Fiddle player, singer and composer Zoë Conway and her husband, guitarist John McIntyre, play the Belfast TradFest, which takes place across Belfast UNESCO City of Music between Sunday 27 July and 3 August. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Zoë will play with Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley and John McIntyre with the Ulster Orchestra on 2 August at the Mandela Hall.
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The festival will open with a double-bill featuring Dervish and NOTIFY, who will be joined by the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy, and the MGCE Concert Orchestra.
Other highlights of the week include shows by Matt Molloy, John Carty and Brian McGrath and The Breath in Mandela Hall on Friday 1 August.
Speaking on this year's festival, Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor says "The 7th edition of Belfast TradFest will be our biggest to date with over 550 musicians taking part in over 450 events over the course of 8 days.
"We’re excited to welcome people from all over the world to attend our summer school and festival and to showcase Belfast UNESCO City of Music as a vibrant, inclusive, energetic and fun city."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have two teenage children who are now taller than me - there have been so many milestones along the way but I wasn't prepared for that one, I can tell you!
I love to travel which is just as well as a professional fiddle player! I've visited some incredible places through Irish music like China, Japan, Egypt, Thailand, and all across America and Europe.
At home, we have a dog called Banba and three cats - Fluffy, Adventure and Jupiter.
How would you describe your music?
I play mostly as a duo with my husband, guitarist John McIntyre, and our music is contemporary arrangements of traditional tunes and songs, or pieces we have composed ourselves inspired by a mix of Irish and world music.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Too many to list here but for me personally I love the fiddle playing of the late Tommy Peoples and am always inspired by The Bothy Band, Väsen, and Shakti.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I have no idea as my father was music obsessed so I was at everything as soon as I was born! But some early memories for me are all the music at Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Steve Cooney and Martin Hayes at the Stray Leaf Folk Club in Mullaghbawn and Ladysmith Black Mambaso at the Olympia.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I don't remember exactly but probably something by David Grey, Alanis Morissette, Sting and the Police or Radiohead.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Maro singing Saudade.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven" - Eric Clapton.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Plains of Kildare with Andy Irvine, Paul Brady, Dónal Lunny and Kevin Burke.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Follow us on the socials and website for more info.
Alan Corr
