“An Irish Christmas in Montana” to Take the Stage December 6

A concert featuring the collaboration between the Irish of Montana and Ireland that celebrates the tradition, music, song and dance associated with Christmas, will take the stage at the University of Montana in December.

While acts from Ireland performed Irish Christmas concerts at UM in recent years, this year’s concert will feature UM students and other Montanans celebrating their Irish heritage.

The first performance is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in UM’s Music Recital Hall, and another performance will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7

UM Irish Studies Program Director Traolach O’Riordain says there is a growing desire among Irish students in Montana to play a more active role in their culture:

“Many of these students are of Irish heritage but claim that the culture was not passed down to them. Learning the Irish language, dancing, singing and putting on this concert is their way of taking back the inheritance that is rightfully theirs. The concert is more than just a show of festive celebration; it’s a strong cultural statement about the revival of Irish culture in Montana.”

Tickets cost $20 per family, $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and Friends of Irish Studies members, and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door.