Chris Newman & Maire Ni Chathasaigh in concert - Garstang

The celebrated virtuoso partnership of "the doyenne of Irish harpers" (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY) and 2001 recipient of Irish music's most prestigious award, Traditional Musician of the Year – Gradam Ceoil TG4 – and "one of the UK's most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists" (fROOTS), has by now brought its special musical vision to venues large and small – from the tiniest of historic churches in England, Germany and Italy to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, London's Barbican, Sydney Town Hall and the Philharmonie in Cologne – in twenty-two countries on five continents.

Their performances – described by The Irish Times as "music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music" – are rooted but eclectic, emotional but adventurous: a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, coupled with striking new compositions and Chris's delightfully subversive wit.

"In a class of their own" THE GUARDIAN

"Takes one of the most effete instruments in traditional music and breathes a fire into its belly" * * * * THE IRISH TIMES

"Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility" * * * * SONGLINES