Altan

“The hottest group in the Celtic realm these days” – The Boston Globe

Altan has enjoyed a nearly four-decade career in Irish music. They have achieved legendary status in a genre the band’s influence and genius have equally shaped. Audiences from Ireland to Japan to Australia to Europe have embraced their heartwarming, dynamic live performances and their award-winning recordings. Altan has released over a dozen releases, from the most touching old Irish songs to hard-hitting reels and jigs. Altan’s newest release, 2018’s The Gap of Dreams, follows their acclaimed 2015 album, The Widening Gyre.

Also, Altan has earned a long list of awards and honors. Fiddler, singer and founding member Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh was the 2017 recipient of the Gradam Ceoil/Traditional Musician of the Year. Furthermore, the band received the same award for Band of the Year in 2001. However, Mairéad was glad they recognized her on her own in a genre slow to recognize female musicians. She is only the third woman in twenty years to receive the main award.

Throughout their career, you’ll find Altan’s unwavering commitment to bringing the beauty of traditional music to contemporary audiences. Particularly that of the fiddlers and singers of their hometown in Donegal.

The seeds of Altan lie in the music and spontaneity of sessions in kitchens and pubs in their hometown of Donegal. There, people hear their music in an atmosphere of respect and intimacy. It is here that the band’s heart still lies, whether they are performing on TV in Australia or jamming with Ricky Skaggs on the west coast of the United States. Here, Altan continues fresh in their vision of bringing the beauty and joy of traditional music to audiences everywhere. Further, they have always promised themselves to continue as long as it’s fun — fortunately, it still is!

Recommended for fans of Dervish, Cherish the Ladies, The Waterboys and The Dubliners.

LEARN MORE: https://altan.ie/