About
Frankie Gavin has been a commanding force in Irish traditional music since his teenage years, earning a reputation as one of the most technically accomplished and fiercely individual musicians of his generation. A master of both fiddle and flute, his extraordinary skill has carried him far beyond the traditional circuit, leading to performances alongside global icons including The Rolling Stones and Elvis Costello, and appearances for four US Presidents: Kennedy, Clinton, Bush and Obama.
Yet for all these remarkable milestones, Frankie Gavin's name remains inseparable from De Dannan, the trailblazing band he co-founded with the late Alec Finn in the mid-1970s. De Dannan redefined the sound and scope of Irish traditional music, bringing virtuosity, innovation and a fearless energy to stages around the world. At the heart of that sound was Frankie's unmistakable fiddle playing: meticulous in tone, endlessly inventive in variation, and uncompromising in its commitment to musical excellence.
Hailing from County Galway, Frankie continues his glittering career today with the same intensity and precision that first set him apart, while generously championing and performing alongside the next generation of traditional musicians. His playing remains a benchmark, admired as much for its discipline and clarity as for its raw expressive power.
Joining Frankie is Catherine McHugh, widely regarded as Ireland's foremost piano accompanist. Her sensitivity, rhythmic drive and deep understanding of traditional music have made her one of the most sought-after collaborators in the genre. Catherine featured prominently on Frankie's acclaimed 2022 album Port Éireann, where her playing provided both subtlety and strength, perfectly complementing his melodic lines.
Together, this exceptional duo delivers music of power, precision and warmth: a meeting of tradition, innovation and lived experience, led by one of Irish music's true originals.
