ANDY IRVINE and RENS van der ZALM

Andy Irvine (Ireland) & Rens van der Zalm (Holland) are without doubt two of the world’s most formidable exponents of traditional music. Individually, their musicianship is unparalleled, and together they are a musical force to be reckoned with, both members of international super group Mozaik, they present a stunning repertoire of songs and music from a wide range of traditional backgrounds in addition to original songs penned by Irvine.

Andy Irvine: occupies a unique place in the musical world, plying his trade as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. Few others can equal his repertoire, Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes, and a compelling canon of his own material that defies description. Andy has formed or played with many legendary Irish music groups including Sweeney’s Men, Planxty, De Dannan, Patrick Street, and Mozaik. He has also worked with other luminaries of Celtic music including Dick Gaughan, Paul Brady, Donal Lunny and John Doyle and has produced a number of solo albums. He continues to perform internationally with Mozaik and the reformed Patrick Street.

This is the man of whom Si Kahn said, “Andy Irvine is Ireland’s Woody Guthrie, with a philosopher’s ear and a prophet’s passionate voice. He is also a stunning singer and instrumentalist who weaves melody and texture, harmony and rhythm, into a rich tapestry of present and past.” Andy returns to Australia with a new and long-awaited solo album, Abocurragh, released late in 2010.

Rens van der Zalm: is a musician of multiple talents: equally accomplished on guitar, violin, mandolin, accordion, and whistle. Rens' instrumental skills are complimented by his ability to apply his expertise to a wide variety of musical styles, covering a wide range of repertoire from folk, to jazz to classical.

In recent years his brilliant instrumental skills and flair have seen Rens in high demand in theatre circles both in Europe and recently in Australia. In 2009 he performed alongside Mark Seymour of Hunters and Collectors playing a myriad of instruments in the very well received stage production of One Night The Moon, a play adapted from the 2001 film of the same name, with music by Kev Carmody, Paul Kelly and Mairead Hannan. Rens will also be working on numerous artistic projects with Seymour in 2011.