📆 Monday 28 July | 6pm
📍 The Black Box
Belfast TradFest is proud to present this annual concert in honour of the wooden flute. Belfast is synonymous with the sound of the flute. Energy and creativity are very much the hallmarks of the Belfast style. The music of this city invariably has a persistent and hypnotic pulse which draws the listener into a trance-like state. This concert features some of the world’s best traditional flute and whistle players and it promises to be a spectacle of brilliant solo and collaborative performances.
Brendan Mulholland (flute)
Brendan Mulholland from County Antrim is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the wooden flute in the world of folk and traditional music and has collaborated with many artists including Tempest, Bríd Harper, John Carty, Mick O'Brien, Jean Michel Vellion and Mary Dillon.
Deirdre Havlin (flute)
From Ballymoney, County Antrim Deirdre Havlin’s playing is characterised by a vibrant and ornate style and a full and strong tone. A seven-time All-Ireland champion, Deirdre has also been a memberof the critically acclaimed bands, Déanta and The London Lasses.
Liam Kelly (flute)
A founding member of Dervish, Liam Kelly from County Leitrim was born into a musical family and began playing traditional Irish music at a very young age. Liam’s role in Dervish is a central one, as the band’s core sound revolves around the tight and intuitive interplay between Flute, Accordion and Fiddle.
Patrick Davey (flute/tin whistle)
Hailing from Belfast, Patrick Davey is a respected performer, teacher and composer of traditional music. His compositions have been performed and recorded by many artists, including Barry Kerr, Gráinne Hamblyand Réalta. He has performed and recorded with many well-known musicians over the years, including MicheálÓ Suilleabháin,CraobhRua, The Belfast Harp Orchestra and The Irish Rovers.
Etain Murphy (flute/tin whistle)
Etain Murphy is a talented young flute player from County Antrim and a dedicated student at the Glengormley School of Traditional Music. In 2023, she achieved national recognition by winning the prestigious Peig Needham Cup for Under-12 Flute at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar.
Siobhán O’Donnell (bodhrán)
All-Ireland champion Siobhán O’Donnell grew up surrounded by the south Sligo style of traditional music. A highly regarded performer, Siobhán features on various albums, including Gerry ‘Banjo’ O Connor’s album ‘High Up-Low down’. She currently performs with The Ox Mountain Quartet.
Fergal O’Brien (bodhrán)
Fergal O'Brien is a bodhrán player from Portglenone, County Antrim with achievements including All-Ireland titles and performances worldwide. A member of a well-known musical family, Fergal has co-ordinated various bodhrán projects including 'Titanic Drums', 'Anamchairde' and 'Green Space, Dark Skies'.
Paula Houton (MC)
Paula Houton will host this concert and is a highly accomplished flute and whistle player from Portaleen, Malin, in the Inishowen Peninsula of County Donegal. Now based in Belfast, she is renowned for her expressive playing and has earned numerous accolades at both county and All-Ireland levels. Paula frequently performs alongside her sister, Melanie, and together they are celebrated as two of the finest exponents of Irish traditional music from their region. In addition to performing, Paula is an active tutor, sharing her expertise through initiatives such as the Inishowen Traditional Music Project, where she mentors the next generation of musicians.
You may also like the following events from Belfast TradFest:
- Next month, 27th July, 07:00 pm, Dervish | NOTIFY, the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy & MGCE Concert Orchestra in Belfast
- Next month, 31st July, 06:30 pm, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Tim Edey | Tempest in Belfast
- This August, 2nd August, 07:30 pm, Moxie | Kinnaris Quintet in Belfast
Also check out other
Entertainment events in Belfast,
Music events in Belfast,
Concerts in Belfast.
