Celtic Christmas Strings: A Festive Feast of Harp & Guitar *

"There’s something magical about harps, and particularly at Christmas, though Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman’s award-winning alchemy on harp and guitar creates a very special magic at all times. Individually famed for originality, innovation and virtuosity on their respective instruments, together they have created one of the most distinctive voices in modern acoustic music and brought their unique musical vision to venues large and small in twenty-two countries on five continents. Their many recordings express both the depth of their commitment to tradition and an eternally playful, curious and adventurous spirit.Their Christmas show, presented with warmth, charm and wit, features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish and Scottish music, swing jazz, bluegrass and baroque plus festive favourites given a fresh voice with arrangements that are intricate, inventive, moving and beautiful, and performed in their characteristically heart-warming style –a spellbinding treat for mid-winter.

“A delightful... satisfyingly original, often refreshingly unpredictable take on festive favourites... Joyful, gorgeous and uplifting” THE LIVING TRADITION “Both are in the virtuoso class” THE GUARDIAN “Masterful playing... (ranging from) the entrancing and delicate to the wildly celebratory...” **** FOLK WALES “(Their) mastery and magic... produced a rapt response” THE GUARDIAN

More praise for the duo...

“An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling” THE TIMES “Dazzling virtuosity” DAILY TELEGRAPH “In a class of their own” THE GUARDIAN “Music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music” * * * * THE IRISH TIMES ”Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility” * * * *SONGLINES “Their blinding technique, sizzling Irish reels and hot jazz improvisation brought an extended standing ovation. Newman has the great gift of being informative and hilarious simultaneously” THE WEST AUSTRALIAN".