Michael McGoldrick Trio & Cross Border Youth Folk Orchestra

About the show

Belfast TradFest and Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan unite once again in a landmark cross-border collaboration, bringing together young musicians on a scale rarely seen in traditional music. This ambitious project breathes new life into a selection of iconic compositions by internationally renowned Manchester-born flute player and composer Michael McGoldrick. Featuring classics such as James Browne’s March, Waterman’s and Farewell to Whalley Range, newly reimagined in powerful arrangements by acclaimed Monaghan composer Michael Rooney.

Following the resounding success of last year’s concert featuring Máirtín O’Connor & Zoë Conway, this highly anticipated second edition builds on what proved to be an extraordinary celebration of traditional music, youthful creativity and collective ambition. Performed by a spectacular folk orchestra of over 100 musicians, the music will resonate across St Patrick’s Weekend, culminating in a major performance in Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall.

Drawing performers from both traditional and classical backgrounds, from across the island of Ireland — including the border counties, Belfast and across Ulster — the ensemble reflects the living, evolving nature of traditional music and its enduring power to connect communities.