Maura O'Connell & Karan Casey

Two of Ireland’s most outstanding and beloved singers join together to present an exceptional evening of songs and stories. Maura O'Connell and Karan Casey, both known for the depth, beauty and sheer joy in their exploration and interpretation of songs, offer a special tour in 2016-17.

Through this show, A Celebration of Song and Life, Maura O'Connell and Karan Casey explore and share with the audience what it means to be Irish today, a woman today, a world view seen through the broad emotional spectrum of song. Songs make the connection between events and the impact they have on people’s lives - a local happening, a geographical spot, a war or scene of violence, a night of love, a season of loss or grief, the birth of a child, a wedding, a funeral, happiness in the sunshine, the list is long. Mostly though, this is about the sheer enjoyment of singing. The collaboration allows both women a freshness in approach to their now long established solo careers. This is a celebration of song and life.

“Their collaboration is a coming together of many years of honing their craft, of digging inside their own emotional selves, of exploring thousands of songs, making connections with them, allowing the voice of a song to speak to them and listening carefully to that voice.” Ellen Cranitch - RTE LyricFM

Blending Irish and progressive American folk singing styles, Maura O’Connell burst onto the trad scene in the 1980s as vocalist with Irish super group De Danann. The Ennis songbird’s singing career has brought her international acclaim, two Grammy nominations and collaborations with everyone from Bonnie Raitt, Nanci Griffith and Dolly Parton to Alison Krauss, The Chieftains and Van Morrison.

Karan Casey is one of the most influential and innovative vocalists in Irish or American folk music. She is the former lead singer with Solas, has recorded 6 solo albums and performed with such luminaries as James Taylor, Liam Clancy, Peggy Seeger, Mick Moloney and The Dubliners. Karan’s gorgeous, soulful voice has featured on over 50 albums, she’s been a regular contributor to Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion and has recently appeared with the Boston Pops Orchestra.