Altan Coming to Music Hall

Altan, the most talked-about traditional group to emerge from Ireland, comes to The Music Hall’s Historic Theater on Friday, March 9 at 8 p.m. just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Tickets for the show are on sale now at The Music Hall box office.

The award winning group plays the music of Donegal, Northern Ireland and Scotland, ranging from touching old Irish songs to hard hitting reels and jigs. Propelled by the acclaimed vocals of Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and backed by double fiddle, flute, guitar, accordion, and bouzouki, the band seamlessly blends dazzling instrumental prowess with gorgeously delicate vocals.

For the past 25 years, Altan has been committed to bringing the beauty of traditional music to contemporary audiences.  While preserving its longstanding roots, they recognize that Irish traditional music is effectively a modern music. According to The Sunday Tribune, Dublin, “The appeal of Altan centres on the fact that they see no differences or divisions in music. As such, they have managed to cross the all-important cultural barriers between folk and world and rock music.”

Altan’s extensive touring has led them to become important cultural ambassadors for Ireland. In addition to accompanying Irish President Mary McAleese on numerous state visits, they were invited to play twice at the White House for President Bill Clinton. The Irish government honored the band in 2006 by putting their image on an official Irish postage stamp, one of the highest honors bestowed on a living artist of Ireland.

Submitted by Kathleen Soldati, director of marketing, Music Hall, Portsmouth