The Blyth Performing Arts Centre, Havelock North, will host an international concert. Photo/File
The Blyth Performing Arts Centre, Havelock North, will host an international concert. Photo/File
Declan O'Rourke & Vishtèn, Blyth Centre, Havelock North, Saturday October 7
Two outstanding musical acts will come together at the Blyth Centre Havelock North on Saturday night for a special intercontinental celebration offering a blend of modern and traditional Irish/Celtic music, and French and French Canadian-infused folk styles.
Declan O'Rourkeis a critically acclaimed Irish singer songwriter, who has worked with many of the world's top artists, he is acclaimed by his peers and has achieved many plaudits with his five albums. He performs as part of a three-month tour of Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
His songwriting style moves between impressionism and storytelling and can be at home in almost any form. While he is a dynamic performer himself, his songs have been covered by a growing list of established artists including Christy Moore, Eddi Reader and Josh Groban.
Vishtèn - this French Canadian powerhouse trio is making a first visit to New Zealand, bringing upbeat infusion of traditional songs, built on a bedrock of driving foot percussion, fiddle, piano, step dance, and accordion.
The trio comprises Pascal Miousse and twin sisters Emmanuelle and Pastelle Leblanc and, for over a decade, they have dazzled audiences with a fiery blend of traditional French songs and original instrumentals.
Vishtèn blends Celtic and French influences with Canada's equivalent of Cajun music, drawing on the remarkable cross-current of the traditional musics of the British Isles, France and French Canada, the region known as Acadia.
Lauded as "traditional but fiercely up-to-the- moment" this band from Canada's east coast has been recognised as an ambassador of Francophone culture around the world.
