Altan is a group of Irish musicians from Donegal, specializing in traditional Irish music. Considered one of today’s leading Irish bands, Altan boasts over 25 years’ experience in the Irish music world, and delights us every time with its upbeat tunes built on jigs and reels that set our feet on fire!
Altan was born in 1981, when Frankie Kennedy (flute) and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (fiddle and vocals) decided to start a trad band together. Both are teachers in County Donegal, and meet regularly every evening to rehearse and perform in the local pubs…
The 2 musicians soon got to know each other and eventually married, recording their first album, “Altan”, in 1986.
The band’s success was soon evident, and the line-up expanded to include new musicians who played the bodhràn, uileann pipe, accordion and Celtic guitar…
For more than 25 years, the band performed and recorded albums. Their musical inspiration, drawn directly from Irish folklore, is a real feast for the ears, and will propel them to the rank of a sure bet with an ever more attentive audience. Their energy on stage is indescribable, and their joy is contagious: their music makes you want to dance!
However, a difficult event struck the band in 1994: Frankie Kennedy died of cancer, leaving his wife sole responsibility for Altan. Despite his death, the band continued its career, competing inventively and creatively to build up an ever-richer repertoire.
Now at the head of a band with over 25 years of bottle music, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh has turned Altan and her musicians into true stars of traditional Irish music, who continue to amaze us to this day!
