Peter McAlinden and Pete Quinn

Peter McAlinden was born in London in 1960 to Irish parents from Co Down and Co Cork. From an early age he was drawn towards traditional Irish music. His interest flourished with the support and encouragement of his mentor, Kathleen Murray from Aclare, Co Sligo. Through Kathleen, whose London home was a haven for visiting Irish musicians, he met and learned from many accomplished traditional players, including Séamus Tansey, Cathal McConnell, Bobby Casey, Raymond Roland and Tommy McCarthy.

In 1979, he won the Senior All-Ireland title on the tin whistle. He followed this with wins in the Senior All-Ireland céilí band competition in 1988 and 1991, when he played the piano with the St Colmcille's Céilí Band.

At the 2009 festival, Peter gave an exciting performance on tin whistle as a guest of Karen Tweed. In 2010, he returned to launch his long-awaited debut solo album, Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, to a capacity audience. Dedicated to the memory of his parents Jim and Kitty McAlinden and Kathleen Murray, the CD has been very well received by the press and other media.

He is accompanied on piano by Pete Quinn, the highly regarded pianist with the London Lasses. Pete is well known on the London traditional music scene and has recorded with flute player Mick Mulvey and fiddler Seán Casey. He has also performed with Brendan McGlinchey and Colm O’Donnell.