Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain is one of her generation's most versatile and gifted violinists, one who commands both the classical world and her Irish traditional heritage.
Welsh harpist Catrin Finch has built an impressive classical career and ventured into unchartered musical territory, most notably through her award-winning international collaborations with Seckou Keita and Cimarrón.
Double You, Catrin and Aoife's debut album as a duo, features a collection of new compositions inspired by the cultures of their home countries. It's just been nominated for Best Folk Album at this year's RTÉ Irish Folk Awards.
We asked Catrin and Aoife for their cultural picks...
FILM
Catrin: I would highly recommend the Korean film Parasite, I’ve watched it twice now and made my children watch it over Christmas. It’s a slow burner but if you stick with it’s well worth it!
Aoife: The last film I watched was Despicable Me 2… I’m not great at keeping up with films but looking forward to watching Despicable Me 3 and Parasite!
MUSIC
C: Since Other Voices in Dingle where I was introduced to the amazing artist GRIFF, I have had her on my playlist and I am loving her music.
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A: I’ve recently come across some recordings of the incredible classical violinist Nina Beilina, who passed away in 2008, a truly remarkable woman and player. Otherwise, everytime I get on a plane I listen to Sorcha Richardson’s albums on repeat!
BOOK
C: It’s my 2024 resolution to read more books, so ask me this question again at the end of the year!
A: Sally Hayden's My Fourth Time We Drowned is a must read! Also loving The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin and looking forward to getting stuck into Prophet Song by Paul Lynch.
THEATRE
C: Oh God! Haven’t seen a play in years! I think the last time I saw a play was in Stratford and it was Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in an amazing production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Hoping to get to The Globe in London soon!
A: The last play I saw was also a Shakespeare play! Titus Andronicus, with an all female cast at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre. Hoping to see Othello in the Globe soon!
TELEVISION
C: No series has yet to beat Game of Thrones or Downton Abbey for me! They are both on equal footing.
A: I really enjoyed the Korean Programme My Name recently on Netflix. I will also watch any sort of documentary or programme about sports or wildlife.
GIG
C: I went to see Christine and the Queens in Birmingham last autumn, it was like a sort of conceptual-art-musical performance. He uses words and narrative, lights and intereting effect to create a sublime overall performance. I’ve heard the eclectic group Pink Martini are in the UK this summer, so I am hoping to catch one of their gigs.
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A: I went to hear Catrin Finch with the Columbian group Cimarron a few months back, she’s very very good. I also got to see another friend of mine and prima ballerina Mayara Magri perform the role of Jacqueline DuPre in The Cellist at the Royal Opera House which was otherworldly! Haven’t booked anything for 2024 yet so if anyone has recommendations send them my way!
ART
C: I don’t know enough about visual art but love going to visit art exhibitions when I can. The Tate London is one of my favourite spots to see new art and artists and mooch about.
A: Same as Catrin, really. I love the Dutch/Netherlandish painter Hieronymus Bosch and have seen his paintings in various galleries around the world. In Dublin, I go back to the Francis Bacon exhibition at the Hugh Lane Gallery time and time again, it captured my imagination as a child and has the same effect on me now!
RADIO/PODCAST
C: I’ve been listening to French and Saunders' Titting About in the car. I am a huge fan of everything that both of them do.
A: Radio: anything with 80’s and 90’s pop music playing. Podcast: Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning.
TECH
C: I hate technology but the App I use most on my phone is Whatsapp, to keep with family and friends.
A: Instagram has me hook, line and sinker with the adorable and often hilarious dog videos.
THE NEXT BIG THING...
C: 2024 is the next big thing for me, and all the gigs I’ve got lined up with Aoife.
A: Looking forward to touring with Catrin and bringing our music further afield. I think I’m too behind the curve to know what the next big thing is, but if you get a chance to see the Irish band NewDad or hear composer Neil Martin’s incredible work Sweeney or catch spoken word artist Moor Mother perform anywhere in the world then - do it!
Double You is out now on the Bedigedig label, and available on all digital platforms.
