In Association with The Seán Maguire Music Society
The word ‘genius’ may be over-used these days, but there’s no other way of describing the phenomenon of Sean Maguire in the world of traditional music. The Belfast man rewrote the book on fiddle playing after bursting onto the scene in the 40s, with a combination of dazzling virtuosity, high creativity and passion for performance. It was a style which pushed the boundaries, nettled the fundamentalists and which he himself called ‘progressive traditional’. We pay tribute to the man and his music with a concert featuring some of the finest traditional fiddlers on the planet.
Kevin Burke (fiddle)
Kevin Burke has been at the forefront of traditional music since the 1970’s. He has collaborated with some of the most influential artists across traditional music including The Bothy Band, Micheál Ó Domhnaill, Christy Moore’, Dervish, Tim O’Brien, Solas and Liam Ó Maonlaí, to name but a few.
Zoë Conway (fiddle)
Zoë Conway from County Louth, is recognised for her ability to effortlessly combine a background steeped in Ireland’s rich aural music tradition with a strong founding in classical music.
Chris Stout (fiddle)
Hailing from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, Chris Stout has become nationally and internationally recognised as one of the most exciting and dynamic fiddle players and composers of his generation.
Sinead McKenna (fiddle)
Sinéad McKenna, a gifted fiddler and multi-instrumentalist from Augher, Co. Tyrone, is deeply rooted in Irish traditional music. Her playing reflects influences from fiddle masters Pete and Pat McKenna, alongside echoes of Tommy Peoples and Ed Reavy.
Conor Caldwell (fiddle)
Conor Caldwell from Belfast will host this evening’s concert and is known for his energetic northern fiddle style. His music is informed by his research in traditional music which explores both archival and contemporary sources.
Tom Morrow (fiddle)
County Leitrim native Tom Morrow is considered one of the finest exponents of Irish traditional fiddle. Tom is an All-Ireland senior fiddle champion and has been a member of renowned Irish traditional group Dervish for 26 years.
Niall Hanna (vocals)
Niall Hanna is an acclaimed traditional singer, guitarist, and songwriter from County Tyrone. With deep roots in the Loughshore song tradition through his family, Niall’s style blends rich traditional influences with contemporary nuances.
Úna McGlinchey (fiddle) & Maebh McGlinchey (fiddle)
Hailing from County Tyrone, Maebh and ÚnaMcGlinchey have grown up surrounded by traditional music. Maebh was recently crowned Fiddler of Oriel 2025.
John McIntyre (guitar)
John McIntyre grew up immersed in the language, songs and traditional dance music of southwest Donegal. He has toured extensively worldwide with Zoë Conway.
Jack Talty (keyboard)
Hailing from county Clare, Jack Talty is a multi-award-winning musician, composer, producer, and researcher who has travelled across the globe and contributed to over 80 albums to date. Jack is a founding member of acclaimed septet, Ensemble Éiru who were awarded the prestigious Gradam Comharcheol TG4 (2015).
Also featuring a lively showcase of young talent with fiddle students from Glengormley School of Traditional Music taking to the stage.
You may also like the following events from Belfast TradFest:
- Next Thursday, 24th July, 07:30 pm, Pride Céilí in Soweto
- Next Sunday, 27th July, 07:00 pm, Dervish | NOTIFY, the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy & MGCE Concert Orchestra in Belfast
- This month, 28th July, 02:00 pm, Screening with Q&A: Musical Meets - Marcas Ó Murchú in Belfast
Also check out other
Music events in Belfast,
Entertainment events in Belfast,
Concerts in Belfast.
