Widely regarded as one of the most skilled and distinctive pipers in the world, Scotland’s Brìghde Chaimbeul will perform at Monroe’s Live on Wednesday, September 3, at 7pm.
Brìghde has brought new attention to the Scottish smallpipes, which is a softer, bellows-blown relative of the Great Highland bagpipes.
Her playing emphasises the instrument’s rich drones, often creating meditative music that expands the expressive range of the pipes.
A native Gaelic speaker from the Isle of Skye, the 27-year-old grew up immersed in traditional music and language.
This is captured in her third solo album, Sunwise, released earlier this year, which explores seasonal cycles and folklore from her upbringing on the Isle of Skye.
While she now lives in Belfast, the album is a song cycle about the Cailleach Bheur, a Gaelic hag who carved the landscape and every year ushers in the cold.
Brìghde first gained recognition as a teenager, winning the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award at 17, and has since developed an international reputation for her innovative approach.
Her work draws on piping traditions from Scotland, Ireland, Eastern Europe and Cape Breton, while also incorporating influences from ambient, avant-garde and electronic music.
Alongside her solo career, she has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including saxophonist Colin Stetson, singer Caroline Polachek, and Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys.
Her accolades include the BBC Young Folk Award, the BBC Horizons Award and a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY ) Award.
Don’t miss your chance to catch Brìghde Chaimbeul at Monroe’s Live on Wednesday, September 3, at 7pm as part of her international Sunwise Tour.
Special guest David Murphy will also appear in the intimate surroundings of the Backstage venue in this fully seated show.
Tickets cost €22.50 and are available from www.monroes.ie
