Collaborating Artists 2026-2029
Across the 2026–2029 programme period, Creative Connexions Ireland brings together artists of established national and international standing alongside emerging voices, creating platforms where experience, mentorship and artistic innovation meet
CCI Emerging Artists and Stage Opportunities
As part of the 2026 programmes, Creative Connexions Ireland ensures that emerging Irish performers and composers are offered opportunities to share the stage within international presentations. Since its beginnings, CCI has supported and nurtured emerging talent and is proud to have worked with artists such as BRIDÍN, Caitríona Sherlock, Ultan O’Brien, David Geaney, Tim Doyle, John Rousseau, Robert Finnegan and many more.
NoCrows
NoCrows is a dynamic, multicultural folk orchestra whose music seamlessly blends Irish traditional roots with Latin rumba, classical, jazz, rock, and Balkan influences.
Formed in 2005, the band brings together musicians from Ireland, Switzerland, Mallorca, and Moldova, creating a richly textured and distinctive sound that reflects both diverse folk traditions and a lifetime of cross-genre musical experience.
Renowned for their original repertoire, NoCrows move effortlessly from delicate Irish airs to exuberant Gypsy-inspired passages, Mallorcan jotas, and lush string arrangements.
NoCrows members:
Felip Carbonell (guitar, voice), Steve Wickham (fiddle, voice), Ray Coen (guitar, fiddle, voice), Anna Houston (cello, mandolin, voice), Eddie Lee (double bass, voice), Oleg Ponomarev (violin, voice).
NoCrows
NoCrows is a dynamic, multicultural folk orchestra whose music seamlessly blends Irish traditional roots with Latin rumba, classical, jazz, rock, and Balkan influences.
Formed in 2005, the band brings together musicians from Ireland, Switzerland, Mallorca, and Moldova, creating a richly textured and distinctive sound that reflects both diverse folk traditions and a lifetime of cross-genre musical experience.
Renowned for their original repertoire, NoCrows move effortlessly from delicate Irish airs to exuberant Gypsy-inspired passages, Mallorcan jotas, and lush string arrangements.
NoCrows members:
Felip Carbonell (guitar, voice), Steve Wickham (fiddle, voice), Ray Coen (guitar, fiddle, voice), Anna Houston (cello, mandolin, voice), Eddie Lee (double bass, voice), Oleg Ponomarev (violin, voice).
The Rubik’s Ensemble
A Rubik’s Ensemble concert is a programme shaped with flexibility, revealing a different constellation of voices, instruments, and musical colours.
The Rubik’s Ensemble has different instruments, different musical personalities, and performers combining as duets, trios, quartets, and soloists.
Each concert programme offers something different, and members rarely appear in the same formation.
The Rubik’s Ensemble offers audiences a vibrant showcase of contemporary Irish traditional performance, reflecting both the depth of the tradition and its evolution through collaboration.
The Rubik's Ensemble is a South Dublin County Council and Artscope initiative.
The Rubik’s Ensemble features combinations of:
Paul Kelly (mandolin, fiddle), Claire Sherry (fiddle, banjo, mandolin), Siobhán Buckley (harp), Tim Doyle (concertina, uilleann pipes, fiddle, low whistle), Ernestine Healy (concertina), Brian Fleming(bodhran), Caitríona Sherlock (vocals), Noriana Kennedy (vocals, banjo), Ian Drew (vocals), Mick McNamara (vocals).
The Rubik’s Ensemble
A Rubik’s Ensemble concert is a programme shaped with flexibility, revealing a different constellation of voices, instruments, and musical colours.
The Rubik’s Ensemble has different instruments, different musical personalities, and performers combining as duets, trios, quartets, and soloists.
Each concert programme offers something different, and members rarely appear in the same formation.
The Rubik’s Ensemble offers audiences a vibrant showcase of contemporary Irish traditional performance, reflecting both the depth of the tradition and its evolution through collaboration.
The Rubik's Ensemble is a South Dublin County Council and Artscope initiative.
The Rubik’s Ensemble features combinations of:
Paul Kelly (mandolin, fiddle), Claire Sherry (fiddle, banjo, mandolin), Siobhán Buckley (harp), Tim Doyle (concertina, uilleann pipes, fiddle, low whistle), Ernestine Healy (concertina), Brian Fleming(bodhran), Caitríona Sherlock (vocals), Noriana Kennedy (vocals, banjo), Ian Drew (vocals), Mick McNamara (vocals).
Simon Morgan & The Richie Buckley Quartet
PRESENTS
An Irish Songbook
An Irish Songbook is a celebration of Ireland’s musical heritage, reimagined through the lens of jazz. Curated by Simon Morgan and Richie Buckley, the project brings together some of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians to explore the timeless beauty of Irish song in a fresh, contemporary way.
Blending classical craft, jazz improvisation, and traditional lyricism, An Irish Songbook presents sensitive new arrangements of familiar melodies - from haunting airs to joyful ballads - reshaped with warmth, depth, and emotional sincerity.
Fronted by Simon Morgan, one of Ireland’s most versatile and acclaimed vocalists, and Richie Buckley, the legendary jazz saxophonist celebrated for his expressive tone and world-class improvisation, the quartet creates music that honours tradition while opening it to new possibilities.
Rooted in Ireland’s song heritage yet alive with the spontaneity of jazz, An Irish Songbook invites audiences to hear these songs anew.
Simon Morgan & The Richie Buckley Quartet
PRESENTS
An Irish Songbook
An Irish Songbook is a celebration of Ireland’s musical heritage, reimagined through the lens of jazz. Curated by Simon Morgan and Richie Buckley, the project brings together some of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians to explore the timeless beauty of Irish song in a fresh, contemporary way.
Blending classical craft, jazz improvisation, and traditional lyricism, An Irish Songbook presents sensitive new arrangements of familiar melodies - from haunting airs to joyful ballads - reshaped with warmth, depth, and emotional sincerity.
Fronted by Simon Morgan, one of Ireland’s most versatile and acclaimed vocalists, and Richie Buckley, the legendary jazz saxophonist celebrated for his expressive tone and world-class improvisation, the quartet creates music that honours tradition while opening it to new possibilities.
Rooted in Ireland’s song heritage yet alive with the spontaneity of jazz, An Irish Songbook invites audiences to hear these songs anew.
Cathy Jordan
Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 Singer of the Year
Roscommon-born Cathy Jordan has been a professional singer with the traditional group Dervish for nearly 30 years. She received the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for her contribution to folk music.
As Dervish’s front woman, she has performed thousands of concerts in nearly 40 countries, released 16 albums, and appeared at major international events including the Great Wall of China and Rock in Rio, performing to audiences of over 250,000.
Creative Connexions Ireland is delighted to present Cathy Jordan in the following programme formats, suitable for presentation in Ireland or internationally through CCI partnerships.
• Reader/Author: Timothy O'Grady
• Music: Cathy Jordan with interchangeable performers
Cormac de Barra, Tim Doyle, and Felip Carbonell
• Photographs: Steve Pyke
A live collaboration of words, music and photography telling the story of an Irish migrant reflecting on a life lived between Ireland and England, exploring memory, exile and belonging through spoken word, song and image.
I Could Read the Sky by Timothy O’Grady
Crankie Island Songs
Performed by Cathy Jordan with pianist Feargal Murray.
A musical tribute to songwriter Brendan Graham, featuring songs including Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, Sleepsong, and Winter, Fire & Snow. Developed over two decades, the performance celebrates one of Ireland’s most recognised songwriters whose work has resonated with audiences worldwide.
An ongoing collaboration combining song and illustration through a handcrafted Crankie Box - a historic moving-panorama storytelling device. Illustrated scrolls unfold in time with live song, creating an intimate and evocative form of visual and musical storytelling inspired by Irish traditional story-songs.
STORYBOOK: The Songs of Brendan Graham
STORYBOOK: The Songs of Brendan Graham
Cathy Jordan
I Could Read the Sky by Timothy O’Grady
Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 Singer of the Year
Roscommon-born Cathy Jordan has been a professional singer with the traditional group Dervish for nearly 30 years. She received the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for her contribution to folk music.
As Dervish’s front woman, she has performed thousands of concerts in nearly 40 countries, released 16 albums, and appeared at major international events including the Great Wall of China and Rock in Rio, performing to audiences of over 250,000.
Creative Connexions Ireland is delighted to present Cathy Jordan in the following programme formats, suitable for presentation in Ireland or internationally through CCI partnerships.
• Reader/Author: Timothy O'Grady
• Music: Cathy Jordan with interchangeable performers
Cormac de Barra, Tim Doyle, and Felip Carbonell
• Photographs: Steve Pyke
A live collaboration of words, music and photography telling the story of an Irish migrant reflecting on a life lived between Ireland and England, exploring memory, exile and belonging through spoken word, song and image.
Performed by Cathy Jordan with pianist Feargal Murray.
A musical tribute to songwriter Brendan Graham, featuring songs including Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, Sleepsong, and Winter, Fire & Snow. Developed over two decades, the performance celebrates one of Ireland’s most recognised songwriters whose work has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Crankie Island Songs
An ongoing collaboration combining song and illustration through a handcrafted Crankie Box - a historic moving-panorama storytelling device. Illustrated scrolls unfold in time with live song, creating an intimate and evocative form of visual and musical storytelling inspired by Irish traditional story-songs.
Legends of Irish Folk
Legends of Irish Folk is presented by some of Ireland’s finest folk voices amongst them Alan Burke, Mick McNamara, and Ian Drew who are individually regarded among the finest ballad singers of their generation.
This performance is powerful yet sensitive, presenting an almost inexhaustible repertoire of traditional, contemporary, as well as self-penned songs in both English and Irish.
Accompanied by distinctive, driving guitar styles, and by fiddle and mandolin, a Legends of Irish Folk concert is consistently rich, emotive, and memorable.
These concerts are renowned for their emotional depth, storytelling, and musical authority, offering audiences a poignant and compelling journey through the living tradition of Irish folk music.
Legends of Irish Folk
Legends of Irish Folk is presented by some of Ireland’s finest folk voices amongst them Alan Burke, Mick McNamara, and Ian Drew who are individually regarded among the finest ballad singers of their generation.
This performance is powerful yet sensitive, presenting an almost inexhaustible repertoire of traditional, contemporary, as well as self-penned songs in both English and Irish.
Accompanied by distinctive, driving guitar styles, and by fiddle and mandolin, a Legends of Irish Folk concert is consistently rich, emotive, and memorable.
These concerts are renowned for their emotional depth, storytelling, and musical authority, offering audiences a poignant and compelling journey through the living tradition of Irish folk music.
An Baróc
An Baróc, led by guitarist Eamon Sweeney, is a performance of 16th and 17th century music from Ireland and beyond, alongside traditional Irish music.
The turning of the 17th century was a momentous time in Irish cultural history as well as across Europe. Conflict between the great powers created upheaval in many territories, including Ireland, Italy and Spain.
Art flourished during this period, however, and significant cultural interchange took place.
This performance explores 16th and 17th century music performed on Baroque guitar, uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, harp and percussion. Performed by musicians of exceptional skill and depth, An Baróc brings this repertoire vividly to life, making early music accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
The programme features music by:
Luys de Narvaéz, Turlough O'Carolan, José Elias and more. Led by Eamon Sweeney (classical guitar, early guitars and lutes), An Baróc can include musicians of the calibre of:
Cormac de Barra (harp), Tim Doyle (uilleann pipes) and Brian Fleming (percussion).
An Baróc
An Baróc, led by guitarist Eamon Sweeney, is a performance of 16th and 17th century music from Ireland and beyond, alongside traditional Irish music.
The turning of the 17th century was a momentous time in Irish cultural history as well as across Europe. Conflict between the great powers created upheaval in many territories, including Ireland, Italy and Spain.
Art flourished during this period, however, and significant cultural interchange took place.
This performance explores 16th and 17th century music performed on Baroque guitar, uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, harp and percussion. Performed by musicians of exceptional skill and depth, An Baróc brings this repertoire vividly to life, making early music accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
The programme features music by:
Luys de Narvaéz, Turlough O'Carolan, José Elias and more. Led by Eamon Sweeney (classical guitar, early guitars and lutes), An Baróc can include musicians of the calibre of:
Cormac de Barra (harp), Tim Doyle (uilleann pipes) and Brian Fleming (percussion).
CÓR Nua
Prepared remotely
ready to perform worldwide
An inclusive coming together of voices around shared repertoire prepared in advance and culminating with a finale hour-long performance. CÓR Nua, under the direction of Duncan Brickenden, brings together the voices of up to 100 singers from across Europe and beyond.
The name CÓR Nua translates from Irish as “New Choir” or “New Heart,” reflecting both renewal and collective voice.
With music from contemporary classics to songs from deep within Ireland's culture, this is a concert for everybody!
CÓR Nua is accompanied by a pianist together with a host of special guest vocalists and instrumentalists from the world of Celtic, classical and traditional Irish music. The repertoire weaves together a wide variety of themes and genres as CÓR Nua takes you on an evocative journey of song.
As this project is rehearsed remotely, with only one day of rehearsals onsite, the finale performance can be produced anywhere and is based on an application process managed by CCI and the host location.
CÓR Nua
Prepared remotely
ready to perform worldwide
An inclusive coming together of voices around shared repertoire prepared in advance and culminating with a finale hour-long performance. CÓR Nua, under the direction of Duncan Brickenden, brings together the voices of up to 100 singers from across Europe and beyond.
The name CÓR Nua translates from Irish as “New Choir” or “New Heart,” reflecting both renewal and collective voice.
With music from contemporary classics to songs from deep within Ireland's culture, this is a concert for everybody!
CÓR Nua is accompanied by a pianist together with a host of special guest vocalists and instrumentalists from the world of Celtic, classical and traditional Irish music. The repertoire weaves together a wide variety of themes and genres as CÓR Nua takes you on an evocative journey of song.
As this project is rehearsed remotely, with only one day of rehearsals onsite, the finale performance can be produced anywhere and is based on an application process managed by CCI and the host location.
In Production for 2026
ReelFlamenco
Building on the success of five productions of Call to the Dance as part of the Sitges CCI festivals, we are currently working on devising, rehearsing and producing this brand new collaborative music, song and dance show.
ReelFlamenco will culminate in an hour-long, explosive show, taking audiences from the roots of tradition to bold contemporary expression, while remaining true to the core traditions of both Irish and Spanish dance, song and music.
This promises to be a compelling and vibrant intercultural performance.
Zoe Talbot is an award-winning Irish dancer and teacher, internationally recognised for her performance excellence and competitive success.
A record-holding 12-time Irish Dance World Champion, Zoe has performed extensively with Riverdance and ProdiJig, including as principal singer-dancer on the Riverdance American tour (2023–24), and in leading roles at the Olympia, Gaiety and Bord Gáis theatres. Zoe is known for her strong technical style, musicality and expressive stage presence, and continues to perform, teach and support the development of Irish dance across Ireland and internationally.
Juan Carlos – Flamenco Dancer
Juan Carlos is a professional flamenco dancer trained in the Andalusian tradition. Known for his powerful footwork, rhythmic precision, and expressive movement, he performs internationally in theatre and festival settings.
His work honours traditional flamenco while embracing contemporary collaboration, bringing depth, passion, and storytelling to the stage.
Zoe Talbot – Irish Dancer
ReelFlamenco
Building on the success of five productions of Call to the Dance as part of the Sitges CCI festivals, we are currently working on devising, rehearsing and producing this brand new collaborative music, song and dance show.
ReelFlamenco will culminate in an hour-long, explosive show, taking audiences from the roots of tradition to bold contemporary expression, while remaining true to the core traditions of both Irish and Spanish dance, song and music.
This promises to be a compelling and vibrant intercultural performance.
Zoe Talbot – Irish Dancer
Zoe Talbot is an award-winning Irish dancer and teacher, internationally recognised for her performance excellence and competitive success.
A record-holding 12-time Irish Dance World Champion, Zoe has performed extensively with Riverdance and ProdiJig, including as principal singer-dancer on the Riverdance American tour (2023–24), and in leading roles at the Olympia, Gaiety and Bord Gáis theatres. Zoe is known for her strong technical style, musicality and expressive stage presence, and continues to perform, teach and support the development of Irish dance across Ireland and internationally.
Juan Carlos – Flamenco Dancer
Juan Carlos is a professional flamenco dancer trained in the Andalusian tradition. Known for his powerful footwork, rhythmic precision, and expressive movement, he performs internationally in theatre and festival settings.
His work honours traditional flamenco while embracing contemporary collaboration, bringing depth, passion, and storytelling to the stage.
BRÍDÍN
BRÍDÍN is a modern folk harpist, singer-songwriter and composer from County Sligo, creating music in her own distinctive, ethereal style.
Raised within Irish traditional music, her work draws deeply on her roots and on the natural landscapes of the west of Ireland, blending tradition with contemporary songwriting and sound.
An RTÉ Folk Awards nominee and holder of multiple All-Ireland titles, BRÍDÍN studied Music and Irish at University College Cork, followed by a Master’s degree in Music and Performance.
She released her debut self-titled album in 2022 and has since performed extensively in Ireland and internationally, both solo and with her band.
Her recent appearances include national television and radio performances on The Late Late Show, The Tommy Tiernan Show, Ireland AM, RTÉ Lyric FM and Radio 1, as well as performances at major festivals including Electric Picnic, All Together Now, Milwaukee Irish Fest and Creative Connexions Ireland in Sitges.
BRÍDÍN
BRÍDÍN is a modern folk harpist, singer-songwriter and composer from County Sligo, creating music in her own distinctive, ethereal style.
Raised within Irish traditional music, her work draws deeply on her roots and on the natural landscapes of the west of Ireland, blending tradition with contemporary songwriting and sound.
An RTÉ Folk Awards nominee and holder of multiple All-Ireland titles, BRÍDÍN studied Music and Irish at University College Cork, followed by a Master’s degree in Music and Performance.
She released her debut self-titled album in 2022 and has since performed extensively in Ireland and internationally, both solo and with her band.
Her recent appearances include national television and radio performances on The Late Late Show, The Tommy Tiernan Show, Ireland AM, RTÉ Lyric FM and Radio 1, as well as performances at major festivals including Electric Picnic, All Together Now, Milwaukee Irish Fest and Creative Connexions Ireland in Sitges.
Jack O’Rourke in Concert
with special guest Simon Morgan
Singer, songwriter and pianist Jack O’Rourke performs in concert as part of Creative Connexions Ireland. He is joined by acclaimed Irish vocalist Simon Morgan for a special guest performance.
Jack O’Rourke is a compelling Irish singer, songwriter and pianist known for his rich baritone voice and emotionally powerful songs. Blending folk, classical and contemporary influences, his music explores the human condition with depth, warmth and lyricism.
Simon Morgan is one of Ireland’s most versatile singers, performing across opera, theatre and contemporary music. He has appeared at major venues including the National Concert Hall and Cork Opera House and collaborates widely as a composer and arranger.
Jack O’Rourke in Concert
with special guest Simon Morgan
Singer, songwriter and pianist Jack O’Rourke performs in concert as part of Creative Connexions Ireland. He is joined by acclaimed Irish vocalist Simon Morgan for a special guest performance.
Jack O’Rourke is a compelling Irish singer, songwriter and pianist known for his rich baritone voice and emotionally powerful songs. Blending folk, classical and contemporary influences, his music explores the human condition with depth, warmth and lyricism.
Simon Morgan is one of Ireland’s most versatile singers, performing across opera, theatre and contemporary music. He has appeared at major venues including the National Concert Hall and Cork Opera House and collaborates widely as a composer and arranger.
Creative Spaces
Creative Spaces brings together creators Tim Doyle (uilleann pipes, concertina, fiddle, keyboard, arranger and composer) and Olesya Zdorovetska (composer, arranger, vocals, keyboard and spoken word).
A poignant new collaboration set to launch in summer 2026, the project unites two performers exploring their individual musical heritages while uncovering the creative links between Ireland and Ukraine.
Creative Spaces
Creative Spaces brings together creators Tim Doyle (uilleann pipes, concertina, fiddle, keyboard, arranger and composer) and Olesya Zdorovetska (composer, arranger, vocals, keyboard and spoken word).
A poignant new collaboration set to launch in summer 2026, the project unites two performers exploring their individual musical heritages while uncovering the creative links between Ireland and Ukraine.
The RITHIM Trio
Featuring Éamonn Cagney (percussion), Alan Doherty (flute, whistles) and Niwel Tsumbu (guitar).
Éamonn Cagney is one of Ireland’s premier hand-drum percussionists, he performs on djembe, conga, cajón, udu drums, handpan, bodhrán, drum kit and a wide range of global percussion instruments.
Niwel Tsumbu is a Congolese-born, Ireland-based guitarist with a virtuosic style drawing on jazz, classical, rock, folk and rumba. He has performed with Sinéad O’Connor, Buena Vista Social Club and Baaba Maal.
Alan Doherty is one of Ireland’s leading flautists, known for his unique improvisational approach and enigmatic stage presence. He was catapulted onto the world stage as lead soloist on the Oscar-winning soundtrack The Lord of the Rings.
Follow this collaboration as it unfolds on Artscope and Creative Connexions Ireland stages over the next 12 months.
The RITHIM Trio
Featuring Éamonn Cagney(percussion), Alan Doherty (flute, whistles) and Niwel Tsumbu (guitar).
Éamonn Cagney is one of Ireland’s premier hand-drum percussionists, he performs on djembe, conga, cajón, udu drums, handpan, bodhrán, drum kit and a wide range of global percussion instruments.
Niwel Tsumbu is a Congolese-born, Ireland-based guitarist with a virtuosic style drawing on jazz, classical, rock, folk and rumba. He has performed with Sinéad O’Connor, Buena Vista Social Club and Baaba Maal.
Alan Dohertyis one of Ireland’s leading flautists, known for his unique improvisational approach and enigmatic stage presence. He was catapulted onto the world stage as lead soloist on the Oscar-winning soundtrack The Lord of the Rings.
Follow this collaboration as it unfolds on Artscope and Creative Connexions Ireland stages over the next 12 months.