McGoldrick is a gifted composer and a master of the wooden flute, low whistles and uilleann pipes. A sought-after contributor for many artists, he has collaborated with Mark Knopfler since 2009 and is a core member of the Transatlantic Sessions.
This tour will feature the world premieres of two new Music Network commissions: a song commission by McCabe and an instrumental commission by Casey and McGoldrick.
Don’t miss what promises to be an exciting evening of music filled with masterful performances, captivating stories and song.
Nollaig Casey – fiddle/viola
Niall McCabe – vocals/guitar
Mike McGoldrick – flute/uilleann pipes/whistles
About the Musicians
Nollaig Casey is one of Ireland’s most gifted and versatile musicians with a distinctive sound and a unique and instantly recognisable playing style. She has recorded and worked with Enya, Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, Nanci Griffith, Ricky Skaggs, Rod Stewart, Dónal Lunny, Mary Black, Andy Irvine, Moving Hearts, The Indigo Girls, Spandau Ballet, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Sharon Shannon, Maura O’Connell, Dick Gaughan and her sister, the innovative and influential harper Máire Ní Chathasaigh, among many others. Nollaig was also a member of the ground breaking bands Coolfin and Planxty.
Her two duo albums, Lead The Knave and Causeway with legendary guitarist Arty McGlynn, a solo album The Music of What Happened and a quartet album Heartstring Sessions with her sister Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Arty McGlynn and Chris Newman have all received widespread praise.
Nollaig’s unique ability to play both classical and traditional music with equal proficiency has inspired a number of composers to write orchestral pieces for her. In 2003, she performed in front of millions as soloist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in a work by Shaun Davey commissioned by the Special Olympics held in Dublin. In 1999, she gave the first performance in New York of a concerto for Violin and Irish Fiddle by Evan Chambers and in 2006 made her Carnegie Hall début as soloist in the same concerto.
Also a prolific composer, her composition Twins on a Swing was the signature tune for the RTÉ / TG4 TV series Sult for several years. She enjoys an unrivalled popularity among composers of film music with an Irish influence and has been the featured soloist on over twenty feature films – including the acclaimed Dancing at Lughnasa and Waking Ned.
“Nollaig’s performance was stunning for its sheer musical artistry” The Irish Times
With self-effacing humour and stories told of growing up on a remote Irish island, Niall McCabe possesses an effortless charm which both captivates and liberates his audience. Like the wild Atlantic landscape of his home, his songs feel timeless and natural yet belie the dense shaping of a dynamic creative force. Deft, intricate guitar work brings a lightness to the weight of island isolation yet the sound, soul and stories of Niall’s life and experiences breathe a deep cultured sense of discernment through his vocals. His natural, distinct voice is earning him a growing and loyal fanbase, discovering his music as he travels extensively across Ireland, UK, Europe and North America.
As well as becoming an accomplished finger style guitar player, Niall has lent his unique voice to Irish trad fusion band Beoga touring Ireland, Europe and the USA while also playing support for Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance and Johnny Swim. More recently he has opened for Chris Isaak on his UK Tour for sold out audiences at Eventim Apollo London and Wolverhampton Civic Halls, and for Mary Black at her sold out Olympia how. Niall’s latest U.S. tour saw him perform at The City Winery New York and several showcase gigs for the week of Americanafest in Nashville with plans for a follow up North American tour in 2024.
His eagerly anticipated Rituals album was released in February 2023 to critical acclaim and featured as RTÉ Album of the Week while the song “Rituals” topped the RTÉ radio airplay charts for five consecutive weeks.
“An incredible vocal range” GoldenPlec
“A masterpiece, in the true sense of the word” Irish Music Magazine [on Niall McCabe’s Ritual]
Former BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year Mike McGoldrick is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and composer. Born in Manchester to Irish parents, he is a master of the wooden flute, low whistles and uilleann pipes, making him a go-to contributor for many artists including Vicente Amigo, Zac Brown Band, Xosé Manuel Budiño, Jerry Douglas, Julie Fowlis, Darrell Scott, Nolwenn Leroy, Tim O’Brien, Dirk Powell and Kate Rusby. Mike has collaborated with Mark Knopfler since 2009 and been a core member of the Transatlantic Sessions since 2007.
Steeped in Irish traditional music, he has, from his ground-breaking 2000 solo album Fused onwards, assimilated a wide range of musical styles into his work including jazz, funk, African and Indian rhythms. In 2005 he released Wired, a natural successor to Fused which was even more captivating, incorporating alternative sounds to create a brilliant fusion at the cutting edge of folk music that positively exploded with energy. The Sunday Herald’s 5-star review described the album as “a treasure-trove of gorgeous tunes, razor-sharp grooves and sublime playing”. In 2018 Mike released ARC, his fifth solo album The Wishing Tree with John Doyle and John McCusker, and Dog in the Fog with Dezi Donnelly, all of which received rave reviews.
Mike has made an immense contribution to the Irish and UK folk scenes through his many solo and collaborative projects including being a founder member of the supergroup Lúnasa and later through his work with Capercaillie. Recently nominated as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2024 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, Mike’s reputation as one of the leading musicians of his generation is undeniable. Simply put, he is regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time.
“Mike is in a class of his own – it’s always a joy to share a stage or a studio with him” Mark Knopfler
“One of the greatest flute players in the world” BBC Music