Rhythm of the Arts
Presents
SEÁN HEELY’S CELTIC CHRISTMAS
Kilts and tartan abound as US National Scottish Fiddle Champion Seán Heely and a cast of nationally-acclaimed Celtic performers take you on a magical winter tour through the Scottish Highlands and across the rugged Irish coast. The fiddle and bagpipes will sweep you away to Christmastime and Winter Solstice celebrations that are sure to lift your holiday spirits and warm your heart. The festive journey follows ancient Gaelic carols and songs, tucked in perfectly with lively Irish tunes and familiar Christmas melodies with a Celtic twist.
Featuring a core cast of eight -- seven multi-instrumentalists, and a percussive dancer -- audiences will be tapping their toes to the sounds of the fiddle, highland pipes, harp, percussion, bouzouki, bass, guitar piano, harmonium, and more.
Seán Heely is a U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, National Champion in Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) Song, and one of the most dynamic Celtic artists of his generation. A virtuoso fiddler, singer, harpist, and composer, Seán blends the fire of traditional music with classical finesse—praised by Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll as “one powerhouse of a fiddler.” He has performed internationally and at top U.S. venues like the Kennedy Center and Strathmore, and has shared the stage with icons such as Natalie Haas, Bonnie Rideout, and Paddy Keenan. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Seán made his classical debut with the Virginia Symphony and was a 2019 Artist in Residence at Strathmore Music Center. His latest album, Dramagical, has received international acclaim with features on BBC, RTÉ, and NPR. Based in Washington, D.C., Seán tours with the Seán Heely Celtic Band, The Glencoe Lads, and Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra, and serves as a passionate ambassador for Gaelic culture through performance and teaching.
WHEN
