Living the Tradition: An Enchanting Journey Into Old Irish Airs (Live Concert + Film)

Behind every Irish tune is an ancient tale of love and loss, of history and heroes. Here these stories are told with passion, feeling and understanding.

This is the cello as you have never heard it before. Cello player and composer Ilse de Ziah takes traditional Irish melodies and gives them a deep transformation: Sometimes rock ballad, sometimes irresistibly foot stomping, sometimes haunting; her show is utterly captivating and moreish. Through it all her vibrant personality carries you along and transports you to a magic emerald musical landscape. You will not want it to end!

Ilse will be joined on stage by internationally renowned acoustic guitar virtuoso, Ian Date ( If he’s performing , seize the opportunity to see and hear one of Australia’s finest guitarists.” (Hank Marvin, The Shadows)

Following the concert, will be her film LIVING THE TRADTION, the journey of cello player and composer Ilse de Ziah around Ireland in a search for undiscovered secrets of ten Irish Airs. Along the way she meets with renowned Irish musicians, scholars and local characters who share with her the history and stories behind the music.

Ilse performs each of these intensely beautiful pieces in the settings they were written, capturing the landscapes, the charm of the Irish people and the powerful resonance of the cello, creating a fresh account of Irish music and culture.