Aoife Ni Bhrian & Cormac McCarthy and Duo Ruut

Koos . Le Chéile (Together)

Blending deep roots in Irish traditional music with classical, jazz, and contemporary influences, Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy chart a compelling sonic path through a shared musical heritage, transformed through their own creative lens. Their debut album Cosán Casta is a deeply considered and intimate work that reimagines Irish traditional music through original compositions, reinterpretations of archival tunes, and a fusion of classical and jazz idioms. The record pays homage to the music Aoife and Cormac grew up with, the musical language they heard and spoke in their family homes.

Duo Ruut: Their unique sound ties together a single Estonian zither and two distinct voices. Inspired by the traditions of their heritage, they draw influence from both the beliefs of different cultures and their own contemporary and emotive songwriting. As they are composing on one instrument Duo Ruut’s music is minimalist at its core but packed with new and imaginative ideas. This single instrument in between Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi creates, what Mojo called “a band sized sound”. They stand either side of the zither, each plucking and strumming its strings and sometimes tapping its body for percussive purposes. “Accompanied by ethereal voices which slowly draw you to the world. Sometimes the barest, most minimal music can hit the hardest.” _ Songlines

Funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. Also supported by The Arts Council and by Cork County Council.