MOYA BRENNAN | ZOË CONWAY & JOHN MCINTYRE

Celtic Goddess Moya Brennan has a voice that continues to provide a constant reminder of how the heart can be touched by the purity and thrill of music. Despite the enforced restrictions placed on her and all other artists in the past couple of years she has been active especially with the Farewell Tour of her family band Clannad. Their sell out concert at Dublin’s 3 Arena in February 2023 was an emotional part of the final tour climax after 50 years together.

Her live solo shows having all the musicality and power of Clannad - but with added heart-warming intimacy – are always a rich and moving experience. Her unique effortless vocals and timeless music pay homage not only to her vibrant traditional Irish heritage but also her grasp of contemporary forms. The evening will be a visual (as well as a sound) spectacle with rhythm atmosphere and vibrant harmony. Her fantastic 5 piece band features her daughter Aisling and son Paul along with the remarkable traditional harper Cormac De Barra and traditional fiddler Clare Friel from Glasgow/Donegal.

 With an exciting blend of eclectic fiddle and guitar music Zoë Conway and John McIntyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music compositions and songs old and new. The husband-and-wife folk duo possess a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from other genres such as classical jazz and world music and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments. 

They have released two recordings to date. their debut duo album entitled Go Mairir I Bhfad (Long Life To You) received a glorious 5 stars from The Irish Times; the newest release is a superb collection of live European performances Live in Concert released in spring 2017. The album showcases their mesmerising musical interaction on-stage and reveals some of their more virtuosic repertoire outside of the Irish traditional genre. Relaxed and atmospheric the respect and understanding that they have of traditional Irish music and song also shines through.

“Simply one of the best folk duos on the planet” - BBC 

Venue & Event Information:  

• Access to The Empire Music Hall is via approx. 12 stone steps with rails left and right. Two further sets of 2/3 steps into the foyer and main room.  
• Unfortunately there is no lift access. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  
• Limited unreserved seating
• Full bar available  
• 18+ only 

Address: 42 Botanic Ave Belfast BT7 1JQ 

Host or Publisher Belfast TradFest