A "back to his roots" Davy Spillane led off the hastily paced first hour of this new show, which introduced a dozen fine traditional artists on stage in quick succession. Very little audience rapport was built up, however, as the musicians linked one act to the next loosely in a handover fashion. Laoise Kelly caused the first positive response, running from her harp to a tall microphone at the other side of the stage to wittily introduce her triad of superb tunes. Another high note was struck by Lunasa splinter, Sean Smyth, Trevor Hutchinson and Donagh Hennessey, a tight trio who were well in tune with each other.

In the second half Sean Tyrell gently coaxed the audience with his series of "him leaving her and vice versa" love songs. Joe Burke was at his humourous best as he and Anne Conroy-Burke did their "very dangerous thing" with two accordions in conversation on the Laird Of Drumblair, taking their cue from the audience's delight.

The finale, which featured the entire cast, was anti-climatic; yet it inspired an audience singalong for Mo Ghile Mear. The final ceili bandstyle set of reels yielded cries for more, but the house lights came on quickly and decisively - in contrast to the laborious set-up process.

The musicians' pedigree will no doubt ensure full houses each night, but the show as a whole is marred by absence of direction and preparation. A more informal, house party style staging might have been more effective - with perhaps fewer, less diverse acts.

The High Note runs until August 15th.