Máirtín O’Connor & Zoë Conway

This St. Patrick's Music Festival will be an extraordinary celebration of traditional Irish music, featuring the iconic back-catalogue of legendary Galway accordion maestro Máirtín O’Connor. Reimagined and arranged by the acclaimed Monaghan composer Michael Rooney, this music will be brought to life by the remarkable 100-piece youth orchestra of Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan.

This cross-border orchestra, embodies the spirit of unity and shared cultural tradition. Guided by Rooney’s masterful arrangements, the ensemble will breathe new life into Máirtín O’Connor’s celebrated works, showcasing the depth and richness of Irish traditional music and the compositional genius of one of Ireland’s cultural treasures.

Máirtín O’Connor is one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians and a master of the button accordion. Renowned for his innovative style and emotive compositions, Máirtín has shaped the landscape of Irish music for decades. A founding member of legendary bands such as Dé Dannan, Skylark, Boys of the Lough, and Midnight Well, he has also enjoyed a prolific solo career, blending tradition with contemporary influences. His virtuosic performances and creative genius have earned him worldwide acclaim as a true ambassador of Irish music.

Joining Máirtín will be the extraordinary County Louth fiddler Zoë Conway. Zoë has performed around the globe, captivating audiences with her artistry and versatility. Her illustrious career includes collaborations with international stars such as Riverdance, Damien Rice, and Lou Reed, as well as performances at major festivals like Glastonbury and WOMAD.

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential musicians and inspire the next generation of performers to carry the tradition forward.

This project is funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, and Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan.

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