Young Irish viola-player debuts and experiments on Nyahh Records (see: One Leg One Eye, Mohammad Syfkhan)

Young Irish viola player Ultan O’Brien (IE) released his solo debut Dancing In The Line in 2025 on the impressive Nyahh Records, the same label that previously brought One Leg One Eye, Natalia Beylis, Lori Goldston and Mohammad Syfkhan to AB. On this album, O’Brien vividly showcases his unique approach to stringed instruments. 

O’Brien is known for his idiosyncratic approach to making music: deeply rooted in the traditional music of County Clare, Ireland, yet constantly seeking new forms, textures, and improvisational freedom. O’Brien has collaborated with innovators like Martin Green (Lau), Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Nic Gareiss and John Francis Flynn and moves with ease between folk, experimental and contemporary sound art. 

His earlier collaboration with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin – to be heard on Solas an Lae – achieved Best Folk Album at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. O’Brien is also active as a maker of experimental music films. His work cling(ing) like fire has been screened internationally and praised for its visionary imagery and musical intensity. 

For fans of: Milkweed, Brìghde Chaimbeul and Shovel Dance Collective. 

This is a Liveurope concert: the first European initiative to support concert venues in the promotion of up and coming musical talent in Europe.