The West Ocean String Quartet Choose DPA Microphones

The West Ocean String Quartet, winner of The Irish Times/The Ticket's Trad CD of the Year 2013 for their album An Indigo Sky, are now using DPA d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Microphones to capture their unique sound.

The microphones, which were supplied by DPA's Irish Distributor Big Bear Sound, were chosen for their ability to deliver a true string sound with exceptional clarity.

"For us, the assurance of knowing that wherever we play in the world, the DPA 4099 Instrument Microphones' warmth and accuracy will be consistent is everything," says violinist Niamh Crowley. "We need only be concerned with making music. To now perform without them would be unthinkable."

The West Ocean String Quarter recently appeared at Ceiliúradh (Celebration), a special evening of music, spoken word and dance which was held at London's Royal Albert Hall to mark the historic occasion of the first State Visit to the UK by the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. For this concert, which was watched and heard by millions globally, the Quartet played several traditional Irish pieces, arranged by Neil Martin who not only plays in the quartet but also writes and arranges most of their music. During the London show they were joined by singer Eimear Quinn and actor Fiona Shaw, ending with a powerhouse performance alongside the all-star house band, and Army bands and pipers from both Ireland and the UK.

Formed in 1999, the West Ocean String Quartet's vision, eclectic repertoire and style have won them global praise. Their music lies somewhere between the worlds of classical and traditional music. Disregarding rules and boundaries, they have found for themselves a unique voice, and have collaborated with many leading artists, both on stage and in the studio, including Christy Moore, Mary Black, Liam O'Flynn, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill and Brian Kennedy.