The Gloaming Performs at Chan Centre Tonight

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) presents the Canadian debut of famed Irish ensemble The Gloaming tonight, November 15, 2014 at 8pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. Hailed as "one of the great forces in Irish music" by The Irish Times, the five-member ensemble navigates between contemporary and traditional sounds, creating original music that is haunting and beautiful in equal measure.

"The Chan Centre has become renowned for programming artists who take traditional forms in bold new directions - blurring boundaries of genre as they do so," said Joyce Hinton, Co-Managing Director of the Chan Centre. "The Gloaming mark an exciting new milestone in this ongoing mission - a group of virtuoso artists who layer fascinating and intricate nuance atop timeless Celtic jigs, reels, and soundscapes."

The group - who are only visiting two other North American cities besides Vancouver on this highly anticipated world tour - is comprised of fiddle master Martin Hayes, Irish singer Iarla Ó Lionaird - well known for his contribution to the legendary Afro Celt Sound System, Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill, hardanger innovator Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh and New York pianist Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman).

The Gloaming carves new paths connecting the rich Irish folk tradition and the New York contemporary music scene. From the poignant tradition of Irish sean-nós ("old style") songs to rousing instrumental medleys, they make music that is both ancient and utterly pure.

This group of extraordinarily talented musicians each have their own highly successful individual careers, but came together with a shared musical aesthetic to form an ensemble with a sound all of its own. The five players met to explore new music at Grouse Lodge Studios in West Meath, Ireland, in early 2011. Together, they craft music that is sparse and beautiful, authentic and tune-filled.

"The music of the Emerald Isle may have spread far and wide, but there is little that will be performed that sounds like The Gloaming."
- The New Yorker

Chan Centre Connects Events
Chan Centre Connects is a series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre Presents performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.

• Double Feature Film Screening of The Gloaming: Moment to Moment and Aisling Gheal - Nov 6 / 7pm @ The Cinematheque (1131 Howe St.) Screening of two acclaimed documentary films out of Ireland. The Gloaming: Moment to Moment (7pm) chronicles the fascinating collaboration of these five musicians, while Aisling Gheal (8:15pm) tells the story of a team of women who are passionately keeping the Irish sean-nós vocal tradition alive.
• Pre-Show Talk with Martin Hayes and Iarla O'Lionaird - Nov 15 / 7pm @ Royal Bank Cinema (Chan Centre). Pre-show talk with The Gloaming members Martin Hayes and Iarla O'Lionaird. In conversation with Eilis Courtney, President of the Irish Women's Network of BC.

About the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC (www.chancentre.com)
Since 1997, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC has earned an international reputation for its striking design, stellar acoustics, and exceptional programming. Artists, critics, and patrons alike are unanimous in their praise of the facility, winning it a place among North America's premier performing arts venues. The Chan Centre boasts three unique venues: the superb Chan Shun Concert Hall, the dramatic Telus Studio Theatre, and the intimate Royal Bank Cinema. From classical, jazz, theatre, and opera to world music, the Chan Centre is a vital part of UBC campus life - a place where the artistic and academic disciplines integrate with one another to inspire new perspectives on life and culture. Past performers and guest speakers include: Wynton Marsalis, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Renée Fleming, Dan Savage, Mariza, Sigur Rós, Mavis Staples, and Hugh Masekela.

To post a comment, you must register and login.