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Music Network presents a concert by the outstanding Donegal fiddle trio, FIDIL.

"with one ear cocked carefully to the past and the other trained meticulously on the present, they take tunes long weathered by tradition and infuse them with a passion and vitality that’s all their own". Siobhán Long

Described as, “Stunning” (Rod Stradling) and “Mind-blowing” (allcelticmusic.com), the award winning trio are three of Donegal’s finest young musicians: Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Aidan O'Donnell and Damien McGeehan, each recognised for their virtuosic technique as well as their inventive yet authentic approach to music.  Celebrating the release of their debut CD ‘3’, Fidil will perform at Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Saturday 28th November at 8pm. Tickets priced €15 / €12 and are available on Tel. 045 448327. This concert is promoted by Riverbank Arts Centre and Music Network.
 
Fidil explores the soundscape of their native Donegal, and through their unconventional approach to accompaniment, arrive at a place where tradition meets innovation, giving Fidil their unmistakable sound. High energy meets delicate arrangements in an eclectic mix of beautifully selected tunes, making this album a must have for all music enthusiasts. Their music-making is marked by an intricate and intelligent approach that still manages to maintain the element of fiery exuberance that is the hallmark of traditional fiddle music from Donegal. This is traditional music for the 21st century, mindful of its origins but breathtakingly exciting in its ambition and delivery.

 
In 2008, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh & Aidan O'Donnell's self- titled album  “fidil’ was released receiving widespread critical acclaim and was described as “One of the most challenging and beautifully austere albums of the last fifty years’ by Irish Music Magazine. In late 2008, Fidil became a trio as Damien McGeehan, a player long respected by both O’ Maonaigh and O’ Donnell, joined the group adding a new dynamic to the ensemble’s arrangements and performance. The trio quickly established themselves as stars in the ascendant, scooping up the 2008 Music Network Young Musicwide Award, with which they have been busy playing concerts on home ground, and more recently in Macedonia, Iceland and Nova Scotia.

Aidan O'Donnell has performed with some of traditional music's finest artists, including Donal Lunny, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and the Chieftains. In 2007, he won the prestigious ‘Oireachtas na Gaeilge' fiddle title. He released his critically acclaimed debut album in 2006, with Mayo flute player Kieran Munnelly, called ‘In Safe Hands', which has been described as ‘a salute to the players who have gone before' by Matt Molloy (The Chieftains). Aidan has won the respect of many of his musical peers with Siobhán Peoples claiming that,  “Aidan’s incredible technical ability combined with his deep love of the music of his ancestors will see him become one of the most influential Donegal fiddle players of this generation.’

TG4 young musician of the Year 2003, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh has been described as “One of Ireland's most prodigious fiddling talents,” (Geoff Wallis – The Rough Guide to Irish Music). He was heavily influenced by his extended family, including his teacher Francie Mooney, Altan members Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy, Derry fiddle player Dermot McLaughlin as well as the Donegal fiddle legend John Doherty amongst others. Ciarán, a three time Oireachtas fiddle champion, released his first album Ceol a'Ghleanna/The Music of the Glen (SPINCD1008) on the Claddagh Records label in 2004 and he has also produced numerous music documentaries for Irish TV stations RTÉ & TG4.

Damien McGeehan cites the Donegal style of fiddling as his main influence. He has toured Ireland, Great Britain, Italy, Australia and Scandinavia as well as making numerous appearances on national and international television and radio and has performed alongside acts such as The Chieftains, Niall Keegan, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Frankie Gavin, Eileen Ivers and The World Youth Chamber Orchestra. Damien has been described as “;â? one of the brightest lights ascendant in the worlds of Donegal and Irish fiddle music. The excitement and energy of his playing is only matched by his precision, sensitivity and musicality”. (Niall Keegan, The University of Limerick) 

For more info see www.fidilmusic.com and www.myspace.com/fidilcd

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