Connected to Celtic culture

JOURNEY INTO THE PAST: Celtic multi-instrumentalist Rennie Pearson will perform music from Ireland, Scotland and maritime Canada at Lawson Field Theatre next month. Picture supplied

Travel back in time with acclaimed Celtic musician Rennie Pearson when he performs at Lawson Field Theatre next month.

On the back of an extensive North Island tour and with his new album From Across the Seas in tow, the multi-instrumentalist is making his way to Gisborne for a one-off show.

Pearson has been making a name for himself as a talented musician and had been touring and teaching here and overseas for years, both as a solo artist and as a part of numerous successful Celtic acts.

His upcoming solo shows continue to break ground in New Zealand, taking traditional tunes and breathing new life into them through stories, history, humour and musicianship.

Grounded in Celtic music traditions, Pearson takes listeners on a journey through history, weaving together songs and tales to create an intricate and varied show.

His engaging stage presence and storytelling opens the door for audiences to connect with the music, which he plays on the wooden flute, guitar, Irish tin whistles, bodhran and fiddle.

Pearson grew up in Wellington and has Celtic music in his blood. Having heard the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland on CDs as a child, he grew up knowing he had to learn to play like this.

He picked up the flute at age eight, learning by ear in Irish sessions under the guidance of Galway-born flute player Pat Higgins.

With Irish music as the cornerstone of his knowledge, he went on to delve deep into the traditional music of Scotland and maritime Canada, gaining proficiency in a wide range of different instruments along the way.

Pearson has made a name for himself in the traditional music scene of Australia and New Zealand as a stand-out solo performer, as well as touring his own duos, bands and performing with large international stage productions.

He has played and taught all over New Zealand, Australia and Canada, including music schools such as Ceol Aneas, ScotsStrings, CelticANZ, Gaeltached, Boxwood and folk festivals in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch and Port Fairy in Australia.

He has worked closely with the New Zealand Irish ambassador, Peter Ryan, on numerous occasions including performing his show at the Dunedin Fringe Festival with the Irish embassy's support, and putting together two tours with his five-piece Irish band Criu.

He has toured with Irish Dance troupes Celtica and Celtic Illusion in New Zealand and Australia as their flute and bodhran player, performing in large theatres such as the Arts Centre Melbourne, The Opera House in Wellington, Christchurch's Isaac Theatre and the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland.

Rennie Pearson will be performing at Lawson Field Theatre on Thursday, February 2, 7.30pm. Tickets available from ticketek.co.nz