I first heard of Altan back in the late 80s on Fiona Ritchie's Thistle and Shamrock radio show. She played a beautiful flute and fiddle piece by Altan called "The Sunset". Later, in the early 90s, I had a chance to see this band in concert. The instruments were acoustic, but the feeling was electric! The energy on that stage could have powered the city!

Their music is traditional with just enough contemporary edge to keeps things fresh. Mairéad sings in both English and her native Gaelic.

Altan started with Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh from Gaoth Dobhair in County Donegal, Ireland playing fiddle and her husband, Belfast born Frankie Kennedy, on flute. They were joined by various friends who made up the rest of the group. Frankie died in 1994 from cancer, but Altan continues on. 

The current line-up consists of:
Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh (Fiddle/Vocal)
 Dermot Byrne (Accordion)
 Ciarán Tourish (Fiddle)
 Ciarán Curran (Bouzouki)
Dáithí Sproule (Guitar)
Mark Kelly (Guitar)

Altan's official site can be found at http://www.altan.ie/