Áine Minogue, harp – Belmont, MA

This program will explore the Celtic roots of Halloween as it is derived from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. According to Minogue “Samhain, or Halloween as it has come to be known, was actually New Year’s Eve on the old Irish and Celtic calendar and was arguably the most important day of their year! The tradition of otherworldly creatures coming to life on Halloween has its origins in the ancient feast of Samhain.” Come celebrate Harvest and Halloween in music, song and story.

As traditional Irish music and dance continue to enjoy phenomenal success both here and in Ireland, Áine Minogue is an artist who has long explored its themes and who captures its very essence. Her voice reflects the lyricism and richness to be found in Irish music, mythology and poetry with a voice undeniably her own and a diverse group of instruments that add to the traditional flavor of her work. Ireland’s The Guardian said “. . . it is in performance that the real Áine Minogue emerges….through her sheer talent as a musician and storyteller . . .” while Entertainment Weekly calls Minogue “A Breath of fresh Eire.”

Born in Borrisokane, County Tipperary, Áine moved from Ireland to the United States as an adult and settled in New England. She continues to concentrate on the traditional music of her homeland, both as a soloist and collaborator, exploring the ancient art form, but adding her own creativity to each piece. She has entertained former Irish Presidents and Prime Ministers, and is a regular performer at folk festivals and concerts throughout the United States.

Áine has done extensive research regarding Celtic Halloween traditions and unearthed some unusual and haunting selections from Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Ireland. Otherwordly creatures and the otherworld feature heavily e.g. The song entitled “The Silkie” is about a mermaid who has come to live on land but is constantly drawn by the lure of the sea. According to Minogue “the sea was its own whole otherworld and many songs, stories and tunes have come down to us that reflect this.” Such selections as “Spereed Holvedal” (Spirits of the World) from Brittany (A Celtic section of France) will also be featured. Many of these selections can be found on Ásine’s album entitled “The Twilight Realm,” which delves into the Celtic otherworld.

Áine’s other recordings include The Mysts of Time (NS) Between the Worlds (BMG), Circle of the Sun (BMG) Celtic Meditation Music (Sounds True), Celtic Lamentations (2005 Celtic album of the Year; One of the Boston Globe’s 10 albums of 2006) and Celtic Pilgrimage (2008). Numerous tracks of her music appear on compilations for such labels as BMG, Virgin, Rounder, and Putumayo in varying styles including Celtic, world, folk and new age. She has completed extensive soundtrack work for TV including Fox, PBS, NBC, CBS, ABC, MTV and Cable.