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This Belfast based musical trio bring with them the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. While Conor and Aaron pursue the melody on dual uilleann pipes, whistles and flute, Deirdre explores the harmony and rhythms within the tunes through a dynamic accompaniment on guitar.
These three young musicians take a lively yet respectful approach to traditional music and have fimrly established themselves on the Irish music scene. Between them, they have performed with a variety of established bands including Craobh Rua and Killultagh, their experience includes festivals such as The Irish Folk Festival Tour (Germany/Switzerland), The Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Washington), Festival Interceltico Accidente (Asturias), Alkmaar Irish Music Festival (The Netherlands), Randers Ugen (Denmark), Le Bono Folk Festival (Brittany), Tok Trad Festival (France), Celtic Connections, Girvan Folk Festival and Moniaive Folk Festival (Scotland), The Open House Festival (Belfast) and The William Kennedy Piping Festival (Armagh).
Having won the prestigious 'Danny Kyle Award' at Celtic Connections Festival 2012, Réalta are currently working on their debut album due for release in the summer of 2012.
Band Member Biographies
- Conor Lamb (Uilleann Pipes, Whistles)
Conor began learning whistle with the Glenavy based flute player Brendan Mulholland. At the age of thirteen he took up the uilleann pipes after hearing Liam O'Flynn at the Lorient Festival Interceltique. He studied in Belfast with influential pipers such as Tom Clarke and Paddy O'Hare, and in recent years has toured throughout Europe and America as a member of Craobh Rua.
- Deirdre Galway (Guitar, Piano, Vocals)
Deirdre grew up in a classical musical environment, studying and competing on piano and clarinet. After successfully achieving Grade 8 in her classical music exams she decided to branch out and began experimenting with jazz, rock and Irish traditional music. Accompanying on DADGAD guitar and researching old songs, Irish music is now her passion. Deirdre has toured throughout Europe with Killultagh and Cuan and is also studying the Irish language at university level to improve her fluency and song repertoire.
- Aaron O'Hagan (Uilleann Pipes, Whistles, Flute, Bodhrán)
Aaron was first introduced to Irish traditional music by his Grandfather. He learned whistle and flute with Brendan Mulholland and attended uilleann pipe classes with Paddy O'Hare. Aaron has toured throughout Europe and America as a member of Craobh Rua and is also a much sought after reed and pipe maker. He has taught reed making workshops on numerous occasions including the Leo Rowsome commemorative event at Na Píobairí Uilleann, Dublin. An example of an O'Hagan pipe chanter can be heard on the Réalta tracks 'The Galtee - The Black Haired Lass - The Stoney Steps' and 'Sliabh Geal gCua'.
These musicians possess a unique musical kinship in which they bring traditional tunes and songs to life. Conor and Aaron grew up learning and playing together and their similar piping styles enhance and complement each other. The rare blend of two uilleann pipes gives Réalta a distinctive sound and provides much opportunity for harmonic exploration. Deirdre's rich musical heritage gives her a free range of techniques and styles to inspire her arrangement of songs and accompaniment of these two rhythmical pipers. As a live band, Réalta delight audiences with the enthusiasm, energy and passion they bring to their music.