Ireland meets Sweden for a melting pot of traditional music from both cultures

Together these two artists offer a unique musical journey taking in the cultures of their two native countries.

Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 55-year career. From Sweeney's Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, his duo with Paul Brady in the later 70s and then from Patrick Street to Mozaik, LAPD and Usher’s Island, Andy has been a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.

Ever the man for new pastures, Andy has played concerts all over Europe and has toured many times in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. He was also undertaken extensive tours of Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Japan, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Argentina and Chile.

Although an integral part of the finest Irish bands of our time, Andy Irvine continues along the path he set for himself so long ago - a vibrant career as a solo artist in the old style, a teller of tales and maker of music.

The Swedish band Quilty is a highly renowned interpreter of traditional Irish music and considered being the foremost band of the Irish folkmusic scene in Scandinavia. In 2020 Quilty was nominated Band of the Year at the national Folk & World Music Gala event.

Since 2020 Quilty has been touring with the program Out on the Ocean - sea shanties, emigration songs, love ballads and songs about epic adventures at sea in a salty and tar scented concert programme combining Irish and Scottish songs with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, as well as the traditional music from their own country - Sweden.

In 2023 Quilty invited Andy Irvine to join the band on a tour of Sweden celebrating Quilty’s 30th anniversary. The highly acclaimed mutual tour was a great success with 13 concerts at sold out venues and sparked the idea for future collaborations with Andy Irvine. Extending the musical palette Quilty and Andy Irvine now offer a mutual concert program consisting of both Irish and Swedish traditional music - adding a new facet to the world music influences that have been Andy Irvine’s trade mark since early 70th.

”Sometimes a gig comes along and changes everything … Those who were lucky enough to be in The Seantí last night were treated to possibly the best show we’ve ever had here… The night ended with a thoroughly deserved standing ovation. Andy along with Quilty gave a performance that won’t easily be bettered or forgotten here at The Seantí. We sincerely can’t wait for their return.” (The Seantí - May 3rd, tour of Ireland).