Biography
Originally from the southern shores of Lough Neagh in County Armagh but now living and working in Connemara, Co. Glaway, Barry Kerr is one of Ireland’s most accomplished artists. He has toured the world as a solo artist and has been equally at home sharing the stage in the company of other artists including Steve Cooney, Cara Dillon, Julie Fowlis, Lumiere and Dervish. Renowned folk acts such as Karan Casey, Flook, Jiggy, Beoga, Brian Finnegan, Damian O’Kane and Kate Rusby include his compositions in their tour repertoires.
He has performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, from Radio City Music Hall in New York to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and has multiple arena tours under his belt. He performed as principal uilleann piper on a symphony orchestra tour of the United States with Celtic Thunder under the direction of conductor David Brophy.
As Artist in Residence at the celebrated Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts in Belfast for a number of years, Barry played a central role in developing the city of Belfast as a vibrant cultural hub.
Previous works include; Cairn (2020) a result of being awarded the Liam O’Flynn Award from The National Concert Hall and the Arts Council in March 2020, Castor Bay (2018) a duet album of traditional song, flute, uilleann pipes and fiddle music with his sister Laura Kerr and guitarist Donogh Hennessy; Boy in a Boat (2015) a collection of original songs; CEATHAIR and Continuum an exploration of the concept of relating visual art with musical performance, storytelling and composition.
‘Just heard Barry’ Kerr’s ‘Of Sportsmen Bold’. What a moment. Stopped me in my tracks. Could not stop listening. Stunning.’ Imelda May
‘Pipes and flute dip and soar with avian elegance’ **** The Irish Times
‘Like Gaughan and Moore, but with his own thing going on, I love this guy’. Mike Harding, BBC
‘Barry Kerr’s Boy in a Boat is an exceptional, original, artistic and enduring masterpiece.’ Irish Music Magazine
“‘Pipes and flute dip and soar with avian elegance’ **** The Irish Times”
