A LEADING exponent of Irish music has three Cumbrian shows lined up.

Ireland-based cellist and composer Ilse de Ziah has a deep passion for composing and arranging music for the cello. Using traditional Irish melodies as source material, she creates contemporary arrangements perfectly suited for the cello. With the marriage of classical detail and folkloric tradition, it makes for a transcendent musical experience.

Ilse will be performing at St Augustine’s, Alston, on Wednesday, October 31, Skirwith Village Hall, on Friday, November 2, and the Watson Institute, Castle Carrock on Saturday, November 3. Meanwhile, Ilse will conduct a full day’s workshop for pupils at Keswick School on Tuesday, October 30.

Ilse is well respected for her interpretation of slow Irish Airs, with a CD and published book Irish Airs for Solo Cello. Her award-winning film Living the Tradition reflects the passion she has for the airs, and it won best documentary in the Eire International Film Festival and was nominated for the World Film Festival 2018.

Ilse recently featured as soloist in the largest Gamelan Festival in the world, in Solo, Java, with the Irish Gamelan Orchestra. She performs and records with many rock, pop, jazz and world musicians.

Ilse’s second album of Irish music and solo cello compositions will be released in 2019 and her next music documentary is in pre-production.

Concert-goers can expect to enjoy a programme of Irish and Celtic influenced music played by an accomplished cellist with inspiring depth and vivacity.