This August at the National Concert Hall, Dublin
www.nch.ie

This Summer, the National Concert Hall presents the hottest traditional
music acts from home and abroad in its highly acclaimed ESB BEO Celtic
Music Festival from the 11th to the 19th of August. The incomparable
line-up includes: Meteor Music Award winner Sharon Shannon and her big band with special guest Mundy; leading celtic duo Chris Newman and Maire Ní Cháthasaigh; master of the accordion Seamus Begley with one of Ireland’s most creative young guitar players Jim Murray and the inspriational Irish band Moving Hearts. This year’s festival also plays host to one of Canada’s premier Celtic groups The Barra MacNeils and the Faroe Island’s highest acclimed singer, Eivor Palsdottir who will be joined by Ireland’s own Donal Lunny and his band.

Saturday 11 August 8:00pm
The Barra MacNeils with Cora & Breda Smyth
Opening the first concert in this year’s ESB BEO celtic music festival are
Cora & Breda Smyth followed by the main act: The Barra MacNeils. They are one of Canada’s premier Celtic groups. Steeped in the Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world with their captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship.

Sunday 12 August 8:00pm
Eivør Pálsdóttir with The Donal Lunny Band
The National Concert Hall is delighted to welcome back Eivør Pálsdóttir,
the Faroe Island’s highest acclaimed singer. Eivør has just released her
5th album produced by Donal Lunny who joins her tonight for what promises to be one of the highlights of BEO 2007.

Wednesday 15 August 1:05pm
Seamus Begley, accordion and Jim Murray, guitar
Seamus Begley is the quintessential Irish musician, an eager storyteller
known for his sharp wit and plays with an energy that is alarming, bringing
a frisky spontaneity to his box-playing. Breathing new life into the
tradition, he formed a duo with the young guitarist Jim Murray. Jim, one of
the most talented young guitarists to emerge from Ireland and plays with a
passion and maturity well beyond his years. Together their rhythm is
powerful and infectious.

Thursday 16 August 1:05pm
Meitheal Revisited
Meitheal Irish traditional Music residential summer school takes place
during July in Limerick. The National Concert Hall is delighted to host
the award winners for the best solo performer and group to emerge from the summer school this year. We look forward to hearing material produced by the most talented young Irish traditional artists that have emerged from Meitheal 2007.

Friday 17 August 1:05pm
Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh
Rooted in the Irish tradition, the eclecticism, emotional range and spirit
of adventure of their performances is a breathtaking blend of traditional
Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, coupled with Máire’s “clear,
warm and expressive voice” and Chris’s “subversively witty introductions”
this duo are dramatic ,original and a joy to experience .

Saturday 18 August 11am
Masterclasses with Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman
Following on from their concert at the Beo festival, Máire and Chris will
give masterclasses in conjunction with the National Concert Hall’s
Education and Community Outreach Programme, on their respective
instruments. This is a must for all those interested in the Irish harp and
traditional guitar as those in attendance will receive tips and advice from
Máire and Chris about playing styles and techniques for their respective
instruments.

Saturday 18 August 8:00pm
Moving Hearts
ESB BEO is delighted to welcome the ground-breaking instrumental ensemble back to the National Concert Hall after 20 years.Famous throughout the world for their thrilling live shows, Moving Hearts last album ‘The Storm’ was acknowledged by many artists and bands as a major inspiration. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Ireland’s most influential bands.

Sunday 19 August 8:00pm
The Sharon Shannon Big Band with Special Guest Mundy
Meteor Music Award winner Sharon Shannon returns to the National Concert Hall with her Big Band and very special guest, Mundy. Sharon blends traditional, world music, roots reggae, bluegrass, country with blues soul and gospel in a very unique high octane approach which will appeal to all. A Late Late Show tribute to Shannon firmly established her as a household name and her eponymous album has gone on to be the most successful Irish trad album ever to be released. Joining Sharon tonight is one of Irelands most acclaimed songwriters and performers on the Irish music scene. Mundy is a consummate entertainer, who takes the audience on an emotional journey.