Saoirse

Saoirse is a new collaboration that brings together four of London's foremost artists in a compelling new chamber ensemble. Featuring Irish vocalist Lauren Kinsella, she is joined by saxophonist Tom Challenger, violist Benedict Taylor and pianist Kit Downes. Interested in playing in new ways with old forms, they explore Irish traditional music celebrating Connemara Sean-nós song, improvisation and original composition.

“Like an expert seamstress, Kinsella wove the contrasting threads of tradition and innovation, to conjure a striking sonic tapestry, boldly original on concept, haunting in its stark beauty”

- Ian Patterson, Allaboutjazz

“Kinsella may have come from the world of jazz and improvisation, but she has a lot in common with other contemporary Irish artists who are also forming a new Irish musical language. It is a language that draws on precisely those elements of traditional music and song that cannot be written down.”

-Toner Quinn, Journal of Music