Just the Two: The Power of the Pair in Traditional Music
Just The Two, a series of intimate traditional music concerts, curated by Paula Carroll, returns this Autumn. It explores the power of the pair in traditional music and song. If the solo voice is where we find the authentic expression of traditional music, then the duo is where we see musical communication at its most creative. When two musicians really understand each other, we witness an almost indescribable ‘flow’ between them. For this series we have invited musicians to perform for us and to tell us about working together musically.
Four pairs will perform monthly from September to December on Thurs 28 September, Wed 25 October, Thurs 23 November and Thurs 14 December. All concerts begin at 8pm.
When Mary MacNamara was growing up in East Clare , music was a way of life for many people whose company she kept. She learned from sitting down with the great traditional music masters of the region such as John Naughton, Martin Rochford, P. Joe Hayes, Francie Donnellan, Joe Bane and Bill Malley. This unique musical nurturing has made her a highly respected musician and one of the most sought-after teachers of Irish music today.
The Begley family, from Baile na bPoc in the West Kerry Gaeltacht, are known nationally and internationally for their sweet singing, driving dance music and for being passionate carriers of their deep heritage of Irish language and tradition. Breanndán’s mesmerising singing and energetic accordion-playing have led to a string of interesting collaborations (Boys of the Lough, Beginish, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh). He is also a highly regarded broadcaster and cultural commentator. In the 1980s and 90s both Mary and Breanndán lived in Dublin and played music together for over 10 years. In this concert they share their music and memories from that time.
Further concerts in the series will take place as follows:
