One word from audience reviews stood out… electrifying!

Well, we are thrilled at the responses, and thoroughly enjoyed the three concerts on our last run for 2025. (Ian has more in Sydney in December, catch him there!)

Playing in Yackandandah Courthouse was a joy, and the Arts Yackandanda organisers were so kind. We fell in love with the area, especially around where we stayed in Harrietville with our wonderful friend Danny, and in Beechworth with brother Nigel Date.

Canberra Irish Club was wonderful, getting a little bit of back home in Ireland vibes, along with the divine sound from sound engineer Dene Burton.

Our third concert, in Byron Bay at Byron Theatre was fabulous, with a magnificent and appreciative audience.

We also had a lovely interview with the brilliant artist and broadcaster Karena Wynn Moylan of BayFM https://www.bayfm.org/shows/arts-canvass/ on Thursday, 13th Nov before the concert.

Here are excerpts from messages texted after our Byron Theatre concert last night! 

…an absolute delight to see you both perform, the sheer joy of creating and playing together was tangible at every moment. The film was very beautiful and informative.  Everyone around me loved it.  Thank you for a splendid night at the theatre. 👏👏👏👏👏 

…so many rave reviews about your concert. Everyone I invited just loved it & are so grateful for the invitation. 
 

…Your cello - the way you caressed & played it & all were in awe of your skill & mastery as musician & composer. 
 

…found the whole evening electrifying. 
 

…long cherish & remember the event.

…you are both consummate artists & exceptional communicators - the whole package making you perfect for various festivals & events you’ve applied to. Don’t lose heart or that uniquely wonderful fire in the belly that makes you shine. 
 

…You have a magical recipe the way you make love on stage through your humour, wit & genius & your love of your music & instruments reaches out in the dark & touched us all so profoundly.

Thank you to everyone who came to our last three concerts and who helped us along the way for the epic journey!

Ilse & Ian

A wonderful full house yesterday for our concert in Woy Woy at the Everglades Country Club for the Troubadour Folk Club. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us and the Troubadour team who made it such a success. 
On Facebook 

Text

De Ziah and Date, 29 June 2025.

Music and pictures communicate where words fall short.  Sunday's program of both film and concert from two of the very best performers you're ever likely to see, leaves me flailing as I search for the right words to express my response.  

What masters this duo are of their craft.  Exquisite cello from Ilse De Ziah along with the extraordinary guitar of Ian Date.  These are, without doubt, one of the finest and most completely developed live music acts ever to come out of this country.  

Setting out to learn about the origins of a number of the powerful, emotionally charged Irish airs, Ilse took the audience with her across Ireland as she followed the historic musical trails back as far as documents and human memory was able.  The remarkable film was far more than a historical or academic documentary as we were introduced to multi-generational musical families, heritage musicians of a few musicological experts.   At the same time the inspiring old houses and places of beauty across the emerald isle inspired the entire audience.  

The film was also great introduction to their performance as a duo.  Wow.  Can they play!  The full range from deep sorrow and action of profound loss to fast and furious, and everything in between.  

No wonder they are so beloved in Ireland, Europe and internationally.  If you missed them at the Troubadour, kick yourself.  But make sure you find out where they are playing next and make sure you get there.  

And don't forget to book for the next concert at the Troubadour!

In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy a few snippets from their premier performance in Woy Woy.

Michael Fine