Inspired by the sean nós singing tradition of An Gaeltacht Mhúscraí, this chamber ensemble blends disparate musical influences to forge a fresh new sound world. The instrumental trio of Maria Ryan (violin), Kate Ellis (cello), Cormac McCarthy (piano), all accomplished improvisers arrangers and composers in their own right, explore innovative approaches to texture, harmony and rhythm, to underpin the authentic and acclaimed vocals of Nell Ní Chróinín.

Nell Ní Chróinín hails from the Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork, where she grew up in the small village of Béal Áthá’n Ghaorthaidh. The Múscraí area is historically linked with a strong heritage of song and music and Nell was exposed to these local traditions from a very young age, which throughout her career has been the corner stone to her identity as an artist and a traditional Sean Nós singer. In 2012 she was the youngest ever recipient of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Amhránaí na Bliana award to which she believes is one of her highest honours and achievements to date. In 2016 she became the lead singer with the highly renowned traditional band, Danú.

Cormac McCarthy is a pianist, composer and arranger from Cork, Ireland. Noted for a diverse stylistic palette, and equally at home in a variety of genres, his music is said to "defy categorisation" (Lyric FM). His compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by artists including Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, Mick Flannery, Martin Hayes, Andrea Corr and Niamh Regan. Cormac released Cottage Evolution, his debut album as bandleader, to widespread critical acclaim. He is also a member of Martin Hayes' most recent project, The Common Ground Ensemble.

Cellist Kate Ellis is dedicated to the performance and exploration of all things with the shiny label of new music. Kate is the Artistic Director of Crash Ensemble, cellist with Martin Hayes’ newly formed Common Ground Ensemble and is often seen playing with the musicians of Yurodny, TRE trio and Fovea Hex. Her great range of musical collaborators include Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon Giddens, Martin Hayes, Savina Yannatou, Barry Guy, the Irish Gamelan Orchestra, Gavin Bryars, Gavin Friday and Karan Casey. She has commissioned new music from a diverse range of Irish composers, including Donnacha Dennehy, Barry Guy, Niall Vallely, Adrian Hart and Linda Buckley, and has premiered numerous new works by composers including Nico Muhly, Gerald Barry, David Lang and Terry Riley.

A versatile musician, Maria Ryan has travelled extensively performing different styles of music around the globe. Not only is she a virtuosic violinist but also a renowned folk singer. She tours with Carlos Nunez and plays with Ireland’s leading contemporary group the Crash Ensemble.

The concert will be available to tickets holders for a week following the performance.

Tradition Now is an initiative of the Arts Council and the National Concert Hall