DÚLRA was founded by singer Caitríona O’Leary to bring audiences a new way to experience traditional Irish song. Dúlra’s innovations include the marriage of traditional techniques and sounds with early music, world music and contemporary classical styles; interpretations that create a balance between stunning virtuosity and chant-like purity; the discovery and performance of unknown works; transforming the concert experience through an evocative use of staging and design.
DÚLRA features some of Ireland’s finest and most celebrated traditional Irish musicians. The band often works with guest artists from a diversity of genres. Their powerful and haunting invocation of mythic sounds has thrilled audiences in concerts from Paris to Zagreb.
In 2013 Dúlra performed two programmes – Ecstasy, Irish Songs of Joy and Ansacht na nAnsacht, Love of Loves at Beethovenfest Bonn. These concerts marked the first time Irish music was performed at this prestigious festival. In December 2013 Dúlra performed The Wexford Carols at Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda and at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Joining Dúlra were singers Nóirín Ní Riain and Lillis Ó Laoire and the Austrian Hurdy Gurdy sensation, Matthias Loibner. DÚLRA will record The Wexford Carols for Heresy in 2014 and release the album for Christmas.
Prior to recording Ecstasy for Heresy, DÚLRA recorded the critically acclaimed CD Dúil, Songs of Love and Nature, for EMI Virgin Classics and I am Stretched on your Grave for BMG Deutsche Harmonia Mundi.
Caitríona O’Leary & DÚLRA’s new album SLEEPSONGS, an album of Suantraí – ancient Irish lullabies and songs on the theme of sleep, will be released in the in the US on January 28th 2014 and in the UK on February 4th.
“This music is a special genre of vocal art, called sean-nós…in this type of singing O’Leary is a master” General Anzeiger
“As we listen we become possessed by the fascinating charismatic singer Caitríona O’Leary with her angelic and ethereal voice” Crescendo Magazine
“Once again this is a first-class interpretation by this ensemble, which has already produced a number of surprises in the past.” Toccata Alte Musik Aktuell
“As always, it is the voice of Caitríona O’Leary that captivates and captures the listener immediately…. the instrumentalists are at their best and the result is truly overwhelming.” Toccata Alte Musik Aktuell
“Her voice exudes beauty … The songs were frenetically celebrated by a carefree and cheerful audience. The élan of O’Leary’s impressive presence simply cannot be escaped.” Mittelbayerische Zeitung
“Do not hesitate for a second! Caitríona O’Leary has one of those incredibly crystalline voices that roots you to the spot” La Vie
“Downright angelic” St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Wonderful interpretation by Caitríona O’Leary and her band” Femme Actuelle
DÚLRA
Caitríona O’Leary – voice
Adrian Hart – fiddle
Eamonn de Barra – flute, whistles
Eamonn Galldubh – flute, whistles, uilleann pipes
Kate Ellis – cello
Mel Mercier – bodhrán & bones
Andrea Piccioni – frame drums & percussion
CONTACT
For further information or booking contact:
Karina Lundström
Lundström Arts Management
email: info@lundstrom-am.com
website: lundstrom-am.com