Event Details
Celebrating four decades at the forefront of traditional Irish music, Altan brings the soul of Donegal to the Liberty Theater stage. Led by founding fiddler and vocalist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, the band blends raw Irish tradition with stunning melodic artistry — performing everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. Their 2024 album Donegalcontinues a legacy that earned them the distinction of being the first Irish traditional band signed to a major label. A performance not to miss!
Doors: 7:30 PM
Ticket Price: $30 ADV | $35 DOOR
ALTAN
Altan is celebrating 40 years on the road!
After four decades, Altan remains at the forefront of traditional Irish music, blending the raw energy of their native Donegal fiddle style with a rare melodic sensibility. To coincide with this tremendous milestone, they have planned special celebratory concerts in Ireland and abroad, inviting special guests to join them.
Their latest album, Donegal, was released in 2024 by Nashville-based Compass Records, to widespread positive reviews.
Altan has always been regarded as tradition bearers, bringing their native Donegal music and songs to a wider public, keeping true to their roots while exploring modern arrangements and textures to entice new followers. This integrity in their music has placed them in high esteem by their peers; they are regarded as one of the most popular Irish traditional bands of all time.
Additionally, they were the first-ever Irish traditional band to be signed to a major record label, Virgin Records, in 1995. The band has its original core members: founding member, lead singer and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh; original members Ciaran Curran on bouzouki and Mark Kelly on guitar. Accordion player Martin Tourish has been recording and touring with the band now for over 15 years. The latest addition to Altan’s lineup is the wonderful young fiddler and singer, Clare Friel, who is steeped in the tradition of her Donegal ancestors.
Altan evolved from Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her late husband, Belfast flute player Frankie Kennedy, playing duets, first at folk clubs and smaller festivals in Ireland and on to the world-wide stage.
Altan has brought their native music to renowned venues like Carnegie Hall, NY; the Sydney Opera House; Dublin’s National Concert Hall; Glastonbury Festival; Tradfest Temple Bar in Dublin; and Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany. They have shared their musicianship with The Chieftains, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, John Prine, and more.
A cornerstone of traditional Irish music, Altan’s sound continues to resonate across the world. As they enter their fifth decade, their commitment to Donegal’s musical heritage ensures that their influence will endure for generations to come.
The Boston Globe: "The hottest group in the Celtic realm"
Chicago Weekly: "Thought by many to be the finest traditional Irish combo working today, Altan seamlessly blend dazzling instrumental prowess and the gorgeously delicate vocals of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh"
Irish Echo, New York: "...under no circumstances should they be missed in concert"