Living The Tradition: An Enchanting Journey Into Old Irish Airs

Traveling around Ireland with her cello, Ilse de Ziah explores the origins and stories behind ten ancient Irish airs, playing the slow and intensely beautiful traditional pieces in the landscapes they are connected with.

Behind every Irish tune is an ancient tale of love and loss, of history and heroes. Living the Tradition is the journey cello player and composer Ilse de Ziah takes around Ireland in a search for undiscovered secrets of Irish airs. Along the way she meets with renowned Irish musicians, scholars and local characters who share the history and stories behind the music with her. Ilse performs these intensely beautiful pieces in the places they originally come from, spanning the length and breadth of Ireland. Filmmaker Maarten Roos captures the romantic landscapes, the charm of the Irish people and the powerful resonance of the cello, creating a fresh and fascinating account of Irish music and culture.