Iarla Ó Lionáird is a critically acclaimed Irish musician known for his extraordinary vocal range and expertise in traditional Sean-nós singing, a highly ornamented style of unaccompanied traditional Irish song. Born on February 10, 1964, in Cúil Aodha, County Cork, Ó Lionáird grew up in a family deeply entrenched in music; his great-great-grandfather was the famous composer of traditional Irish music, Peadar Ó Riada. Iarla was a natural singer from a young age and by the age of five, was already performing as part of the choir his father founded, Cór Chúil Aodha.

Ó Lionáird's solo career has successfully elevated the profile of Sean-nós singing on an international scale. His albums such as "The Seven Steps to Mercy" and "Invisible Fields" demonstrate his unique ability to weave together traditional Sean-nós styles with contemporary elements, creating a sound that resonates with both purists and a wider audience. His 2011 release, "Foxlight," further showcases his versatility and innovation, cementing his status as a respected figure within world music circles. Ó Lionáird has also made significant contributions to ensemble works, including his participation in the acclaimed supergroup The Gloaming and his involvement in projects like "Olagón: A Cantata in Doublespeak," a contemporary retelling of an Irish epic. Whether performing live, as captured in "Music of Dreams (Live)," or working on collaborative cross-genre projects, Iarla Ó Lionáird's evocative voice continues to be at the heart of his emotive and transcendent musical journey.