The celebrated Drawing from the Well concert series returns to the National Concert Hall this autumn to connect Ireland’s leading contemporary traditional artists with archival materials to inspire new performances. On Sunday 19 October at 7.30pm Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, singers and dancers take to the NCH stage to showcase their work influenced by ITMA’s rich collections.

Devised by the Irish Traditional Music Archive and presented in association with the National Concert Hall, the forthcoming concert features many of the country’s leading artists including renowned vocalist/fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan, winner of the Young Musician of the year award from TG4 for 2022 melodeon player Diarmuid Ó Meachair and lauded Galway harpist Alannah Thornburgh, whose music draws from Irish harping and American folk and jazz traditions.

The night also sees performances from Conor McDonagh (flute) and Andrew Caden (fiddle) –  who have just released sublime album Across The Atlantic to warm reviews – with Catherine McHugh (piano) and also RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award nominee, sean-nós singer Piaras Ó Lorcáin.

Esteemed duo Mick O’Brien (uilleann pipes) and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (hardanger fiddle) bring their alchemy to the evening, which also sees what is sure to be a magical contribution from the masterly trio of  Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill (guitar), Clíodhna Costello (banjo) and Johnny Óg Connolly (accordion). The night will be rounded out with dancing from the renowned Connemara sean-nós dancer Becky Ní Éallaithe.

Said ITMA CEO Liam O’Connor:

“ITMA is delighted to continue our partnership with the National Concert Hall to present an exciting night of music, song and dance inspired by our archives. This eighth instalment in the Drawing from the Well concert series is a testament to the strength of our living tradition. The night’s lineup will celebrate some of the best of traditional music across generations, from established artists such as Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Mick O’Brien and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, to some of our most talented young performers today, like Piaras Ó Lorcáin, Becky Ní Éallaithe, Andrew Caden, Conor McDonagh, and more. Seeing a diverse range of talented artists sharing their highlights from the archives with the public at the foremost stage in Ireland is special.”