Máíre Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman (Irish Harp & Guitar)

The celebrated partnership of “one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists” (fROOTS) with “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY) and recipient of Irish music’s most prestigious award, Traditional Musician of the Year (Gradam Cheoil TG4), has presented its unique musical vision in twenty-two countries on five continents to venues ranging from the tiniest of village halls to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, London’s Barbican, Sydney Town Hall and the Philharmonie in Cologne. Expect a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish and Scottish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, spiced with striking new compositions and a delightfully subversive wit! “Dazzling virtuosity” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH “An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling” THE TIMES “Chris is amazing... one of our greatest musicians” BBC RADIO 2 “In a class of their own” THE GUARDIAN “Music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music” * * * * THE IRISH TIMES  ”Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility” * * * * SONGLINES “Their blinding technique, sizzling Irish reels and hot jazz improvisation brought an extended standing ovation... Newman has the great gift of being informative and hilarious simultaneously” THE WEST AUSTRALIAN “This celebrated duo took the place by storm. Stately Carolan tunes, jazzy Django-ish numbers, dazzling Doc Watson style flat picking fliers, driving Irish dance tunes - this pair can nonchalantly do the lot. Guitar players applauded and went sadly home to burn their instruments!” THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH www.maireandchris.com