Masters of Tradition
Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, Cathal Hayden, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Seamie O¹Dowd, Máirtín O¹Connor, David Power
Friday, March 28, 8pm,
Somerville Theatre
Davis Square
BOSTON, MA World Music/CRASHarts presents Masters of Tradition on Friday, March 28, 8pm at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Sq., Somerville. Tickets are $28. For tickets and information call World Music/CRASHarts at (617) 876-4275 or buy online at www.WorldMusic.org.
An exceptional evening of Celtic music performed by some of Ireland¹s most esteemed traditional musicians, Masters of Tradition celebrates Irish music in its purest form and features Martin Hayes and Cathal Hayden on fiddle, Iarla Ó Lionáird on vocals, Dennis Cahill and Seamie O¹Dowd on guitar, Máirtín O¹Connor on accordion and David Power on uilleann pipes.
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 is named for the highly-regarded 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. For the festival in Ireland, 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.”
Martin Hayes was born and raised in East County Clare, a part of Ireland renowned for traditional music and a particularly lyric style. Martin is considered to be one of its most distinguished native sons. He has both remained faithful to the East Clare style and transformed it, conveying its deep and essential musicality that can stand alongside any of the world¹s greatest music. He tours regularly with Dennis Cahill, a guitarist born in Chicago whose innovative accompaniment is acknowledged as a major breakthrough for guitar in the Irish tradition.
In April 2012, Masters of Tradition made their debut American tour, performing to enthusiastic audiences in New York, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Olympia, and Denver, and then played some additional dates in 2013. With the success of 2012 and 2013 behind them, this remarkable line-up of Irish musicians returns to American in March and April 2014. Masters of Tradition will bring the full ensemble with them, consisting of: Martin Hayes and Cathal Hayden on fiddle, Iarla Ó Lionáird on vocals, Dennis Cahill and Seamie O¹Dowd on guitar, Máirtín O¹Connor on accordion and David Power on uilleann pipes.
