Celtic Connections is returning with 18-days of live performance across the city.
Europe’s largest winter festival takes place in Glasgow from Thursday 20 January to Sunday 6 February 2022.
Traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music are part of the mix.
More than 1,000 musicians will play at venues throughout the city.
Celtic Connections 2022 will be the 29th edition of the world-famous event.
Last year, the festival was an online affair which entertained more than 30,000 people in 60 countries.
Donald Shaw is Celtic Connections creative producer.
“There’s no doubt that this year’s festival has an added significance to it.
“And in the context of the last couple of years, we’re eager to capture the collective human experience that is at the heart of what’s been missing for people – the sharing of experiences, songs, music and stories.
'Next generation'
“What allows Celtic Connections as a festival to develop and stand out is the idea that, as musicians and audiences, we can all share music, learn from one another and grow – and there is much to be learnt from the next generation.”
Highlights include:
- Opening concert: 'Neath the Gloamin' Star, includes performances by with Hannah Rarity, Jenny Sturgeon, Paul McKenna, Innes White, Steve Byrne, The Jeremiahs, Fiona Hunter and Amythyst Kiah.
- International & Americana: including Ukrainian folk quartet DakhaBrakha, Mali musical royalty Amadou & Mariam, West Virginia’s Sierra Ferrell and Denmark’s Nordic folk outfit Stundom.
- Tradovation: a series of concerts from promising home-grown acts that seek to find innovation, inspiration and exploration within traditional music.
- Indie: highlights include special stripped back show by The Twilight Sad and Danish trio Efterklang.
- Tradition & Folk Fusion: the very best of traditional Irish music from the likes of Frankie Gavin & Mairtín O’Connor, The Sharon Shannon Quartet, Michael McGoldrick Quintet and UAINE, featuring the flowing fiddle style of Donegal’s Brid Harper.
- Orchestral brilliance: for the first time in its history, Celtic Connections will work with all three of Scotland’s national orchestras.
- Songs for our planet: with a nod to the COP26 climate talks this autumn, the festival features several performances with an environmental message at their core.
- Celebrating Shetland: marking 550 years since the realisation of Shetland, some of its most well-known performers will put on a showcase and celebration of the island’s rich social and musical history.
Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “Celtic Connections return to venues in Glasgow will be the news people who love the festival will be delighted to hear.
“Celtic Connections has played a huge part in supporting and developing talent over the decades and is again putting together an incredible programme which will bring unique and compelling performances from around the world to live audiences in Glasgow, as they were meant to be seen and heard. Excitement is already building for what will be a Celtic Connections to enjoy and savour come January.”
“What allows Celtic Connections as a festival to develop and stand out is the idea that, as musicians and audiences, we can all share music, learn from one another and grow – and there is much to be learnt from the next generation”
Donald Shaw
Alan Morrison, head of music at Creative Scotland said: “It’s a delight to see Glasgow throwing open the doors to its music venues again, as Celtic Connections gets ready to rejuvenate the city with live, in-person performances.
“Last January’s festival was a cultural lifeline that engaged audiences all over the world, reminding us that music has an uncanny power to draw us together, even in the darkest days of lockdown.
“The 2022 event will be an emotional return, ranging from intimate solo shows to large-scale orchestral extravaganzas, underlining the undisputable fact that Celtic Connections truly has something for everyone.”
The festival will run from Thursday 20 January to Sunday 6 February 2022. Follow the conversation at @ccfest.
