October 5-13, 2019 – Eastern Townships, Québec

(Knowlton/Lac-Brome, Waterloo, and Mansonville)

 

Let Nature Soothe Your Soul,

Let the Music Feed Your Imagination.

9 days of Music and Dance

Concerts, Workshops, Master Classes, and Music Sessions

In just 12 days, 40 of the world’s best Celtic musicians and singers from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, the USA, Canada’s East Coast, Ontario and Quebec, will arrive in the Eastern Townships of Quebec!

On top of that, the Fall colours have begun. In 12 days, they will be spectacular !

If you plan to join us, we recommend that you buy your tickets now!

The small halls are filling up – the Opening Concert is already sold out.  You don’t want to miss out on the remaining exciting choices over the 9 days.  (All concerts include at least two acts.)

Celtic Harmonies is:

·  9 evening concerts (eight in Knowlton/Lac-Brome and one in Waterloo).

·  Daytime: master classes for musiciansinteresting lectures, fun workshops for everyone, and traditional music sessions (all in Knowlton). Plus a matinee concert in Mansonville.

The Festival is proudly presented by the The Town of Brome Lake in collaboration with Mrs. Claire Léger and Mr. Claude Allaire.  We are also grateful to Cúltur Éireann (Culture Ireland) and all of our other sponsors for their valuable support.

Below is a quick tour of the evening concerts.  To find out more, visit our website:  www.celticharmonies.ca

Tickets are available online or by telephone (see below)*.  For details, please see the Fact Sheet below (after the concert list).

If you are from out of town, why not plan to stay for a few daysso as not to have to rush home after the concerts. There is still space at the Auberge Lakeview Inn and the Auberge Knowlton. Visit our web site for their contact info.

* On top of the special Early Bird prices, there are discounts for people 65 years and older, and for children 12 and under. All ticket prices include taxes; so no surprises!

Information and box office:

www.celticharmonies.ca

(450) 292-3456, ext. 227

The Evening Concerts in a nutshell:

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OPENING CONCERT: THE WINDS OF ERIN         SOLD OUT

Théâtre Lac-Brome, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Saturday, Oct 5

THE ISLANDERS RETURN

Auberge Lakeview Inn, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Sunday, Oct 6

“The best, or more precisely, the most entertaining fiddler I have ever seen.” – Shetland Times

PEI’s famous fiddler Richard Wood with Gord Belsher are back.  We just can’t help it.  People love them so much, we have to keep bringing them back. Fresh from their East Coast Music Awards win, they will deliver a breathtaking show!

Plus Lawrence O’Hearn (oboe & whistle) with Cécile Delage (harp) as openers.  If you have never heard the airs of Turlough O’Carolan played on the oboe and harp, you are in for a treat! Bring tissues.

Click here for a sample:

Richard and Gord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUZnkGgJNVw

Lawrence O’Hearn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKYd6zeqC4E

SEÁN TYRRELL – IN CONCERT

Auberge Lakeview Inn, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Monday, Oct 7

“The most intensely moving, soulful and talented singer of ballads in Ireland today” – PJ Curtis

“One of the country’s major folk voices” – Irish Music Magazine

We are especially excited to be welcoming Seán Tyrrell to Knowlton. 

This is a rare chance to hear a solo performance by one of Ireland’s best known and most respected singers. Untempered by modern musical influences, this legendary bard is a “lover of words strung together in webs that capture moments and places”. A familiar song in his hands comes across as a revelation.

As if that were not enough!  Opening for him, we have “One of the finest pipers of his generation” (Irish Times). Ronan Browne, the original uillean piper of Riverdance and Afro-Celt Sound System, is an old friend of Seán’s, with whom he has toured and recorded.

Click here to meet Seán and hear him sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRu-_DiEhdw 

Click here to hear Ronan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QskJoxYApo

WEAVERS OF EMOTION

Auberge Lakeview, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Tuesday, Oct 8

Ryan, Eric and Jeremiah create music that is at once energetic, sublime, pensive, thought-provoking and jubilant.” – Steve Behrens, 67 music

Ryan McKasson is a fiddle player’s fiddle player, combining technical skill with sensitivity. Eric McDonald is a rising star of traditional guitar, and no mean singer too. Jeremiah McLane is an outstanding accordionist who plays with subtlety and finesse. These three masters produce music of “alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality.”

As openers, Sutton’s much-loved Trisha Pope and East Bolton’s Daniel Haché combine their talents to delight and surprise.

Click here for a samples:

McKasson & McDonald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8k9lOvB9yg

McKasson, McDonald & McLane: https://soundcloud.com/user-698274028/mark-the-hard-earth?in=user-698274028/sets/audio

PASSION AND POWER

Auberge Lakeview Inn, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Wednesday, Oct 9

Three musicians of extraordinary intensity and talent come together to create an unforgettable show that is as much about emotion as it is about virtuosity. Pianist Erin Leahy and 8 time Canadian Fiddle Champion Louis Schryer are well-known members of distinguished trad-music families, while Timi Turmel (Québec champion accordionist three times in a row) is quickly establishing himself as one of Québec’s finest young musicians.

Lac-Mégantic’s Kyra Shaughnessy is back, combining elements of political folk and sacred songs to captivate us. Fresh… and in tune with the times!

Click here for a samples:

Turmel, Leahy, Schryer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auG015XekG4

Kyra Shaughnessy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAdWPSuSW2o

SONGS OF THE GAEL

Théâtre Lac-Brome, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Thursday, Oct 10

From the isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Cathy Ann MacPhee is one of the most respected and beloved Gaelic singers of her generation.  The centuries-old tradition of Gaelic song, with its awe-inspiring melodies, is the chief artistic glory of the Scots. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience it and to hear one of Scotland’s most beautiful voices!

Accompanying her is Tony McManus, world renowned Celtic guitarist.

Opening for them are Duo Delmes: Breton and Irish music… extraordinarily powerful flute playing, lyrical harp… What more do you want?

Click here to hear Cathy Ann’s voice:

Singing Cànan Nan Gàidheal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZWgJpsVYEU

At Celtic Colours with Mary Jane Lamond:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvHJP94jgVQ

Click here to hear Tony McManus:

Click here to hear Duo Delmes:

FROM NEWFOUNDLAND TO QUÉBEC VIA NEW ENGLAND

Théâtre Lac-Brome, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Friday, Oct 11

Keith Murphy, highly respected traditional singer, brings us old ballads and songs from his native Newfoundland and New England. His simple yet elegant arrangements bring the focus back to the beauty of the lyrics, while his rhythmic guitar playing brings color to his songs.

Pascal Gemme (fiddle), Nicholas Williams (flute and accordion) and Yann Falquet (guitar) of Genticorum combine magnificent three part vocal harmonies with jaw dropping musicianship. Their distinctive sound and warm stage presence make this Québécois trad band a supreme crowd pleaser.

Click here for a samples:

Keith Murphy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey8v26fVGYg

Genticorum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTXsdxQF-OI

Genticorum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05fv63exc7k

THE MASTER & THE RISING STAR

Théâtre Lac-Brome, Knowlton, Lac-Brome – Saturday, Oct 12

Tony McManus is arguably the best Celtic guitarist in the world. Loaded with flawless ornamentations, his playing is wild and delicate, passionate and tender. Julia Toaspern, young, and very talented, moves effortlessly from fiddle to guitar,  to song. Together they deliver breathtaking duets.

Yann Falquet and Pascal Gemme are master entertainers. Powerful Québécois fiddling, foot-tapping, guitar playing and singing!

Click here for a sample:

Tony & Julia on guitar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aN2bmkrpzA 

Tony & Julia (song written and sung by Julia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBTzDTEUISQ 

Duo Falquet-Gemme:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=MwgaK9GNVlI

CLOSING CONCERT

CELTIC HARMONIES… A World without Borders!

Maison de la culture de Waterloo – Sunday, Oct 13

Seventeen musicians from the Celtic world and beyond, directed by the multi-talented Dave Gossage, will take you on an emotional journey!

This show combines voices, fiddling, guitars, harp, flute, accordion, bodhrán, bones and foot-tapping… with some of the oldest and most beautiful instruments from around the world. The gorgeous sound of the kora from Sénégal, the evocative nyckelharpa from Sweden, the mesmerizing tabla from India, and the lively and mysterious melodies of Gypsy music from Eastern Europe…

Unusual pairings will amaze and enchant you.

FACT SHEET

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Celtic Harmonies International Festival

October 5 to 13, 2019 – Eastern Townships, Québec

When?             October 5 to 13, 2019 (concerts every night; plus daytime activities)

Where?           Eastern Townships, Québec (an hour from Montréal and 30 min from the Vermont border) – Knowlton, Waterloo, Mansonville

Concerts:

Auberge Lakeview Inn, 50 rue Victoria, Lac-Brome (Knowlton)

Theatre Lac-Brome, 9 Mont Echo, Lac-Brome (Knowlton)

Maison de la culture, 441 de la Cour, Waterloo

St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 309 rue Principale, Mansonville

Workshops (Knowlton/Lac-Brome):

Bistro Knowlton Pub, 267 ch. Knowlton

Theatre Lac-Brome, 9 Mont Echo

Old Court House, 15 St. Paul

Sessions (Knowlton/Lac-Brome): 4:30 – 6 pm

Sat., Oct. 5 Le Relais, 286 ch. Knowlton

Sun., Oct. 6 Auberge Lakeview Inn, 50 Victoria

Fri., Oct. 11 Le Relais, 286 ch. Knowlton

Sat., Oct. 12 Bistro Knowlton Pub, 267 ch. Knowlton           

How to get there:

The heart of the Festival is located in Knowlton (also known as Lac-Brome) approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Montreal /30 min. from Vermont 

Click here to see a map:

https://www.google.com/maps/@45.2336658,-72.4854741,12.83z

TICKETS (All prices include taxes; no additional fees)

Early Bird before Sept 24.

Most concerts

Adults:             $33 early bird; $37 regular; $42 at the door * 

65+/-12:           $28 early bird; $32 regular; $36 at the door * 

Opening Concert

Adults:             $37 early bird; $42 regular; $47 at the door * 

65+/-12:           $32 early bird; $37 regular; $42 at the door * 

Closing Show

Adultes:           $44 early bird; $48 regular; $52 at the door * 

65+/-12:           $36 early bird; $40 regular; $44 at the door * 

Workshops :

Adultes:           $10 early bird; $10 regular; $15 at the door ** 

65+/-12:           $8 early bird; $8 regular; $10 at the door ** 

Café concert : $10 early bird; $12 regular; $15 at the door ** 

Under 12:          $ 5 early bird; $7 regular; $10 at the door ** 

Festival Pass: Adults: $ 275              65+/-12:  $ 230

(gives access to all 10 concerts and all workshops)

5 Concerts Pass: Adults: $ 150         65+/-12:  $ 135

(choice of 5 concerts; does not include Closing Concert and workshops)

* 1 hour prior, if available

** a half hour prior, if available

TICKETS AVAILABLE

Online:             www.celticharmonies.ca

By telephone:  (450) 292-3456 ext. 227