Celtic Connections 2026: Opening Night World Connections

Thursday 15 January, 2026, 7.30 p.m.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW

Celtic Connections 2026 launches with World Connections – a celebration of global traditions and local talent. This genre-spanning opening night will capture the welcoming spirit of Glasgow and look towards the city hosting the Commonwealth Games in July.

Line-up

The line-up features four exceptional female vocalists: Mali’s Rokia Koné, an acclaimed solo singer and member of West African feminist supergroup, Les Amazones d’Afrique; Palestinian singer-songwriter Amal Kaawash who makes a welcome return to Scotland, Gambia’s Sona Jobarteh, whose singing and kora playing continues her family’s historic griot legacy, and Canadian multi-award-winner Rose Cousins, known for her intimate songwriting and strong collaborative approach. British guitarist Justin Adams joins forces with Moroccan Gnawa gimbri player Mohamed Errebbaa, with hypnotic, bass-driven, North African rhythms and grooves.

The Saz Trio

The SAZ trio will add further global flavour with three renowned folk musicians from Rajasthan’s Langa desert community showcasing the raw, soulful sounds of their centuries-old musical traditions, led by Aga Khan Award recipient and sindhi sarangi (folk fiddle) master Asin Khan.

Special Guests will include:

Rura image by Pauline Keightley Celtic Connections 2022

Appearing from Scotland are several special guests, including dynamic folk foursome RURA, longtime festival favourites since their debut back in 2010. With artists spanning continents and cultures, and more surprise guests in store, it promises to be an unforgettable night of cross-cultural connections and musical brilliance.

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