Opening Night: World Connections
Tickets
Buy now- Date
- 15th Jan 2026
- Time
- 7.30pm
- Where
- Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
- Price
- £35.10, £29.50, £23.90 includes booking fee
- Age restrictions
- Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Seating Type
- Seated
Celtic Connections 2026 launches with World Connections – a vibrant celebration of global traditions and local talent. This genre-spanning opening night captures Glasgow’s welcoming spirit and looks ahead to the city’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games in July.
The line-up features three exceptional female vocalists: Mali’s Rokia Koné, an acclaimed solo singer and member of West African feminist supergroup, Les Amazones d’Afrique; Palestinian singer-songwriter Amal Kaawash who makes a welcome return to Scotland, Canadian multi-award-winner Rose Cousins, known for her intimate songwriting and strong collaborative approach. British guitarist Justin Adams joins forces with Moroccan Gnawa gimbri player Mohamed Errebbaa, for some seriously hypnotic, bass-driven, North African rhythms and grooves.
Adding further global flavour are the SAZ trio – three renowned folk musicians from Rajasthan’s Langa desert community who will showcase the raw, soulful sounds of their centuries-old musical traditions, led by Aga Khan Award recipient and sindhi sarangi (folk fiddle) master Asin Khan.
Also appearing from Scotland are several special guests, including dynamic folk foursome RURA, longtime festival favourites since their debut back in 2010. With artists spanning continents and cultures, and more surprise guests in store, it promises to be an unforgettable night of cross-cultural connections and musical brilliance.
Booking Information
A 12% booking fee and £1.50 restoration fund charge is included in the ticket price, as advertised. At check-out this fee will be shown separately for receipt purposes and to ensure the face value of your ticket is correct. Prices are subject to change. Prices may vary on the night of a show. Transactions fees may vary depending on event.
Dispatch Charges
E-tickets - Free of charge
Fulfilment Fee - £1.95
Transaction Charges apply as follows
- Online up to £1.50
- Phone up to £1.75
- Counter/ In Person: Free
View the full Ticket Purchase Policy.
Restoration fund
From 1 September 2024, for any new events going on sale at Glasgow Life Concert Halls venues (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City Halls and Old Fruitmarket and Kelvingrove Bandstand), a new Restoration Fund of £1.50 per ticket may be added at checkout. View the full Restoration Fund T&Cs.
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