The Glasshouse

One of Ireland’s most celebrated folk voices, Cara Dillon has captivated audiences with her interpretations of traditional songs, Celtic hymns, carols and original works.

This festive season, she returns to The Glasshouse on Monday 15 December with her much-loved concert Upon A Winter’s Night.

Here, Cara shares her thoughts on the music, the meaning of the season and why each visit to the North East is one she adores.

How does it feel performing Upon A Winter’s Night at The Glasshouse?

If I’m not mistaken, I have performed my Upon A Winter’s Night show here at least seven times over the past ten years. I absolutely love the venue and know the audience loves watching my show there. Sage Two’s a lovely, intimate space where everyone feels close to the music and the musicians. I don’t get to perform very often in the North East, so I cherish every visit.

How will our acoustics and warm ambience shape the experience of the concert?

The acoustics in The Glasshouse are second to none, and Sam (Lakeman – Cara’s partner and musician) gets to play the beautiful Steinway grand piano, which I just love. We’ve always enjoyed the sound of Sage Two because the room is dark, and the Christmas songs work particularly well. Our technicians are able to immerse the audience in a dramatic show of lights and sound, meaning the musicians play at their best as they feel connected to the audience.

What kind of emotional journey do you hope the audience will embark on during the show?

I know that many of the songs in my Christmas show are deeply spiritual, so if you’re moved by the beauty and mystery of Jesus’ birth, then this really is the show for you. But even people who aren’t religious often find a great sense of peace and reassurance in these songs. There’s something comforting about the Christmas message of hope and light, and I think we need it now more than ever in the world.

Can you tell us about some of the songs you’ll be sharing on this year’s tour?

I sing a few very well-known songs, like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and The Holly and the Ivy (though with a Cornish melody). Many of the other carols are lesser-known Celtic hymns, such as Rug Muire mac do Dhia in Irish or The Darkest Midnight. They’re absolutely beautiful pieces of music that transport the listener to another place and time.

We also perform a few original songs and pieces – surprisingly, they’ve become audience favourites. The Huntsman, a lively slip jig written by Sam on piano, is one. He was inspired by a childhood memory on snowy Dartmoor. This year, I hope to introduce a few new additions to the show.

What makes singing about Christmas so special?

I always sing what I feel most deeply in my heart… whether that’s a song about emigration, lost love, or the struggles of my people in Ireland. Christmas is another of those subjects that fills my heart completely. I think of all my memories of Christmas growing up with my family, of raising my own children with Sam, of midnight Mass and Advent services.

Can you share some highlights of your career?

Having three songs featured in Derry Girls (the hit TV series) was incredibly special. All my family and friends watched the show, and I’m so proud that I got to be even a small part of it. Singing the opening song for the Tinker Bell Disney movie was also pretty unbelievable and quite surreal. I recorded it at Abbey Road with a 96-piece orchestra… it was absolutely mind-blowing. It even led to an incredible free holiday at Disneyland Paris when our children were at the perfect age – magical!

Another highlight was when Billy Connolly asked me to sing There Were Roses for his hit TV series. He’s such a gifted person and knew exactly what he was doing. That song changed my life, and I still sing it 25 years later.