麻豆社

The inaugural 麻豆社 Music Day kicks off with a first ever televised music event from the unique surroundings of the former Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. Here is a quick look at some of the performers.

he living legend of the flute, Sir James Galway is regarded as both the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer whose appeal crosses all musical boundaries.

Sir James has made himself a modern musical master, whose virtuosity on the flute is equalled only by his limitless ambitions and vision. Through his extensive touring, over 30 million albums sold and his frequent international television appearances, Sir James has endeared himself to millions worldwide and is a tireless promoter of the arts.

Andrea started losing her sight at 6 years old and now only has 10% residual vision but she’s never let that stop her - from her early years studying a Masters Degree in Law, learning the guitar and gigging around Belfast. With an inspiring attitude and self belief Andrea has overcome every obstacle life has thrown at her, leading her to winning the second series of The Voice.

Fronted by Conor O'Brien, Villagers are an indie- folk band hailing from Dublin. Since emerging in 2008 the band have seen Mercury Prize and Choice Prize nominations as well as working with greats such as Tracy Chapman and Elbow. Villagers have released three albums to date with their latest release 'Darling Arithmetic' being released early in 2015 with the characteristic evocative moodiness associated with their earlier releases.

Edward Dunlop originally started out on trumpet, and played 4th trumpet in the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra for a year and a half. However following a lip injury he had to give up the trumpet a few years ago and subsequently took up drums and percussion, after which he was able to re-join the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra a couple of years later on the drums.

Edward auditioned for several music colleges in the winter of 2013, and was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to study jazz drums and percussion at the Royal Academy of Music and is currently in his first year at the college.

He was also fortunate enough to be able to work with artists such as Rick Swann, Linley Hamilton, Scott Flanigan, Meilana Gillard and many others in and around Belfast and NI.

Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) is Northern Ireland’s first and only multicultural gospel choir. Although based in Belfast, our choir members come from all parts of the province. BCGC is comprised of over 100 auditioned singers who perform in various-sized ensembles.

Originally from Ghana, now living in Belfast, Thomas Tettey Annang is the leader of Releasing Rhythms, a project that specialises in Drum and Dance education, merging traditional African rhythms and movement with western styles and accessible teaching techniques.

Releasing Rythms’ performance brings together drummers from multiple nationalities and cultural backgrounds in a celebration of Africa’s music and tradition.