A journey through Ireland’s rich musical heritage will come to Tamborine Mountain when acclaimed cellist Ilse de Ziah and guitarist Ian Date present a unique combination of film and live performance.
The duo will bring their award-winning documentary Living the Tradition to the Zamia Theatre on June 28, followed by a live concert showcasing their blend of Celtic, jazz, world and classical music.
For de Ziah, the project began more than two decades ago after moving to Ireland, where she quickly became immersed in the country’s traditional music scene.
“I moved to Ireland 25 years ago and felt immediately at home,” she said.
“As I immersed myself in the music scene, I discovered how many beautiful slow instrumental tunes existed. I had only ever learned one slow air during my travels, and here I was discovering a whole new world of sound.”
Known as Irish airs, the slow melodies are traditionally played on instruments such as the fiddle, uilleann pipes, concertina and guitar.
De Ziah said it was uncommon to hear them performed on cello, despite the instrument’s suitability for the style.
“Every time I played them, people were moved and excited to hear them on the instrument,” she said.
“They are a perfect fit for the deep tone and resonance of the cello.”
Her passion for preserving and sharing the music eventually led to years of research, arranging and composition, culminating in a published collection that inspired Dutch cellist and filmmaker Maarten Roos to create the documentary exploring the origins of the airs and the stories behind them.
Among the most memorable experiences during filming was working with renowned Irish pianist and scholar Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin.
“I often performed with Mícheál, and he was a major influence on my life,” de Ziah said.
“He has since passed away, which makes that segment of the film particularly poignant.”
The documentary also features celebrated singer and academic Lillis Ó Laoire, whose spontaneous performances helped bring Ireland’s living musical traditions to life.
De Ziah believes Irish music continues to resonate globally because of its far-reaching cultural influence.
“Irish roots have spread throughout the world, creating a vast network of people who hear Irish music and somehow feel a sense of coming home,” she said.
The event will be held at Zamia Theatre on Tamborine Mountain from 3pm on June 28.
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