Music Network will bring an array of world-class musicians to Belltable this Wednesday, February 12. The concert is part of a nationwide tour featuring some of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians, promising an unforgettable evening of exceptional talent and artistry.
Music Network, in collaboration with 29 partners and venues across 22 counties in Ireland, aims to provide audiences with outstanding musical experiences. The upcoming tour showcases leading lights of Irish traditional music—Derek Hickey, The Kane Sisters, and Macdara Ó Faoláin—all of whom have been recognised with prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards.
The performance at Belltable will bring together master accordionist Derek Hickey, renowned fiddle duo Liz and Yvonne Kane, and the innovative multi-instrumentalist Macdara Ó Faoláin. Each artist brings a distinctive style rooted in their musical heritage, making this collaboration a compelling showcase of Irish tradition.
Derek Hickey, recently named TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2024 Musician of the Year, is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest accordion players. Hailing from Adare, County Limerick, Hickey’s journey began at the age of ten, inspired by his uncle’s accordion. By eighteen, he was performing with Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh’s band Arcady, later joining De Dannan, with whom he recorded two albums and toured extensively. Now an esteemed tutor at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Hickey continues to influence the next generation of musicians.
The Kane Sisters, Liz and Yvonne, recipients of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2024 Group of the Year award, are revered fiddle players from Letterfrack, County Galway. Their playing style is deeply influenced by the music of Sligo and east Galway, particularly that of composer Paddy Fahey. Over the years, they have graced stages worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, and collaborated with icons such as The Chieftains and Sharon Shannon. Their discography, spanning four albums, includes the 2022 release In Memory of Paddy Fahey, which pays tribute to their greatest inspiration.
Macdara Ó Faoláin, TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2024 Young Musician of the Year, is a rising star in the traditional music scene. A talented composer and performer from An Rinn, County Waterford, he is known for his innovative approach and dynamic collaborations. His trio’s debut album, Beo, received high praise, and his solo EP, Do Shamhlaigh Mé Tír Nua…, offers a glimpse of his upcoming full-length album. Macdara’s ability to blend harmony with tradition makes him a standout in the new generation of Irish musicians.
