GIRO - Galway International Retro Orchestra

GIRO was formed in early 2011 by an international collection of musicians living in Galway. The band’s focus is on performing and reviving early 20th century traditional music from Ireland, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
Anders & Kyle were the catalyst for the group when they began enthusiastically learning “retro” tunes. Looking to recruit members for a band, Anders’ wife Mayo was a natural addition. Geoff, a good friend and versatile multi–instrumentalist, was a perfect fit for the project.
The individual band members often can be found in and around Galway playing pub sessions. The full group performs sit down shows in concert venues throughout the country.
●Anders Trabjerg : He hails from the west coast of Denmark. A child prodigy on the continental system accordion. He moved to Ireland in the mid 90’s to absorb the music and master the Irish accordion.
●Geoff Ward : A genre hopping multi-instrumentalist. Originally from Wellington, New Zealand. He has travelled around and played with many different bands but now calls Ireland home.
●Kyle Borley : From Winnipeg, Canada. He became interested in Irish music as a young teen. Now dividing his time between Canada & Ireland, he’s well respected in both places.
●Mayo Yanachi : Born in Tokyo, Japan. She began taking classical violin lessons at the age of 7. In her late 20’s she fell in love with the Irish fiddle, moved to Ireland and completed an MA in Traditional Music.