Renowned musical talent to perform in Tipperary arts centre this month

Internationally acclaimed Irish traditional music icons Altan will take the stage at The Source Arts Centre in Thurles on Saturday, November 28.

In a special celebration of intergenerational musical heritage, the Donegal supergroup will be joined by young traditional musicians from Music Generation Tipperary and Music Generation Kilkenny.

Renowned worldwide for their electrifying twin-fiddling, heart-rending Irish-language songs, and unmatched mastery of the Donegal repertoire, Altan will bring their signature sound to the heart of Tipperary.

Sharing the bill with young performers from Music Generation Tipperary and Music Generation Kilkenny, the concert highlights the vibrant future of Irish traditional music across the region.

Both Music Generation programmes provide young people aged up to 18 with access to high-calibre performance music education, traditional ensembles, and mentorship from professional musicians.

Formed in 1987 in Gweedore, Co Donegal, by fiddler and vocalist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and the late Belfast flautist Frankie Kennedy, Altan has spent nearly four decades bringing the distinct musical traditions of north-west Ireland to the global stage.

With over one million records sold worldwide, the group is widely regarded as one of the most iconic bands working in traditional Irish music today.

Altan’s current lineup features founding frontwoman Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (lead vocals, fiddle) alongside longtime members Ciarán Curran (bouzouki, mandolin) and Mark Kelly (guitar, vocals), as well as accordionist Martin Tourish and Donegal fiddler and vocalist Clare Friel.

Part of Ireland’s national performance music education programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education, and Local Music Education Partnerships, Music Generation Tipperary (led by Tipperary ETB and Tipperary County Council) and Music Generation Kilkenny (led by Kilkenny and Carlow ETB and Kilkenny County Council) create accessible pathways for children and young people to learn, create, and perform music across all genres.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan added: "Music is all about connection and passing the torch. We have always been passionate about keeping the tunes and songs alive for the next generation, so getting the chance to play alongside the talented young musicians of Music Generation Tipperary and Kilkenny makes this show in Thurles extra special for us."

Tickets for the show cost €15, or €10 for under 18s, and can be booked online on the Source Arts Centre’s website, or by calling the box office at 0504 90204.