Globally-renowned cellist, Patrick Dexter and harp virtuoso, Alannah Thornburgh join forces for an exceptional evening of sublime string music at The Linenhall Arts Centre, in Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Saturday, February 4th 2023.

Collaborating in celebration of their shared love of the Mayo landscape and its powerful influence on their music, Patrick and Alannah will perform a programme spanning centuries of musical history. 16th and 17th traditional Irish harp tunes, classical music by the great 18th and 19th composers, enchanting instrumental arrangements of modern pop songs, and premieres of original music by them both, will all feature.

"Together, cello and harp create such a captivating texture. What I love most, is how chords and harmonies played on the harp, so delicate and rhythmic, compliment the deep, richness of melodies played on the cello. This is the world of sound that Alannah and myself have been exploring together with our instruments, and we are so excited to share this and perform music we have written together, live for the first time at the Linenhall.” Dexter enthused.

Patrick’s meteoric rise to international fame came during the pandemic, when filmed performances at his picturesque cottage, overlooking beautiful Mayo vistas were viewed tens of millions of times online. His debut album, Solace, released in April 2022, achieved huge success and acclaim in Ireland and the world over.

Alannah Thornburgh, hails from Swinford in Co.Mayo. She commented, "I grew up attending concerts in the Linenhall with my family, everything from traditional Irish music, to jazz to contemporary. It’s a very special place, and played a major role in my musical and creative development as a young and curious musician, as a space where an eclectic mix of concerts were held. It will be a pleasure to attend the Linenhall in February, this time on the other side of the stage, with the incredible Patrick Dexter."

Quickly becoming one of the country’s top harpists in Irish traditional and folk scenes, Alannah’s harp compositions, a cross-genre interaction of old melodies with contemporary harmonies, have been described as ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ by The Irish Times. She was also recently nominated for two RTE Folk awards in 2022, that of Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Instrumentalist.

To secure tickets to this glorious evening of reimagined ancient Irish airs, unique arrangements of classical pieces, and new music by two of Ireland’s leading instrumental stars on Saturday, February 4th 2023 at 8pm, please visit www.thelinenhall.com or contact their box office on 094 9023733.