Mna na hEireann - TradFest
Mna na hEireann featuring Macalla & Pádraigín Ní Uallachín takes place at the National Concert Hall on Saturday, the 18th of March.
Macalla first came together to express their creativity and music as a group on International Women's Day in 1984. Now this legendary traditional group have reassembled for a special performance for the TradFest at the National Concert Hall.
Taking their name from a Sean O'Riada song, Macalla showcased the depth of talent among female traditional players in the early '80s and their first album Mná na hÉireann, recently reissued by Gael Linn, was critically acclaimed for the group's rich array of voices and spellbinding musicianship.
Since 1984, many of the members of Macalla have toured the world and recorded with various band while others have opted to stay closer to home but they have all remained through to the music.
Macalla features Máirín Fahy who has toured the world with Riverdance, Mary MacNamara who founded her own music school in County Clare, Catherine McEvoy one of the world's finest exponents of traditional flute playing and Patsy Broderick from Arcady, one of the best piano players in Irish traditional music.
The group also comprises the musical talents of Joan McDermott who went on to form the all-woman band, The Fallen Angels and is currently a member of Providence, and the talented sean nós singer, Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaioch who has recorded a solo album for Gael Linn, Ar Thaobh na Gréine and forged a very successful career in broadcasting.
Joining Macalla on stage are traditional singer Pádraigín Ní Uallachín, guitarist and keyboardist Steve Cooney, harpist Laoise Kelly and presenter, Doireann Ní Bhriain. A native of Southeast Ulster, Pádraigín Ní Uallachín is a writer of songs in Irish and English, including settings to music of works by leading Irish contemporary poets.
A night of great traditional music from some of our most acclaimed female players, Macalla play the National Concert Hall on the 18th of March.
Tradfest
National Concert Hall
Buy Tickets
Time: 8pm
Tickets: €17.50/ €20/€25
Tickets are available from the National Concert Hall Box Office.
National Concert Hall
Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2.
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 4170000
