Sunday 15 January 2023

Celtic Connections 30th 2023!


Transatlantic Sessions
19th January – 5th February 2023.   @ccfest

Celtic Connections music festival returns this January with one of its most diverse and exciting programs.


The festival is one of the world’s largest winter festival celebrates roots, folk and world music returns this January for its uplifting warm music nights! With outstanding musicianship, challenging collaborations, innovative composers, alongside musical traditions and heritage, Gaelic song and famous orchestras.


1200 musicians will take to the stage for 300 events at more than 25 venues across the city, with shows spanning traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music. 

Its good to see the new generations coming up and given a bigger platform at Celtic Connections. There is a growing confidence in Scotland’s arts and media, and its traditional music scene – which is world class. Celtic Connections plays an integral role as our major folk and roots festival the past 30 years. 

Violinist Duncan Chisholm - “We’re at a point now that is the most exciting, for traditional music here, that there has ever been. Our music is spinning off in all sorts of directions. It is definitely in a much better place than it was when cc started 30 years ago, and I think that is to do with the festival itself.”

The Opening Concert celebrates both past and new artists, international and local, collaborative and cross-genre spirit - with Karine PolwartSierra HullBascoPeat & DieselTRIPMaeve GilchristRachel Sermanni and Michael McGoldrickHannah FisherRoss AinslieAnna Massie, Alyn CoskerJames MackintoshDuncan Lyall and Sorren Maclean.


Duncan Chisholm
Aly Bain
Martha Wainwright


Transatlantic Sessions celebrate 20th Anniversary with all-star line-up - Martha Wainwright, Hothouse Flowers frontman Liam Ó Maonlai, Capercaillie’s Karen Matheson and Amethyst Kiah. Plus house band of Celtic & Americana talent – Phil Cunningham, John Dole, Michael McGodlrick, John McCusker, Donald Shaw, James Mackintosh and Daniel Kimbro and masters of ceremonies Sherland fiddler Aly Bain and dubro master Jerry Douglas.


PLUS favourites - Irish-American Cherish the Ladies, Scots strings Blazin’ Fiddles, trad fusion powerhouse Treacherous OrchestraColin Hay, Australia’s Grammy-winning Men at Work, Quebec’s Vent du Nord. Piper Ross Ainslie & American roots musician Dirk PowellThe Song Circle show with Mary Chapin CarpenterKarine Polwart, Julie Fowlis & Robert Vincent at Theatre Royal. Duncan Chisholm and Kim Carnie at the concert hall.


And the live mic at the Danny Kyle stage the Late Sessions and Folk club and much more. Showcase Scotland will see Brittany showcased, to advance opportunities, along with Wales, celebrates the folk traditions of two of Scotland’s closest Celtic cousins. 

The festival encourages both innovation and traditions, quality musicianship and authenticity. To follow a natural artistic path, to be genuine. Along with welcoming our important connections from elsewhere. Scots have been one of the most travelled nations and they took their music across the world – particularly to America. 


**Tickets for Celtic Connections 2023 at www.celticconnections.com.


Blazin Fiddles
Audience Old Fruitmarket



Braebach

 Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It feels remarkable that in just a matter of days the 30th edition of Celtic Connections will kick off in Glasgow, celebrating all genres of music, a variety of world cultures, and bringing communities together from across the globe. A huge amount of work and preparation has gone into this year’s festival; it is testament to the strength and tenacity of the Scottish music industry, which has successfully overcome an incredibly tough period."

“We are so appreciative of the musicians and artists who have contributed in all manner of ways to Celtic Connections over the past three decades, and we will pay homage to them throughout the 2023 festival, as well as looking forward towards a bright and hopeful future. We look forward to seeing venues full, artists doing what they do best and the musical community thriving right across the city in a week’s time.”