Mancunians, Mike McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly could fairly be described as two of the world’s greatest Irish traditional musicians.

Master flute, whistle, and uilleann piper, McGoldrick, founder member of the bands Flook, Lunasa and Capercaillie, is acclaimed throughout the world as one of the most exciting live players you are ever likely to see. A Former Winner of The BBC Musician of The Year award, McGoldrick recently toured with Mark Knopfler and appears regularly on the BBC’s acclaimed ‘Transatlantic Sessions.

Dezi (Fiddles on Fire) Donnelly has played the fiddle since the age of 7. He was the All Britain Fiddle Champion by the age of nine and, by the age of 15, he had won the All Ireland Championship an astounding 5 times. In 1999 he was named “All Ireland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and was invited to join Irish traditionalists, Stockton’s Wing, later releasing his debut solo album. “Familiar Footsteps” –  recognised as one of the greatest traditional fiddle albums of all time. He is currently both All Britain and All Ireland Fiddle Champion.

Michael McGoldrick has been a member of several influential bands. In 1994 he was awarded the BBC Young Tradition Award, and in 2001 he was given the Instrumentalist of the Year award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. He formed the band Fluke! in November 1995 and was an early member of Lúnasa from 1997. He also joined Capercaillie in 1997, playing  on four albums and has since played regularly for Afro-Celt Sound System and Kate Rusby’s band. As of 2011 he leads the Michael McGoldrick Band.