Irish music, jazz and storytelling

CELLIST Ilse de Ziah and virtuoso guitarist Ian Date will lead audiences on a celebration of Irish music at a special event at Byron Theatre next month.

The evening will open with a screening of Living the Tradition, de Ziah’s award-winning documentary that delves into the origins of traditional Irish airs. Following the film, the duo will take the stage for a live performance blending Celtic, jazz and world music influences, all with a classical touch.

“The film is a beautiful work,” Date said. “Ilse published a book of ancient Irish airs for solo cello. From this came interest from a filmmaker and cellist Martin Roos to make a film about the origins of this music, which is hundreds of years old. One of the musicians in the film is Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, who is no longer with us, and it is gratifying that there is this document of him.”

De Ziah and Date first met at the iconic Soup Plus jazz club in Sydney many years ago. In 2002, they moved to Ireland, where they immersed themselves in the musical culture.

They had planned to return to Australia in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their move.

Date, who grew up in Casino, had long told his family that if they ever returned to Australia, it had to be to the Northern Rivers. “It’s the most beautiful place on the planet,” he said.

They finally resettled in 2022, and began performing together throughout the region, releasing their debut album Here and There the following year.

“The music is inspired by people, place and tradition as is the film,” Date said. “We are a continuation of that idea.

“We endeavour to be innovative, fresh and new – an immersive experience with storytelling and an emotional journey that all people whatever their background will be moved by.”

Date’s musical journey began at age five, when he started learning piano. But it wasn’t long before he was drawn to other instruments.

“I pestered my mother for a banjo but they were twice the price of a guitar, so she got me a guitar,” he said. “I am self-taught and have learned through the experience of playing with great musicians. I learned on the bandstand. I have been playing professionally since I was 14. It started out with rock and roll, heavy metal and country music. But my ear was always on jazz.

“I always loved Django Reinhardt gypsy-style guitar and when I was in my 20s I started going to Europe and playing with gypsy musicians playing that style. I learned a lot doing that.”

Date said Irish music is at the root of many modern styles, from bluegrass to Americana.

“Irish musical influence has spread throughout the world,” he said. “As with all music genres, I love mining the past and the tradition for ideas and origins then making them my own in a new and original way.”

Living the Tradition is at Byron Theatre at 7pm on Thursday September 11.

For more information and tickets, visit byroncentre.com.au/bct/byron-theatre