Irish musicians Aoife Ní Bhriain (fiddle) and Cormac McCarthy (piano) are joined by Estonian duo Duo Ruut, whose music combines two voices and a single Estonian zither to create an intimate, richly layered sound.

Ní Bhriain and McCarthy draw on the deep roots of Irish traditional music while bringing classical, jazz and contemporary influences to their music. Both acclaimed musicians in their own right, their work moves between tradition and experimentation, with a shared instinct for melody, texture and improvisation. Ní Bhriain is a recipient of the Gradam Ceol TG4 and RTÉ Folk Instrumentalist of the Year, while McCarthy has performed and collaborated with artists and ensembles including Iarla Ó Lionáird, Martin Hayes, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

From Estonia, Duo Ruut — Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi — create a remarkably full sound from a single instrument, standing either side of an Estonian zither as they pluck, strum and use its body as percussion, their voices weaving together above it. Their music draws deeply on Estonian tradition while embracing contemporary songwriting, and has taken them to festivals and venues around the world, including Glastonbury, Celtic Connections, WOMEX and Elbphilharmonie. Their latest album, Ilmateade (The Weather Report), was named Folk Album of the Month by The Guardian and Folk Album of the Year at the Estonian Music Awards 2026.

For KOOS * Le Chéile, these artists will perform separately before coming together on stage, creating an evening of music shaped by shared traditions, different perspectives and the possibilities that emerge when cultures meet.
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Part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
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Briery Gap Box Office Hours | Tuesday to Friday 10am-2pm, and one hour before all events.

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