Iarla and Steve have forged a unique musical partnership over many years. They now look forward to a series of concerts together in 2020.

Their interpretations of songs from the sean-nós tradition have set a new standard of artistic integrity and creative innovation within the traditional structures of the Gaelic song tradition.

They have explored their separate paths in their careers. Iarla was performing with such renowned groups as the Afro Celt Sound System and the Gloaming as well as his collaborations with classical ensembles, opera and film performances. Steve was performing in many Irish traditional instrumental ensembles and contributing to more than 250 CDs as a guitarist, bass player and producer.

They had long shared an empathetic link that had grown out of their love of the melodic and poetic art forms created when Gaelic culture was in its full flowering.

Iarla grew up immersed in this culture in Cúil Aodha, County Cork; Steve grew up in Australia and brought an imaginative perspective to the accompaniment of the songs, based on the traditions of the harpers.

Sponsored by: John and Treena Sweeney