Born in Dublin in 1979, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh has firmly established himself as a major figure in Irish traditional music. His 2003 album 'Kitty Lie Over' with Mick O'Brien earned him worldwide recognition. His 2007 release 'Where the One-Eyed Man is King' led to his being commissioned to write music for film and theatre, including a month-long run at the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin. In 2010 he released three albums: 'A Moment of Madness' with Brendan Begley; 'Triúr sa Draighean' with Martin Hayes & Peadar Ó Riada; and 'Comb Your Hair and Curl It' with Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh and Catherine McEvoy. He has been the subject of numerous television programmes, including a documentary where he teaches Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons to play the fiddle. Caoimhín also has a healthy following outside of traditional music, having performed alongside the likes of Sam Amidon, Amiina, Iarla Ó Lionáird, the Afro Celt Sound System, The Waterboys, Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) etc.

Mick O'Brien is one of our best-loved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. His first solo album 'The May Morning Dew' (1996) was received with great critical acclaim, and his duo album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh 'Kitty Lie Over' (2003) has since become a classic. He comes from a great Dublin musical family, and now his own children are becoming fine performers in their own right.  

Nell Ní Chróinín is a sean-nós singer who comes from the Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork.  There is a very strong singing tradition in her area and as a result of being surrounded by this tradition she began singing at the age of 11. Her main influences are Máire Ní Cheilleachar and Eoiní Maidhicí Ó Suilleabháin from whom she acquired many of her songs. She has been very successful with her singing to date, her achievements including several underage medal and singing  titles from competitions held at festivals such as the Oireachas na Gaeilge, where she won Comortas na mBan, and Comortas Sean- Nóis faoi 35 in 2010.  She has appeared on many television series, such as Geanntraí  and Anam an Amhrán. At present she is teaching in Gaeilscoil Osraí in Kilkenny city where she is encouraging the youth to take in the tradition.

*Caoimhín and Mick are also available for performances as a Duo. 

Reviews

"Mick O'Brien and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh - both skilled and sensitive musicians - have delved into the past and located a selection of musical gems, all of which have come up sparkling! "

Peter Browne, RTÉ producer

"The technique is effortless; the tempo is steady and unhurried. They understand the importance of a sense of joy and magic."

Pat Ahern, Irish Examiner, on Caoimhín O Raghallaigh & Mick O'Brien

Links

www.stateofchassis.com

For further information on availability or artist fees, or to discuss a booking please contact the Performance Programmes Manager by emailing performance@musicnetwork.ie or telephone: 01 6719429.