Thursday Night Concert

Andrea Palandri is a gifted fiddle player and composer whose musical journey bridges the traditions of Italy, Scotland, and Ireland. Starting classical violin at just four years old, Andrea’s passion for traditional music was sparked by his mother’s collection of Scottish folk tapes, eventually leading him to explore the deep connections between Scottish and Irish traditions. Drawn to the music of Paddy Cronin, Denis Murphy, and the distinctive bowing techniques found in Pádraig O’Keeffe’s manuscripts, Andrea began making regular visits to Ireland from the age of seventeen before settling here in 2014. Since then, he has performed at major venues and festivals. Andrea recently released his debut solo album An Veidhlín Muimhneach which will be launched on the night also.

Andrea will be accompanied by his musical friend Ruairí McGorman. Ruairí  is an established Greek bouzouki, guitar, and fiddle player who is in high demand as an accompanist. Deeply influenced by the traditional Irish music scene of the 1970s—most notably by De Danann and the distinctive playing of Alec Finn—his style reflects a strong connection to that era’s innovative sound. His career has taken him around the world, including extensive tours across the United States and a 2014 tour of Germany with the acclaimed traditional group Mórga.

The soft rhythmic sweetness of the East Clare music as played by Cnoc na Gaoithe meets the pulsing, African soul beats of the Xiquitsi musical and vocal ensemble from Mozambique. The result of this musical meeting is an exciting and interesting fusion between these two ancient folk musical cultures, that of the South East of the African continent, and East Clare. These two musics are deeply rooted in their lands, and what an interesting sonic journey to hear the two cultures mingle and complement one another through the universal language of music and song.

Seán Lyons and Eva Carroll are two rising stars of Irish traditional and folk music, both deeply rooted in the rich musical heritage of County Clare. Seán, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Newmarket-on-Fergus, grew up surrounded by music in a family steeped in song and tradition. Beginning with tin whistle and uilleann pipes, he later turned to songwriting and guitar, drawing on influences like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan while staying true to his Irish roots. His 2023 debut Juliana EP received praise from respected musicians, and he has performed widely across Ireland and abroad, including with the trio Merfolk.

Eva Carroll, from Feakle in East Clare, began playing concertina under the guidance of Mary McNamara and has embraced the distinctive East Clare style ever since. A gifted instrumentalist and singer, she has performed widely alongside her sister Rosa and her mother, Paula Carroll. Now based in Dublin, Eva continues to collaborate with fellow musicians and has brought her music to international stages, including Sweden and France. Together, Seán and Eva represent a new generation of Clare musicians—deeply traditional yet boldly creative—bringing fresh energy and a collaborative spirit to the music they love.

Join the Begley’s for the launch of Clann an tSeanamhuintire, the autobiography of Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich. The book traces his life as a musician, artist, activist, festival organiser, and television presenter, and explores his family roots and the traditions that shaped him. Both the Irish and English editions will be launched, with Breanndán performing a concert as part of the event. He will be joined by his daughter Clíodhna Ní Bheaglaoich, and his son, Cormac Begley, who is publishing his father’s book under a new printing press he founded, entitled Airt.