In Concert: Neil Martin and Rod McVey

In collaboration and featuring uilleann pipes, cello, whistles, piano and keyboards, the unique musical blend of Neil Martin and Rod McVey has graced many stages and studios, both at home and abroad.  A true union of kindred musical spirits, their performances draw from both traditional sources and from Neil’s compositions, and offer music both thought-provoking and invigorating. They have been making music together for 40 years and have between them collaborated on more than 200 albums.

Join us for a very special evening of music with these two stellar musicians as part of the fringe programme for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.

Doors open at 7 pm.

Rod McVey is rightfully acknowledged as one of the finest pianists and keyboard players in Ireland. He has collaborated with many leading musicians and groups, including Van Morrison, The Corrs, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Ronan Keating, Christy Hennessy, Shaun Davey and Dolores Keane.  He has worked extensively as a record producer and session musician over the last forty years and has covered a very broad cross-section of genres in those fields. Among notable producing credits are Andy White’s early albums. Rod also composes for television and theatre, and has been musical director on numerous productions.

Neil Martin works as a composer, musician and producer. He has collaborated with many leading arists, both on stage and in the studio, including Liam O’Flynn, The Chieftains, Wynton Marsalis, Bryn Terfel, The Dubliners, Stephen Rea, Nicola Benedetti, Ruth McGinley, Christy Moore, Josh Groban, Jean Butler and Brian Kennedy amongst others. He has performed in Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra and all the professional orchestras in Ireland. He has composed extensively for orchestra, film, theatre, television and radio and his work with The West Ocean String Quartet has received huge critical acclaim. His 2016 opera, Long Story Short; The Belfast Opera sold out its Belfast run in a matter of hours. His second opera, Somebody/Nobody, premiered in 2023 and his violin concerto, dall’ombra, in 2022. His orchestral song cycle, Sweeney, has been recorded with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.