Catrin Finch & Aoife Ni Bhriain and Hegedu

Welsh harpist Catrin Finch has built an impressive classical career before venturing into uncharted musical territory, including several award-winning international collaborations. One such union is with Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain, one of Ireland’s foremost traditional fiddle players and a virtuoso violinist of global distinction. 

Their debut album, 2023’s Double You, features an exquisite collection of new compositions that draw inspiration from across genres. It takes listeners on a captivating journey on the wings of the bees across the Irish Sea, inspired by the cultures of their home countries.

Double You hit Number 1 in the iTunes Classical Charts and the World Music Charts Europe, #2 in the Transglobal World Music Charts, and received a nomination for Best Album in the 6th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

Hegedu are a new original folk-fusion ensemble from Edinburgh. With three harmonising fiddlers (Morag Brown, Isla Ratcliff, Chris Lyons), Cello (Robin Mason) and Guitar (Jack Weir), the band is already gaining admirers for its unique sound. Combining Scottish fiddle sounds with influences from Scandinavia,  Eastern Europe, Classical chamber music and even Jazz, the music is quirky, complex and challenging but never loses sight of big tunes, rich harmonies and a sense of fun and drama. The band released its debut EP this year and is currently working on an ambitious first full-length album.