Biography
McDonnell Trio travels the world with its dual Franco-Irish culture and a musical journey marked by adventure. Their repertoire is as much about Ireland as it is about bluegrass or universal songs telling the story of peoples and migrations.
The McDonnell Trio’s musical adventures began as a family almost twenty years ago, so when fiddler and singer Soazig Hamelin takes over from Michael McDonnell, it’s clear that Irish music is also a beautiful story of friendship! Firmly rooted in their rich cultural heritage, the new line-up continues its momentum with universal songs that tell the story of Ireland and its diaspora, against a backdrop of family saga. Sometimes a capella, always in harmony, fiddle, accordion and guitar form a new setting for the voices of this McDonnell Trio.
A Family Odyssey draws us into a fertile harvest of songs of exile, sailors and vagabond musicians known as “tinkers”. The McDonnell trio mixes original compositions with gems from the repertoires of Ulster or Donegal, England or Appalachia, and even the Tex Mex tradition. In this odyssey, voices shine, in solo a capella or in triangular harmonies. We savor the McDonnell Trio’s warm instrumentations, which bring the joyous wakes back to life. The accuracy of their voices, harmonies and vocal expressions give a luminous present to Irish songs. The lively tenderness of the accordion, the sensitivity and timbre of the voices and the instrumental complicity transform this family odyssey into universal emotions without borders.
Listen to them on Bandcamp: https://mcdonnellmusic.bandcamp.com/album/a-family-odyssey
Upcoming concerts
Videos
In the press
Lineup
- Soazig Hamelin : violin, vocals
- Kevin McDonnell : vocals, accordion
- Simon McDonnell : chant, guitare, bodhran, tin-whistle
Stage references
Les mardis en fête, Moëlan-sur-Mer (29) ; Boulevards de la Musique, Erquy (22) ; Normandie Celtic Festival, Montivilliers (76) ; Festival Coup de Parquet, Mamers (72) ; Festival Celte en Ouche, Conches-en-Ouche (27) ; Les bordées de Cancale, Cancale (35) ; Vents de Vilaine, Pont-Réan (35) ; Transat-en-Ville, Rennes (35) ; Mainvilliers (28) ; Festival Le Chainon Manquant, Laval (53) ; Espace Culturel, Mennecy (91) ; Centre Culturel La Grange Dimière, Fresnes (94) ; Espace Ligéria, Montlouis-sur-Loire (37) ; Mardis de Morgat, Morgat (29) ; Halle au Blé, Raon-l’étape (88) ; Théâtre de la Garenne, La Garenne-Colombes (92) ; Rennes World Sounds, Rennes (35) ; Musivales, Autheuil-en-Valois (60) ; Festival d’Art de Huy, Huy (BE) ; Espace Philippe Auguste, Vernon (27) ; Château de Regnéville, Regnéville (50) ; Le Sterenn, Trégunc (29) ; Les Envolées, Carentan (50) ; La Scène Bastille (PARIS) ; Maison de la Culture, Nevers (58) ; Espace Palumbo, Saint Jean l’Union (31) ; Couleurs d’Ailleurs, Montivilliers (76) ; Festival O’Ponio, Pancé (35), Le Grand Pré, Langueux (22) ; La Citadelle, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron (17)
Partners
