Alannah Thornburgh: Shapeshifter Album Launch

Alannah Thornburgh: Shapeshifter Album Launch (Plus special guests: Shamrock Showband)

Alannah Thornburgh will be celebrating the release of her debut solo album 'Shapeshifter' with a tour around Ireland, including Dublin's iconic 'The Cobblestone'. Her album 'Shapeshifter' is a collection of original compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in rural Ireland, specifically her native Co. Mayo. Alannah will be joined on the night by some of the musicians who performed on her album.

Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah will release her debut solo album ‘Shapeshifter’ on February 12th 2025 - a volume of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in rural Ireland, specifically her native Co. Mayo.

Alannah was nominated for two awards at both the 2022 and 2021 RTÉ Folk Awards - Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Instrumentalist. She featured on an RTÉ 1 Documentary ‘A Note for Nature’ in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performing her interpretation of a Conor Walsh composition ‘One Swallow’. Her compositions have featured on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta podcast series ‘Scéalta’. Alannah is also a recipient of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Award 21/22.

Alannah is a founding member of Alfi, a trio who combine traditional Irish and Appalachian music and song, winners of the 2020 US Embassy Creative Minds Award. Alfi released their debut album ‘Say Old Man’ in July 2023 to great critical acclaim - ‘the album captures the organic, full-bodied spirit of their live shows, as well as the distinctive personalities of the players – and marks Alfi as a vital force in Ireland’s ever-diversifying folk scene’ (Hot Press).

Alannah has performed, recorded & collaborated with many artists in the folk & traditional music scene including Anna Mieke, Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds), Lemoncello, Loah, Niamh Bury, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Brigid Mae Power, Jiggy, David Keenan, Paddy McKeown, Conor Caldwell and Varo.