The Irish from Brittany

The Irish from Brittany is a co-production by Amzer Nevez cultural centre - Interceltic Festival of Lorient and La Grande Boutique (Centre-Brittany organisation that promotes Breton bands) and features four renowned Breton musicians:

Véronique Bourjot: vocals Brewen Favrau: uilleann pipes, low whistle, tin whistle and biniou Kevin Le Pennec: harp, vocals Soazig Hamelin: violin, vocals

The Irish from Brittany is a musical creation delving into the historical roots of traditional a cappella singing in Breton and Irish, Breton dancing as well as Irish slow airs, jigs and reels. The show imagines the musical encounter of the two cultures through an immersive performance, presented in Breton, Irish Gaelic, French and English.

The creation sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Breton history: the immigration of many Irish people to Brittany up to the 1800s. Research revealed Irish surnames that were later Bretonised (for example Súilleabháin became Soulevan) and traces visible in architecture and some traditions. Musicians composed songs and tunes, drew on traditional sources, used archive quotes and soundscapes to create an immersive experience featuring instruments emblematic of Irish music alongside Breton traditional instruments.