Artist Bios
Dónal O’Connor
Dónal O’Connor is one of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, he is also a much sought-after and highly regarded producer. He comes from a long and distinguished line of Irish fiddlers and singers and his collaborations have variously included membership of Ulaid, At First Light, Lá Lugh and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s touring ensemble. Described by the Irish Times as a ‘fearless musical adventurer’ and ‘a renaissance man’ he has brought his native Oriel music to all four corners of the globe, and he is a founder and Artistic Director of Belfast Tradfest.
His fiddle style is heavily influenced by his father Gerry O’Connor, the Oriel tradition, and the great northern fiddle masters such as Seán Maguire, Brendan McGlinchey, Bríd Harper & Tommy Peoples. He has composed music for theatre, television and film and has presented music shows for BBC ALBA, BBC NI, TG4, BBC Radio Ulster and Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Stephanie Keane
Stephanie Keane is an Irish dance artist, performer and choreographer from Limerick. Her style is influenced by her formative dancing years as a competitive Irish step dancer at world championship level, and her immersion in the tradition of Sean Nós dancing as an adult. Through learning tunes in her feet and by pushing the boundaries of her own dance experience, she has developed her own unique style of Irish dance and is an well established Irish dance artist. She continues to evolve as an artist, working on new projects in film, theatre, dance choreography and sound production.
Stephanie's performance style combines the best elements of Sean Nós dancing with her fiery individuality built on a keen sense of tradition. She connects with the music, dancing the tune with her feet, and naturally understands the musician's interpretation of the tune. Her style is free flowing, energetic and wild.
Iarla Ó Lionáird
Iarla Ó Lionáird has carved unique career in music both internationally and in Ireland. Iarla’s voice is one that ventures far beyond the boundaries of any one genre: a defiantly unclassifiable sound. He’s a child of traditional music, born and bred in Cúil Aodha, with Seán Ó Riada a neighbour and indisputable early influence. His great aunt, the traditional singer Elizabeth Cronin, had forged a reputation for rich interpretation before him.
A twice Grammy nominated artist, Ó Lionáird has worked with a stellar cast of composers internationally and he has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Peter Gabriel, Nick Cave, Robert Plant and Sinead O'Connor. His unique singing style has carried him to stages and concert halls all over the world, from New York's Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House and beyond. He has performed as soloist with concert and symphony orchestras. His voice has graced the silver screen also, with film credits extending from "The Gangs of New York" to "Hotel Rwanda" and most recently as featured singer in the film “Brooklyn” starring Saoirse Ronan. He is the vocalist with the critically acclaimed Irish /American band "The Gloaming."
Recently, Iarla presented an episode of ITMA’s Taoscadh ón Tobar series which was broadcasted on TG4. In this episode, Iarla explores and discusses a collection of songs, collected by A. Martin Freeman, from his native Ballyvouney, Co. Cork.
Derek Hickey
Derek Hickey is from Adare in County Limerick. Influenced by both of his grandfathers, who played fiddle, Derek began to play music at age 10, beginning lessons with Dónal de Barra when he was 12. Three years later, he joined the Shannonside Céilí Band, touring extensively in England and throughout Europe. In 1991 Frankie Gavin asked Derek to join him for regular sessions in his then leased hotel in Kinvara, Co. Galway. The following year, Derek joined Arcady, Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh’s band, performing alongside Frances Black, Brendan Larrisey and Patsy Broderick.In 1995 he joined De Dannan, recording two albums and touring until they disbanded in 2003.
Derek is the button accordion tutor on the BA Irish Music and Dance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. In 2023 he performed at the National Concert Hall Dublin, as part of the third series of the Irish Traditional Music Archive’s ‘Drawing from the Well’ series. Earlier this year, Derek was awarded prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year award.
