With special guest Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich.
Our annual tribute to the remarkable 19th century music collector Canon James Goodman in the church that he built.
Two of Ireland’s most electrifying and innovative traditional musicians, Cormac Begley and Liam O’Connor, celebrate the release of their highly anticipated album Into the Loam. Following years of captivating performances together, this album represents a deep and dynamic exploration of their shared musical language, featuring a unique interplay of concertina, fiddle, and viola.
Cormac Begley, renowned for his pioneering approach to the concertina, has received widespread acclaim for his bold and unconventional style. His 2022 solo album B was named Irish Times Album of the Year and won Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Folk Awards. Known for his command of thirteen concertinas ranging from bass to piccolo, Begley’s playing has pushed the boundaries of the instrument, earning him collaborations with leading artists such as Lisa O’Neill, Rushad Eggleston, Lankum, Ye Vagabonds and Michael Keegan-Dolan. His innovative work in traditional music has been celebrated for its raw energy and depth.
Liam O’Connor, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished fiddle players of his generation, was awarded the Irish Times Traditional Music Album of the Year for his debut solo album. As the Director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive, he has significantly expanded the institution’s reach and resources, commissioning over 150 artists annually and spearheading projects that connect musicians with archival material. O’Connor has performed and recorded with legends of Irish music, including Liam O’Flynn, Noel Hill, and Tony MacMahon, and has curated concerts at the National Concert Hall. His work in traditional music extends beyond performance, as he has contributed to academic research, television, and radio projects that document and celebrate Irish musical heritage.
A Musical Collaboration Rooted in Tradition: Into the Loam is a powerful exploration of sound, featuring Cormac Begley’s mastery across the full spectrum of concertinas—bass, baritone, treble, and piccolo—interwoven with the unparalleled fiddle and viola artistry of Liam O’Connor. This album captures the raw energy and deep emotion of traditional Irish music, reinforcing its living, breathing presence in contemporary culture. The album will be exclusively available at concerts and for a limited digital pre-order period.
