Louth musicians to join cross-border trad concert at Monaghan Peace Campus

The Monaghan Peace Campus will be the venue for a night of ceol tradaisiúnta and amhránaíocht on Saturday 27th Sept 2025.

The Oriel Traditional Orchestra will be joined by the NASHI Ensemble, the Spoons Ensemble as well as singer Caitriona Sherlock in a concert supported by Muineachán Le Gaeilge.

The Oriel Traditional Orchestra is a voluntary cross-border, intergenerational community orchestra established in September 2017.

With members from Louth, Monaghan and Armagh the OTO concentrates on Irish traditional music repertoire from the region of Oiriall arranged especially for the orchestra. 

NASHI Ensemble is a group of young Ukrainian musicians, playing keyboards, accordion, mandolin, domra, wooden spoons and bodhrán. The ensemble has become an active part of cultural life in Monaghan, regularly performing at Peace Campus events and community festivals. Their repertoire includes Ukrainian music, works by world composers and, of course, Irish traditional tunes.

Organisers said: "It is always inspiring when two cultures meet – in this creative exchange something new, interesting and valuable is born. Spoons Ensemble – is a fun and dynamic group of children from different countries and cultures, who have become a real highlight of local concerts. They perform lively Irish traditional music as well as popular songs, bringing energy, joy and a unique sound to the stage.

"For many, it is a surprise and delight to see children from abroad reviving one of Ireland’s most playful traditions. Both ensembles were founded and continue their creative journey under the direction of music teacher Hanna Shchokina, who is proud to see her students becoming part of Monaghan’s vibrant musical community."

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Caitríona Sherlock is a renowned traditional singer who has performed in many Scór and Fleadh competitions, winning the All-Ireland Fleadh competition in both 2013 & 2017. She has toured internationally with ANÚNA, Irish Christmas in America – The Show and acclaimed Irish trad supergroup Téada. Caitríona is the newest principal member of the Grammy nominated group Celtic Woman and will begin touring with them this winter.

Muineachán Le Gaeilge is a community group with a focus on the growth of Irish Language community in the Monaghan area. It is a free concert but it is recommended to book a seat through Eventbrite – (search Trad Music, Monaghan). 

For information about the Oriel Traditional Orchestra see www.orieltrad.org.  As we start out into a new music year, the OTO welcomes musicians who have an interest in playing traditional music to join the orchestra. Má tá suim agat a bheith páirteach linn, dean teagmháil linn ag music@orieltrad.org detailing what instrument you play and a little bit about your music background to and we will respond directly to you.