Irish and Iraqi Musicians Collaborate to Fuse Traditions and Cultures

Macalla, an eight-member ensemble, is bringing together musicians from Northern Ireland’s North West Folk Collective and Iraq’s Mshakht Collective in a unique cross-cultural project. Over the past three years, the group has explored how traditional Irish and Iraqi music can merge respectfully, keeping the essence of each culture’s melodies while experimenting with instrumentation. Irish instruments such as the harp, bouzouki, fiddle, and uilleann pipes are paired with Iraqi instruments like the qanun, oud, violin, and traditional percussion. Supported by the British Council, Irish musicians visited Iraq early in the project, forming key relationships despite disruptions caused by a regional fire. The collaboration has inspired both groups creatively, introducing new perspectives and compositions that reflect shared musical heritage and cultural dialogue. Recently, Macalla performed at Celtic Connections in Glasgow, showcasing their innovative fusion to a receptive audience. The project aims to continue by bringing performances to Iraq and further exploring collaborations in Ireland, highlighting music’s power to bridge cultures and foster understanding. The ensemble exemplifies how artistic exchange can generate new ideas while honoring longstanding traditions, building meaningful connections across borders.