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Music Network today announced a sensational line-up for its 2012 Spring Season spanning a range of music styles by an outstanding roster of Irish and international artists. Irish audiences can look forward to the début Irish tour of Martin Hayes’s latest project, The Teetotallers, percussionist Noel Eccles’ brand new ensemble CAN Percussion Trio, as well as a special collaboration between clarinettist Carol McGonnell and Fidelio Trio. The season also includes the accomplished Onyx Brass ensemble from the UK and the wonderful vocal harmonies of Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich, Siân James and Jenna Cumming, who will come together for a special one-off Irish tour. Music Network tours provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the very best in international chamber, jazz and traditional Irish music in venues throughout Ireland at affordable prices.  Music Network tours are funded by the Arts Council and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm.

Describing what’s on offer, Music Network Acting CEO Sharon Rollston explains, “Our season opener is the first chance for Irish audiences to hear the newly formed trad supergroup, The Teetotallers, made up of TG4 Gradam Ceoil Traditional Musician of the Year Martin Hayes, acclaimed flute player Kevin Crawford from Lúnasa, and Grammy award nominee and guitar maestro John Doyle. There’s no letting up with our second tour”, continues Rollston, “showcasing the polyrhythmic delights of the CAN Percussion Trio with celebrated Irish percussionist Noel Eccles joined by two young masters of the mallet, Chris Stynes and Alex Petcu, in a thrilling programme of contemporary music.”

“On our March tour Irish clarinettist Carol McGonnell, a rising star of New York’s innovative new music scene performs alongside the ‘virtuosic Fidelio Trio’ (Sunday Times) who have quickly established themselves as a modern ensemble to be reckoned with. Then, in April, prepare to be blown away by Onyx Brass, a world-class British quintet that has charmed audiences across Europe and America with its virtuosity, exuberance and on-stage banter while performing classical favourites alongside new works by contemporary composers.  Finally, the season closes with a celebration of Celtic song featuring three of the very best vocalists from Ireland, Wales and Scotland – Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich, Siân James and Jenna Cumming respectively – in what promises to be an atmospheric and unforgettable tour.”

Tickets for all regional concerts are available from individual venues around the country.  All five Dublin performances will take place in Dublin Castle’s Coach House.  Single tickets for all Dublin concerts are €15 (€10 conc. for students and over 65’s) or €40 for a family ticket. Season tickets are available at €65 each (€45 conc.) or €165 for a family season ticket.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Music Network on (01) 671 9429, or online at www.musicnetwork.ie