Masters of Tradition on TourCelebrating Irish Music in its Purest Form
left to right
David Power - uilleann pipes Martin Hayes - fiddle Cathal Hayden - fiddle Máirtín O'Connor - accordion Seamie O'Dowd - guitar Dennis Cahill - guitar Iarla Ó Lionáird - vocals As Artistic Director of Masters of Tradition, Martin Hayes has brought together seven of the most compelling artists in Irish music today for a unique concert celebrating the art form. With performances of solos, duets, trios, and full group collaborations, the evening's format gives real insight into the musical journeys that these musicians, and the masterful music they play, have taken over the years. Masters of Tradition on Tour is named for the music festival held each August in the Irish coastal town of Bantry, Co. Cork. Martin Hayes devised the festival, in collaboration with the classical music organization West Cork Music, to create a space where the heart of traditional music could be revealed. The intimate performances take place in an old stone church in the town center and in Bantry House, one of Ireland's most beautiful 18th-century mansions. In 2009, a touring version of Masters of Tradition was invited to play at the Sydney International Festival in Australia and quickly sold out two nights at the Opera House, captivating audiences and winning critical acclaim. "The goal of this touring show is to focus on the details and nuances of Irish traditional music," says Hayes. "The performers are all masters of their instruments. Through their talent and abilities, the sophistication and artfulness of the music is revealed." Now, this remarkable line-up of Irish musicians comes to America in April 2012. |
Media/Presenters: click on individual photos above for print resolution photos top row, left and center: David Power, Martin Hayes, Cathal Hayden, Máirtín O'Connor, Seamie O'Dowd, Dennis Cahill and Iarla Ó Lionáird. |
|
"When we launched the Masters of Tradition Festival in 2002, my belief was that a sufficient audience with interest in the most authentic form of Irish music must surely exist." Read the full "A Message from Martin Hayes" |
© Art O'Briain |
| "Constantly changing permutations—solo, duet, trio, and for the thrilling climax of galloping jigs and reels, ensemble." The Australian |
April 2012 TourApril 13, Fri: New York: New York City, Symphony Space, www.irishartscenter.org. April 14, Sat: Massachusetts: Boston, Somerville Theatre, www.worldmusic.org. April 15 Sun: Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Annenberg Center for the Arts, www.pennpresents.org/tickets. April 16 Mon: Virginia: Alexandria, Birchmere Music Hall, www.birchmere.com. April 18 Wed: Washington: Olympia, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, www.washingtoncenter.org. April 20 Fri: Colorado: Denver, Gothic Theatre, www.celticevents.com. * * * * * * * Booking and Management: Elizabeth Roth, Roth Arts email, 860-570-0059. |
 Bantry House, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland Photo Courtesy of West Cork Music |
  |
In its purest form, Irish traditional music
speaks a universal language.
