Institute of Musical Traditions: OCEAN Celtic Quartet

The OCEAN Celtic Quartet presents a lively holiday and Winter Solstice concert inspired by Yuletide traditions of the past. The program combines traditional English and French carols, Scottish and Irish fiddle tunes, 19th-century broadside songs, original seasonal music, and recitations from British Mummers’ plays, including an appearance by Father Christmas. The performance balances exuberant Celtic instrumentation and soaring vocals with spiritual reflection on both the season of light and the darker half of the year, and audiences are encouraged to sing along.

Led by composer and ethnomusicologist Jennifer Cutting, OCEAN features vocalist Christine Noyes, folklorist, vocalist, and percussionist Stephen Winick, and U.S. National Scottish Fiddle champion Seán Heely. Cutting’s composition “Song of Solstice” has become a Celtic and folk radio favorite, while the quartet’s album *The Turning Year* reached No. 1 on the Folk Radio charts for December 2021.

When: Friday, December 11

Showtimes: 7:30–9:00 p.m.

Run time: Approximately 90 minutes

Program: Traditional carols; Scottish and Irish fiddle tunes; 19th-century broadside songs; original seasonal compositions; British Mummers’ play recitations; and audience sing-alongs

Lineup: Jennifer Cutting on accordion and keyboards; Christine Noyes on vocals; Stephen Winick on vocals and percussion; and Seán Heely on fiddle

Audience: The program is intended to appeal across faiths and wisdom traditions. Audience members are invited to come prepared to sing.

Tickets: Price not available

Venue: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Organizer: MC Live Arts