While growing up in County Sligo, Ireland, renowned poet William Butler Yeats frequently visited the imposing Lissadell House overlooking Sligo Bay. The 1834 mansion was immortalized in one of Yeats' poems:
The light of evening, Lissadell, Great windows open to the south
Lissadell House is also where Dervish, one of the biggest traditional bands in Ireland, recorded its new Christmas special. The show, part of a new public radio program Irish Heartbeat With Dervish, features musical guests Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains and vocalist Roisin O'Reilly. With Dervish vocalist Cathy Jordan hosting, the program weaves together the music of Christmastime in Ireland.
"We had the most delightful day at Lissadell House," Moloney said after the recording. "Roisin has a beautiful voice, and Dervish are so Irish, so wonderful, with all the power of traditional music."
Moloney, a celebrated piper and leader of six-time Grammy Award winners The Chieftains, plays the famous Irish reel "Christmas Eve" and a lovely Breton carol on solo tin whistle. O'Reilly, a former member of the Celtic choir Anuna, offers two classic Christmas songs, including "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night," with Jordan singing harmony.
The members of Dervish provide spirited backing on fiddle, accordion, flute, bouzouki and guitar. The show ends with a finale from all the musicians.
Click the link at the top of the page to hear highlights from Dervish's Christmas special.
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