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« Chers cousins irlandais, venez partager votre culture à Lorient et découvrir les connections entre nos nations celtes «
A warm greeting extended by Jean-Philippe Mauras, Directeur Artistique, to celebrate l’année de l’Irlande at the 52nd Festival Interceltique de Lorient with Irish Music.
“It’s the fourth time that Ireland has been ‘invitée d’honneur’ – last was in 2014. During 10 days and nights (4th to 13th August 2023) it’s our pleasure to showcase Ireland’s cultural and artistic riches.”
Irish musical treasures
A treasure trove of Irish music awaits. The legendary Clannad will perform at Espace Jean-Pierre Pichard on Sunday 6th a pillar of musical excellence since 1970. Clannad majestically fuse trad and contemporary genres creating a uniquely celestial sound defined by the compelling voice of Moya Brennan.
On Wed 9th Aug, the venue hosts Altan and l’Orchestre National de Bretagne who perform their remarkable new collaboration ‘L’imaginaire Irlandais’ under the auspices of the renowned conductor Grant Llewellyn.
Evening of Irish Legends
On Tuesday 8th August, an ‘Evening of Irish Legends’ with violinist Frankie Gavin and pianist Catherine McHugh performing ‘Port Eireann’ a modern Irish music gem. The same evening adorned by musical aristocracy Usher’s Island; a veritable roll call of legends; Lunny, Irvine, Glackin, McGoldrick, Doyle.
The Legends series of Irish music continues on 10th August with Danú performing their gloriously energetic brand of Waterford Trad and the prestigiously talented Téada.
The Irish music Odyssey continues
On Friday 4th, Le Kleub stage is the place to savour the stunning music of Irish group Cùig, whose performances have taken global audiences by storm.
On Wed 9th Kleub hosts the emeritus piper John McSherry.
On Friday 11th , Celtic Odyssey will showcase a stellar line-up of Irish music including Dónal O’Connor (fiddle), Martin Tourish (accordion), Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (vocals and fiddle), Ronan Le Bars (uilleann pipes).
The Kilkennys, a dynamic quartet of Irish balladeers will perform at Le Palais on Saturday 5th and on Friday 11th, the venue hosts Donegal’s Friel Sisters. Galvian Way (Galway) perform au Quai de la Bretagne on Friday 11th with the legendary Sklovan (Breton).
‘Horizons Celtiques’ son et lumière will be held at the Stade du Moustoir over five nights, a stunning spectacle of music, dance, and song featuring over 500 performers.
The 52nd FIL is set to serve up a delicious feast of musical treats from Suzanne Vega to I Muvrini (Corsican) via Denez Prigent and Hubert-Felix Thiéfaine replugged, to an adoring public of over 850,000 festivalgoers. A melting pot of 5,000 performers coming together to celebrate l’année de l’Irlande at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient .
© Photothèque Festival Interceltique – © Altan : ©Colm Hogan