Madagán take their name from Beann Mhadagáin (Madagán’s peak), the iconic mountain that overlooks their home city of Belfast. Performing on concertina, uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar, fiddle and vocals, the music of this dynamic four-piece is driven by Belfast’s thriving music scene: expect songs in Irish and English, and traditional tunes from Ireland, Scotland and beyond, alongside new compositions and arrangements, all with Madagán’s unique arrangements.
Founded in 2017, Madagán have performed in Europe and further afield, including to an audience of thousands at Moscow Irish Week festival. The band has completed two collaborative residencies in India, the first in Kolkata and rural West Bengal, and the second in Goa (funded by the British Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland) where they performed at the prestigious Sur Jahan festival and collaborated with the celebrated Goan singer Divya Naik on an album, ‘Madagoan’. You can listen to it here.
Madagán are:
Jason O’Rourke (concertinas)
Jason has been playing for dancing from the age of 10, starting out on the 10-key melodeon. He has been playing the concertina for 30 years and is self-taught, which has led him to develop his own distinct style of playing. As he puts it, “It’s all about the rhythm”.
Jason is an integral part of Belfast’s vibrant traditional music and dance culture. He has toured with various groups in Europe, South America, Asia and the USA, and has recorded 7 albums, two of which are solo projects. The most recent of these, The Northern Concertina, was funded by the prestigious Arts Council NI ACES award.
“Jason O’Rourke’s music has matured down the years into a fully cohesive and finely-tuned style; each note executed with pin-pricked precision. He stands on his own merits among concertina players in Ireland and elsewhere” – John O’Regan, The Living Tradition.
Diane Cannon (vocals, fiddle)
Diane is from From Meenlaragh, which nestles between spectacular Errigal and the Islands of Tory and Inisboffin in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. She inherited her musical talents from both sides of her family; all four grandparents were accomplished musicians and singers. As a youngster Diane frequently won competitions and she competes successfully to this day, most recently winning first place in the prestigious Comortas Cuimhneacháin Shéain Óig Uí Thuama at Oireachtas na Gaeilge. Her acclaimed solo album, Idir Muir Agus Sliabh, ‘Between Mountain and Sea’ is available here.
“‘Diane Cannon is one of the finest singers of her generation in both the Gaelic and English Ballad traditions. She is steeped in her native Donegal Gaeltacht heritage and is bringing the old songs to a new generation with this new album. Diane is blessed with a strong melodic voice which breathes new life into the old songs handed down to her through family and friends.” – Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh.
Stephen Porter (uilleann pipes and whistles)
A stalwart of the Belfast session scene, Newcastle-born Steve has been playing the pipes for 30 years and is self-taught. He has played with the Armagh Rhymers and toured in Europe and India. Steve studied traditional Irish music at Falcarragh in Co. Donegal.
Joe Campbell-McArdle (guitar, vocals)
Joe has been an active member of the thriving Belfast session scene for over a decade, and co-hosts multiple sessions in the city, notably in the famous Sunflower Bar. Joe has recorded and toured in Europe with Lonesome George. His songwriting demonstrates his commitment to social activism, with lyrics that reflect his dedication to critical thinking and action.
For further information or booking enquiries please contact: info@madaganmusic.com
