Tom Byrne & Michael Carey (IE) & Fell Line (SCOT)The two ensembles featured in this twenty-seventh edition of our annual “Celtic Concert Tour” will present musical artistry of the very highest caliber from Ireland and Scotland, and both are deeply rooted in their traditions.TOM BYRNE & MICHAEL CAREY (IE)Two veterans of the scene in Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost county, are accordionist Tom Byrne and whistle virtuoso Michael Carey. Tom Byrne has played in numerous ensembles and was honored with the “Musician of the Year” award from “LiveIreland” in 2017; his two solo CDs are true gems. Michael Carey is among the country’s best on the tin whistle; he has won many “All-Ireland Slógadh” competitions, can be heard in numerous TV productions, and, last but not least, is the founder of the bands Dalltach and Kintra.FELL LINE (SCOT)The Scottish trio FELL LINE is based in Glasgow, even though the three members hail from Tain, Lairg, and Aberdeenshire. Violinist Chloë Bryce (Lewis McLaughlin), accordionist Megan MacDonald (Eabhal, HEISK), and guitarist Calum McIlroy (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2024) naturally also showcase their wonderful voices in their sets! After meeting for the first time as teenagers in 2016, they not only formed a close friendship but also came up with the idea of forming a trio, as their musical interests were perfectly aligned. And the trio was here to stay! In 2024, they won the legendary “Battle of the Folk Bands” at the Celtic Connections Festival and were subsequently invited to perform at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. From there, things moved quickly, with bookings at Scotland’s major festivals following, as well as an invitation to the National Celtic Festival of Australia.Their debut CD has just been released“Beautifully intricate arrangements… If you get the chance to hear them live...go!” Hamish Napier - Musician and Composer
Translated with DeepL
