The ensemble’s instrumental work features striking string and reed rhythms and accompaniments woven around the melody while the singing, in both Gaelic and English. Its repertoire runs the gamut of traditional Irish music from ornate, unaccompanied sean nós songs, through jigs and reels to interpretations of contemporary ballads.

Noted Irish music writer Earl Hitchner summed up Líadan’s promise in an article appearing in The Irish Echo: “Six music masters with master’s degrees in music, Líadan has the instrumental chops, impressive lead vocals, well-executed vocal harmonies, imaginative arrangements, extensive and diverse repertoire, and apparent élan to become the next major global force in Irish traditional music.”

The members of Líadan were raised in Limerick, Galway and Dublin. All were steeped in traditional music before they formed Líadan and their paths had crossed at various fleadhannas and competitions in Ireland.

Valerie Casey is a fiddle player and singer from Carherline, Limerick, who grew up listening to local musicians. As a teenager, she was involved in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí, Eireann and many ceili bands.

Deirdre Chawke, from Banogue, Limerick, plays the piano accordion and fiddle, and has won three All-Ireland titles in solo, group and band competitions.

Elaine Cormican, originally from Cappataggle in east Galway, is an accomplished traditional singer and tin whistle player with ten All-Ireland titles to her credit.

Síle Denvir, from Connemara, grew up speaking Irish and learned sean nós songs from local singers. She later took up the harp, and has won numerous titles both for her playing and singing.

Claire Dolan, from Gortmore in east Galway, grew up in a musical family and has played the fiddle since she was very young. A teacher by profession, she toured extensively with Lord of the Dance.

Dubliner Sarah-Jane Woods learned to play the flute from Michael Tubridy of the Chieftains. The holder of several All-Ireland titles, she has toured Britain and North America with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí, Ireland’s premier cultural movement.