Irish Musicians wow the Welsh

The group, mainly comprising young teenagers, played two concerts at St David’s Cathedral and took part in a lively impromptu session at the Café Celf in Fishguard for which they were joined by local musicians.

Their set, which included the jog ‘Leg Of The Duck’, the Hills of Tara barndance and a Donegal mazurka, prompted Wyn Jones, the noted record producer from Fflach Records label in Cardigan, to comment, “The visit of the young Danescastle musicians is a great opportunity for Welsh people to experience the vitality of Irish traditional music. They are the foundation of the future of Irish music, and a sure indication that the folk music of Ireland is in safe hands for generations to come.”

This is the 14th year the Danescastle musicians have performed in Wales where they have built an impressive network of fans and friends. As their music director Aine Kennedy told Hot Press, “This visit to St David’s Cathedral is the highlight of the year for the Danescastle musicians. It is a wonderful opportunity for our young traditional musicians to share the stage with internationally-acclaimed Welsh artists.”

The concerts at St David’s Cathedral are organized by Myles Pepper of the West Wales Art Centre and included performances by Catrin Aur Davies, David Pepper, Mary-Jean O’Doherty and the Ysgol Glannau Gwan choir, and were attended by the Lady Mayor of St Davids and representatives of several local councils.