Bio

Conor Caldwell is a fiddle player from north Belfast. He currently serves as Course Director for the MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the Irish World Academy in the University of Limerick. His research explores various aspects of music in Ireland, including style, structure and form in traditional performance.

Known for his energetic northern fiddle style, Conor’s music is informed by his exploration of both archival and contemporary sources.

His music breathes new life into archival treasure, exploring the versatility of his instrument in both solo and ensemble contexts. He is also a noted teacher and lecturer of Irish traditional music. He has collaborated in the past with Craobh Rua and the international ensemble, Òran Bagraidh. Conor has also toured with the group Fidil and shared the stage with members of The Bothy Band, Altan and Planxty.

Growing up on the foot of Cavehill, Conor learned classical music at St Malachy’s College, Belfast while developing his interest in the Donegal style of fiddle playing. His key early influences included James Byrne, Ruadhraí O’Kane, Paul O’Shaughnessy and Dermie Diamond.

 Conor’s collaboration, NORTH (2016), with fellow fiddler Danny Diamond is an enduring modern classic, described as a ‘long-playing delight’ by Siobhán Long in The Irish Times. NORTH weaved together the duo’s lived experience in the Donegal music scene with their intensive exploration of archival material.