The Conifers is an exciting, new traditional music band and its members all met while studying music at the University of Limerick.
“Five of us lived together in a house with the address The Conifers, Briarfield, Castletroy and that’s how the name of our band came about,” said former TG4 Gradam Ceoil award winner, Bryan O’Leary.
Trip to China
The band is set for the long road as its members are about to embark on an upcoming trip to China.
“We were asked out by an agency and the group of musicians selected to travel to China was picked by Doireann Glackin, the Dublin fiddle player and TG4 Presenter’ Flute player, Brian O’Loughlin, Liam O’Brien, concertina will representing the music of Co. Clare.
Music of Sliabh Luachra
“Doireann and her sister Siun Glackin are both fiddle players and grand-daughters of the famous Sean O’Riada and they will represent the music of Dublin, along with the music of their family relatives in Donegal and Cúl Aodha. Co. Cork.
“I will be travelling to represent the music of Sliabh Luachra,” said Bryan
About The Conifers
The Conifers is an exhilarating five-piece traditional irish band packing a thrilling repertoire of traditional music and song – both in English and Irish.
With their roots deep in traditional music, The Conifers are anchored by the skills of Bryan O’Leary on button accordions, Conor O’Loughlin on concertina, Felix Morgenstern on bodhrán, Cathal Ó Curráin on bouzouki, fiddle and vocals and Marty Barry on guitar and vocals.
A Wealth of Music
One thing is for sure, and that’s not to let the age of these young musicians fool you! These lads have been immersed in a wealth of music from a young age. Marty has followed the path of his great-grandmother and singer ‘Maggie Barry’ who was one of the first women in Irish Music to be paid to perform.
Felix from Berlin
Felix hails from Berlin, plays bodhrán and uileann pipes and is an avid ethnomusicologist currently pursuing his PhD in the University of Limerick.
Cathal grew up among a pedigree of singers and musicians embroiled in the great Donegal traditions, playing and singing from his early years with the likes of Altan and Moya Brennan.
Born into the Music
Much like Cathal, Conor was born into the music in his native County Clare – ‘the home of traditional music’. Among a family of great musicians, Conor had the opportunity to learn from his mother and brothers as well as the likes of concertina legend Tim Collins.
Lucky to Learn From
Bryan, hailing from the famous musical landscape of ‘Sliabh Luachra’, inherited the best of their old ways from his grandfather – the great accordionist Johnny O’Leary and from other stalwarts from whom he was lucky to learn from, including the likes of Nicky McAuliffe and Jimmy Doyle.
Always staying true to the ways of Sliabh Luachra, Bryan was honored to receive TG4’s Young Musician of the Year award in 2014, an incredible achievement.
Ireland and Beyond
An exciting time for the band at the moment having just recorded their debut album, and headlined Michigan Irish Music Festival, The Conifers are gearing up to tour this record throughout 2019 in Ireland and beyond. Get ready for melodies that you’ll never forget and songs from the heart that will amaze any audience the world over.
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