A new cross-genre musical collaboration will be presented at Live at St. Luke’s in Cork on Saturday, 9th September 2023 at 14:00 IST. Traditional Irish concertina player Cormac Begley is joining forces with contemporary classical double bassist Caimin Gilmore, cellist Kate Ellis, and brass player/percussionist Romain Bly. The event is organised by Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival, in partnership with Quiet Lights.

The roots of this collaboration date back to 2019 when Cormac Begley and Caimin Gilmore first expressed mutual interest in exploring harmonies and diffusions between their distinct musical worlds. In 2021, Quiet Lights commissioned the artists to develop a 40-minute set. This forthcoming performance will be the premiere of this new work.

The project aims to explore experimental and traditional elements in both genres. The arrangement will be influenced by the tradition and composition that Cormac Begley is known for in his performances. Current collaborations among the musicians include work with traditional and folk artists such as John Francis Flynn, Martin Hayes, Lisa O’Neill, and Ye Vagabonds. Additionally, Bly and Gilmore have been working together with Begley in the dance piece Mám, which is a part of the s t a r g a z e & Teac Damsa projects.