In 2015 Aengus embarked on a successful tour of Ireland with his exciting ‘Irish-Turkish Project‘, featuring world-class vocalist Sanem Kalfa. For this project, The Arts Council of Ireland awarded Aengus with a Touring Award. The tour got national press coverage, appearing in publications such as Hot Press Magazine, the Irish Independent and the Irish Times, and on radio stations such as RTE Radio 1 and Lyric FM.
About the ‘Irish-Turkish Project’
‘Unique interpretations of Irish and Turkish folk songs.
A vivid journey of the familiar and foreign, simple yet spontaneous’
Aengus Hackett invites you to join him in exploring the link between Irish and Turkish folk music, in his newest project featuring world-class vocalist Sanem Kalfa. A native of Galway City, Aengus was surrounded by music growing up in the family pub. An impressive array of musicians passed through over the years. At these sessions, Aengus received an early musical education from members of folk groups such as De Dannan and Planxty.
Aengus went on to study jazz guitar at the prestigious Conservatory of Amsterdam. It was during his time in the Netherlands that he crossed paths with the gifted Sanem Kalfa. No stranger to Irish audiences, in 2011 Sanem performed at the 12 Points Festival in Dublin. She has a distinctly beautiful style of singing. With effortless grace, she straddles the borders between jazz and the music of her native Turkey. Her voice was remarkable enough to win her First Prize at the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Voice Competition in 2010, where head of jury was none other than the legendary Quincy Jones.
Aengus and Sanem’s collaboration combines all of their diverse influences into a multicultural melting pot. The quintet is completed with three talented Irish musicians; Neil O’ Loghlen (bass), Matthew Berrill (fiddle / sax / clarinet) and Matt Jacobson (drums / percussion). All three are members of innovative Irish traditional group ‘Ensemble Ériu‘, winners of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2015 Musical Collaboration Award.
Unique interpretations of Irish and Turkish folk songs, as well as spontaneous improvisation, will make for an unforgettable programme of music. Expect a vivid journey of the familiar and foreign.
Video link: ‘Schoolday’s Over’
Video link: ‘Cemberimde Gul Oya’ (trad. Turkish song)