The vibrant sounds of Gypsy Jazz will once again fill the air in County Donegal this December, as the much-anticipated Gypsy Jazz Festival returns to the region after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Organised by local musician and festival curator Donough Cleary, the event will take place from December 6th to 7th at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, marking its first appearance in the town after previously being held in Ramelton.
This year’s festival promises an unforgettable weekend of world-class performances, bringing together some of the finest talents in Gypsy Jazz from across Europe. The festival will feature three major concerts, each showcasing the unique energy and virtuosity that defines this genre.
Concert 1: The Adrien Moignard Trio
Friday, December 6th, 8:30 PM
The festival kicks off with a performance by The Adrien Moignard Trio, led by the prodigious French guitarist Adrien Moignard. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend the classic sounds of Django Reinhardt with modern jazz influences, Moignard will be joined by rhythm guitarist Mathieu Chatelain and double bassist Jérémie Arranger. Together, they will present a dynamic repertoire that highlights the evolution of Gypsy Jazz, combining tradition with contemporary flair. The trio, celebrated for their energetic and captivating performances, has graced some of the most prestigious stages and festivals worldwide, promising an electrifying start to the weekend.
Concert 2: Aurore Voilqué with The Fintan Gilligan Trio
Saturday, December 7th, 6:30 PM
On Saturday evening, audiences will be treated to a mesmerizing performance by Aurore Voilqué, a virtuoso violinist from France who has made significant contributions to the global jazz scene. Voilqué, known for her work with legendary artists like Thomas Dutronc, will be accompanied by The Fintan Gilligan Trio. Fintan Gilligan, one of Ireland’s leading Gypsy Jazz guitarists, brings over three decades of experience and a deep passion for the genre. His seamless blend of guitar virtuosity and vocal stylings, inspired by greats like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, adds a unique dimension to this performance. This concert promises to be a highlight of the festival, offering a rich tapestry of sound that bridges the traditional and the contemporary.
Concert 3: Stochelo Rosenberg & Paulus Schäfer
Saturday, December 7th, 8:30 PM
The festival will culminate with a performance by two of the most celebrated figures in Gypsy Jazz: Stochelo Rosenberg and Paulus Schäfer. Stochelo Rosenberg, hailed as one of the finest Gypsy Jazz guitarists in the world, will join forces with Paulus Schäfer, a leading talent from the Netherlands. Both musicians, steeped in the tradition of Django Reinhardt yet unafraid to explore new musical territories, have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the North Sea Jazz Festival. Their collaboration in Letterkenny promises to be a masterclass in Gypsy Jazz, showcasing unparalleled improvisation, technical prowess, and a deep connection to the genre’s roots.
Festival Details and Ticket Information
Tickets for the festival are priced at €50, which includes access to all three major concerts. In addition to the main performances, festival-goers can enjoy free sessions and pop-up late-night concerts in local pubs, offering an intimate and immersive experience of Gypsy Jazz in the heart of Donegal.
Donough Cleary, the festival’s organiser, expressed his excitement about the event’s return: “It is an incredible honour to bring musicians of this calibre to Donegal. The Gypsy Jazz tradition is rich with history and emotion, and having these world-renowned artists share their craft in our community is truly a dream come true. We are delighted to offer audiences in Donegal the chance to experience this extraordinary music up close.”
This festival is a rare opportunity to experience the very best of Gypsy Jazz in a unique and welcoming setting. Whether you are a longtime fan of the genre or new to its captivating rhythms and melodies, the Gypsy Jazz Festival in Letterkenny is not to be missed.
BOOKING: Tickets are priced at €20 per concert or all concerts for €50. To avail of this offer add all three concerts to your basket and a discount will be issued.