Trí60 No.2 - Artists in Conversation

Join Gerry Godley as he leads a fascinating discussion with a brilliant array of musicians from across the globe.

This 2-hour event will feature Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (voice & piano) Liu Fang (pipa), Steve Cooney (guitar) and Wouter Vandenabeele (violin) as they discuss their influences, styles and experiences in a cultural exchange. The artists will have been collaborating for several days in advance of the discussion, so they will share their insights on that unique workshop experience. There will also be a question and answer session when the floor will be open to the audience.

The exquisite voice and piano of Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill has been a lyrical presence in Irish music for four decades, be it with groups devoted to the rich Donegal repertoire like Skara Brae, the memorable achievements of The Bothy Band, or the jazz terrain of Nightnoise. Her understated approach and wealth of song will find good company here.

Among them is Wouter Vandenebeele, a remarkable violinist from Brussels, a city whose international disposition is reflected in his instrumental philosophy. The nuances and colours of the fiddle around the world, from Arabic classicism to gently insistent West African grooves, have been absorbed in an entirely natural and coherent way.

Liu Fang is without peer in her command of the pipa, the teardrop shaped lute with deeply scalloped frets that came to China via The Silk Road in the 6th century. Based in Montreal since the mid 90’s, Liu Fang has blossomed as an ambassador for China’s great trove of traditional music, with a resume of collaborations that include kora master Ballake Sissokho and Irish classical guitarist Michael O’Toole.

Knitting it all together is the charismatic Australian Steve Cooney, who has elevated the guitar to new heights in Irish music since becoming a vital presence here in the 80’s, his spirited playing always bringing out the best from those around him.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this diverse quartet in concert at 7:30pm on 15 October at The National Concert Hall!