The group Beijing saw was not quite the full Ciorras. Because of various commitments, three of its members were playing elsewhere. The line-up for Beijing was of a core group: Sheedy, Tommy Fitzharris concertina and flute, Robert Harvey flute, Tara Breen fiddle and Stephen Rooney guitar. Sitting in were Francis Ward on piano, Ryan Murphy, Uilllean pipes; and Darina Gleeson on vocals. Between them they possess enough academic parchment in the way of tertiary music degrees to paper an average-sized room.

They attracted much attention with the peculiarly Irish instruments, the Uillean pipes, or Irish bagpipes if you will; and the bodhran, a percussion instrument; along with the concertina.

The group was invited to play the Beijing concert, says manager Deirdre O'Connor, after the organizers heard their CD, Silver Lining. The evening program contained a fair number of surefire crowd pleasers, Amazing Grace, Danny Boy and She Moved Through the Fair among them but missing a ditty off Teaser and the Firecat. The downside of this arrangement—a classical, almost clinical approach to folk music, particularly toward traditional Celtic music, which also has a reputation of being quite at home during a boisterous evening at the local hostelry—is in a slight falling-off in the excitement quotient. This is quite understandable. It comes about, with younger musicians particularly, and in an environment with superior acoustics, from fear of making a mistake. What the audience heard from Ciorras was pretty much note-for-note the album but the musicians were really of a level and quality not to have been worried about how they were projecting. Technique plays a part in this but so too does confidence engendered from length of time playing together and familiarity with each other's styles. Bands like the Chieftains know this and are not afraid to loosen up, even let rip, when it is needed. Even so, given the circumstances, the musicianship is impressive. At first the applause is also polite but the audience warms up as the evening progresses.

Targett-Adams' strong voice evokes the lyrical imagery of Marble Halls as various members of the band are introduced. Virtuoso flute player Harvey is outstanding throughout the night and Breen is always a lively, engaging presence, even joining with Ward in a well-executed dance item.

The concert shifts on to another level as the Jensens appear and their dance brings the house alive. Besides their apparent skill and their enjoyment in what they are doing, they are real crowd pleasers.

Darina and Katie's vocals merge for Wild Mountain Thyme and the difference between the two styles as they take alternate verses is striking.

Big future

In the final quarter of the show—which departed from the general tenor of its earlier proceedings—the band finally stretched out a little with each member taking short solo pieces in the ongoing musical tableau and vocals functioning nearly as extra instruments, becoming a great deal more interesting in the process. Rooney's guitar introduction to Danny Boy and his combination playing with Harvey during the tune were superb, as was his short duet with Ward's piano. Sheedy, Fitzharris and Murphy also contributed nicely animated parts. Breaking free of the near contrivance of the earlier material this section really did allow a glimpse of Ciorras's and Targett-Adams' considerable potential, and it is considerable. Katie's renditions of songs often considered standards, in particular, often matched the benchmark versions. Expect the talent, and that includes Christy and Erin Jensen, assembled here to make a significant impact in world music and folk arts in the future if they choose to persevere in their chosen paths, and possibly even more widely if they choose to step outside the limitations these genres impose upon them.

The concert even produced an innovative way of guaranteeing a standing ovation when the audience was asked to rise for the final item, Auld Lang Syne. After that there was nothing for the audience to do but applaud, and they did, loudly and without the restraint they had shown earlier.