Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman

About their Celtic Christmas Strings show...


There’s something magical about harps at any time, and particularly at Christmas, though Máire and Chris’s alchemy on harp and guitar creates a very special magic at all times.

Individually famed for originality, innovation and virtuosity on their respective instruments, together they have created one of the most distinctive voices in modern acoustic music and brought their unique musical vision to venues large and small in twenty-two countries on five continents. Their seven duo and five solo CDs, instructional books and collaborations with many other luminaries of the Celtic, folk, swing jazz and bluegrass worlds express both the depth of their commitment to tradition and an eternally playful, curious and adventurous spirit. Their new Christmas show features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites given a fresh voice with arrangements that are intricate, inventive, moving and beautiful, and performed in the heart-warming style characteristic of them – a spellbinding treat for mid-winter.

The show regularly plays to sell-out audiences - it's always such a joy to play to people in wonderfully celebratory mood!

“(Their) mastery and magic... produced a rapt response” THE GUARDIAN

“A delightful... satisfyingly original, often refreshingly unpredictable take on festive favourites... Joyful, gorgeous and uplifting” THE LIVING TRADITION

“Masterful playing... (ranging from) the entrancing and delicate to the wildly celebratory...” * * * * FOLK WALES

Some promoter and audience comments

“The musicianship was outstanding, and there was a broad variety of different genres - all played superbly. I cannot recommend them enough, and would have them back in a heartbeat!" - Judy Campbell & Paul Nailer, organisers of Felton Village Hall Celtic Christmas Strings concert supported by Highlights Touring Scheme.

“A fantastic evening. We are so grateful that the Live & Local scheme enables us to have such high quality performances in our little village hall. Many many thanks.· We will certainly bid to have you again, if you are on the list for next year!” – Patricia Crane, organiser of Desford Village Hall Celtic Christmas Strings concert supported by Live & Local Rural Touring Scheme.

"Absolutely beautiful. I’ve never heard anything like it. I don't want to go back to work tomorrow - Christmas has started for me now!" - audience member at Desford Celtic Christmas Strings concert supported by Live & Local.

"If this concert didn't put you in the festive spirit you must be a block of wood"! - audience member at Pleasley Celtic Christmas Strings concert supported by Live & Local.

“Thanks so much for playing for us. Everyone loved it. Absolutely honoured that you could perform in our little hall!” - Sally Cowlam, organiser of Etton Village Hall Celtic Christmas Strings concert supported by ARTery Rural Touring Scheme.

"Wonderful music. Thank you again for a magical evening." - Mary & Martin Holingsworth, organisers of Kirton in Lindsey Town Hall Celtic Christmas Strings concert supported by LiveLincs Rural Touring Scheme.

“Thank you for a truly beautiful concert yesterday; we loved every minute of it!
Here are some of the comments on the audience questionnaires:-
Beautiful, inspiring, calming
Engaging, tuneful, uplifting
Joyful, enjoyable, memorable
Professional musicianship repertoire
Unbelievable musical talent
Uplifting, seasonal, delightful
Friendly, entertaining, happy
Virtuosic
And my own - moving, breath taking, beautiful and a pure delight!
Thank you so much for making a tiny church full of people so happy. The concert will always stay in my memory as being a lovely sparkling jewel.”
- Carole Butcher, organiser of Church of the Good Shepherd Celtic Christmas Strings concert, supported by Spot On Rural Touring Scheme.

About their seasonal CD, Christmas Lights...

More about their regular show...

More about Máire...

More about Chris...