Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd have been building a formidable musical relationship under the guise of the Máirtín O’Connor Band since 2001. Individually recognised figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity. Together they produce a vibrant and musically charged experience that redefines one’s concept of brilliance, verging on perfection. If this musical powerhouse does not get you to your feet, nothing will.
This concert is part of a weekend masterclass programme in association with Music Generation Clare. During this concert Máirtín, Cathal and Seamie will be joined on stage by some of the young musicians who participated in the masterclass.
Máirtín was one of the main musical forces behind the now legendary Riverdance phenomenon. Having previously through his work with De Dannan, Midnight Well and Skylark and also as a solo artist, quite simply gone where no Irish accordion player had gone before. He is one of the most respected and best loved musicians ever to emerge from the country.
Cathal Hayden needs no introduction to anyone even remotely familiar with traditional Irish music. A multiple All-Ireland Championship winner, he achieved world-wide recognition as one of the founder members of Four Men and a Dog. He is one of Ireland’s top fiddlers and his solo banjo performances are quite simply show-stopping.
Seamie O’Dowd’s musical abilities have become increasingly familiar at international level in recent years. Rooted deeply in the traditional music of Sligo, he has played in many genres of acoustic and electric music. He toured the world for a number of years with Sligo trad legends Dervish and recently has played both home and abroad with Liam O’Flynn, Matt Molloy and Mary McPartlan.
