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MARTIN HAYES
virtuosic Irish fiddler
and one of the most significant
talents in Irish traditional music
will return to
Australia February 2026

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“… a master of phrasing, able to bring out the natural beauty of a tune like ‘Aisling Gheal.’ He outlines its contours, while shaping and re-shaping its content, introducing an element of improvisation, and never losing sight of its form.” Edinburgh Music Review

Martin’s special sound, his mastery of his chosen instrument – the violin – his acknowledgement of the past and his shaping of the future of the music, combine to create a formidable artistic intelligence. He has drawn inspiration from many musical genres, but remains grounded in the music he grew up with in East County Clare. He has the ability to place the tradition within a wider contemporary context, creating an exquisite and insightful interpretation of Irish music.

Hayes continues his mission to reveal how local musical vernacular becomes universal language.

“In the decades to come, we’ll surely talk of having seen this man in the way others talk of Miles Davis or Jimi Hendrix or John Coltrane.” The Irish Times 

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Photo – Laura San Segundo

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Martin Hayes’ soulful interpretations of traditional Irish music are recognized the world over for their exquisite musicality and irresistible rhythm. Praised by the Irish Times as a musician with an “insatiable appetite for adventure”, Martin  is the founder of the musical supergroup The Gloaming,  (with whom he tours internationally and with whom he shared the prestigious Meteor Prize in 2014 for their debut album), The Common Ground Ensemble, and The Martin Hayes Quartet. Martin toured and recorded with the late guitarist Dennis Cahill for over twenty years. They performed for  President  Obama at The White House in 2011. 

Martin has created collaborations with extraordinary musicians in the classical, folk and contemporary music worlds with the likes of Bill Frisell, Ricky Skaggs, Jordi Savall, Brooklyn Rider and the RTE Concert Orchestra, as well as many of the greatest traditional Irish musicians over the past forty years.  Martin has contributed music, both original and traditional arrangements to modern dance, theatre, film and television.

He has performed on stage with musicians such as Sting and Paul Simon, and has recorded with Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project.

On this forthcoming Australian tour Martin will be accompanied by Kyle Sanna. Hailed as a “first rate” and “versatile” musician by The New Yorker, guitarist and composer Sanna performs traditional Irish music as well as jazz and improvised music, composing for ensembles, and producing recordings for many artists.

Kyle Sanna has collaborated with and performed alongside modern virtuosos like Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer, and with some of the greatest living interpreters of the Irish tradition. 

Together Hayes and Sanna will transform long-revered melodies into pathways for profound emotional experiences. Fostering connection between melody and human spirit, Hayes strips away musical pretence, revealing how traditional tunes can become vehicles for personal revelation.

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AUSTRALIAN TOUR
FEBRUARY 2026

Presented by Gaynor Crawford and Destroy All Lines

Thu 19 Perth Festival Tickets and info
Sat 21 Theatre Royal Castlemaine Tickets and info
Tue 24 Recital Centre Melbourne Tickets and info
Wed 25 The Concourse Chatswood, Sydney Tickets and info
Thu 26 Powerhouse Brisbane Tickets and info

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Follow MARTIN HAYES
Website – Instagram – X – Facebook – Spotify

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AMNPLIFY – DB