Irish Supergroup The Gloaming Returns with Haunting New Works at Chan Centre

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) announces the anticipated return of The Gloaming, Ireland's acclaimed folk supergroup, October 15 at 7pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. The revered Celtic-American ensemble will captivate audiences with evocative sean-nós (solo unaccompanied singing) and stirring, melancholic melodies, sharing their signature musical alchemy of ancient tradition and contemporary experimentation.

"I am truly delighted to welcome back The Gloaming after their Canadian debut at the Chan Centre in 2014. What an incredible first impression they made on us," says Joyce Hinton, Co-Managing Director of the Chan Centre. "This unique group of like-minded musicians imaginatively connects the rich Irish folk tradition to the contemporary music scene. Together these artists create some of the most haunting, lush, and gorgeous music that never fails to touch me on a deep emotional level. The combination of their sound and the Chan Centre's extraordinary acoustics is a perfect match."

The Gloaming is a renowned ensemble comprising five master musicians - each with their own distinguished solo career. Formed in early 2011, they first met at Grouse Lodge Studios in CounTy Westmeath to discuss a collaborative concert at the National Concert Hall Dublin - a performance which sold out before they had rehearsed a single note. After discovering a shared musical aesthetic, the band decided to join forces and record their eponymous first album. Even before its 2014 release, the industry was abuzz about their debut record. The Gloaming surpassed expectations, and their project was named to many 'Best Album' lists that year, among which that of The Guardian, The Irish Times, NPR and Mojo.

Leading The Gloaming is six-time All-Ireland Fiddle champion Martin Hayes. Musical innovator Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh plays the handanger fiddle. On vocals is sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird who has mastered the 'old style' singing technique used to tell stories of rebellion, emigration and loss. Joining them are Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill and New York pianist Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman) who, together with their peerless technique, bring The Gloaming's reels and jigs to new and exhilarating heights.

Described by Songlines as "brilliantly innovative," The Gloaming is carving new paths within the tradition of Celtic music and The New York contemporary music scene. After their first album hit the shelves, The Gloaming's sweeping success continued as they went on to win Ireland's coveted Meteor Choice Music Prize, for which they were nominated alongside indie rocker Hozier, singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor, and international rock stars U2. The Gloaming, thereafter, became a global phenomenon, selling out venues across the world including London's Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and New York's Lincoln Center.

Described by The Guardian as "an exquisite album from a virtuoso band," The Gloaming's anticipated follow-up release titled '2' is already making headlines. For their upcoming performance at The Chan Centre, The Gloaming will immerse audiences in the pure beauty of Gaelic folk tunes transformed through their own distinct, modern interpretation as heard on this latest record.

Chan Centre Connects Events (chancentre.com/connects)
A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.

• Fiddle Master Class with Martin Hayes - Sunday, October 15, 2017, 11am @ Celtic Traditions, 3721 West 10th Ave. The Gloaming's Martin Hayes conducts a fiddle master class for intermediate and advanced students, demonstrating bowing techniques, melody interpretations, variations, and improvisations from Irish traditional music. Tickets are $25 per person. Call Celtic Traditions at 604-222-2299 for more info.?

• Pre-Show Artist Talk with Martin Hayes - Sunday, October 15, 2017, 6:15pm @ Royal Bank Cinema, The Chan Centre. The Gloaming's fiddle player Martin Hayes in conversation with UBC Dean of Arts Gage Averill.

About The Chan Centre for Performing Arts at UBC (chancentre.com)

Since 1997, The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in UBC's Arts & Culture District 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 where artistic and academic disciplines merge 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, Yo-Yo Ma, Trombone Shorty, Sigur Rós, Dianne Reeves, Anoushka Shankar, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock.