Leeds gets set for five-day Irish
cultural extravaganza
The second Leeds Irish Festival is a five-day celebration of Irish Music
and Arts between November 9-13. The Irish Arts Foundation in Leeds was
established in 1998 to promote Irish music and arts in Leeds and beyond.
The Leeds Gathering features some of the most dynamic performers and artists
in the world of Irish Arts. The events will appeal to discerning audiences
whether Irish or not.
November 9, 9.15pm
The Story of a Romanian string quartet who relocated to the city of Galway
in the West of Ireland. A fascinating insight into the changing arts and
classical music scene in this part of Ireland seen through the eyes of
musicians from Eastern Europe who eventually collaborate with well-known
traditional musicians Máirtín O’Connor and Cathal
Hayden.
Friday 10, Traditional Irish music, 1-10pm
Des Hurley (fiddle, button accordion) and Chris O’Malley (piano,
guitar, piano accordion, vocals) perform traditional and some contemporary
material at this free event.
Friday 10, 8-15pm
Concert with Leeds Comhaltas and Nollaig Casey, Arty McGlynn followed
by Céilí.
A must for traditional music lovers the evening begins with a musical
drama from the Leeds branch of Comhaltas entitled The Old Lammas Fair
and features a lively blend of traditional Irish music, dancing and singing
as well as a bit of craic at the horse fair. Nollaig Casey and Arty McGlynn
are an exciting duo providing a rich mix of talent and experience. The
evening will be rounded off with a Céilí from Deirdre Havlin,
a former member of Déanta and now with traditional band The London
Lasses.
Saturday 11, 2.30pm-5pm
Traditional Irish music sessions with Guest Musicians
Saturday 11,8pm
Evening concert with young musicians,
The support and development of young, upcoming artists is a central aim
of the Irish Arts Foundation. The evening begins with a young musicians
showcase which this year features All-Ireland duet champions Katie Boyle
(fiddle) and Mairéad McManus (flute) from Glasgow. They play with
traditional band Cushtie, winners of the Celtic Connections new bands
competition in 2005. Matt Griffin (Míse) joins them on guitar.
Élan formed last year and features dynamic fiddler Sam Proctor,
award-winning and exhilarating young box player Damien Mullane, brilliant
young bodhrán player Dan Griffin (Míse) and the accomplished
Michael Lempelius on bouzouki. They have recently been joined by local
lad Chris O’Malley from Leeds on keyboards giving their sound a
new dimension.
Singers Session 2pm
If you enjoy singing a song or if you would just like to listen this could
be for you. Facilitated by well-known traditional singer Jim Doody.
Monday 13, Cara Dillon in concert, doors open 7.30pm
With a stunningly-beautiful voice Cara Dillon’s solo career goes
from strength to strength. Born in Co. Derry in 1975, she won the All-Ireland
singing competition when she was 14. A year later she joined young band
Óige and has since toured with a number of influential acts.
Memorial session in memory of Dave Priestley, a well-respected patron
of the Leeds Irish music scene who sadly passed away in 2006. Doors open
8pm for this free event.
For venues and ticketing details contact:
Irish Arts Foundation
The West Park Centre
Spen Lane
Leeds
LS16 5BE
Tel: 0113 275 5665
Fax: 0113 275 0445
E-mail: info@irisharts.org.uk
Web: www.irisharts.org.uk
Box Office Hotline: 0113 224 3801 |
