IRISH folk star Cara Dillon has one of those rare talents you only come across a handful times in your whole life.

Her staggeringly beautiful voice has the ability to reach inside the soul of a song and imbue material with not only profound sweetness but also poignancy and depth.

Born in Dungiven in 1975, she was brought up in a close musical family immersed in the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry.

Having won the All Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy aged only 14 she went on to sing with Oige, De Dannan and then Equation.

It was in this band that she met her husband and musical collaborator Sam Lakeman.

The combination of Cara's expressive vocals and Lakeman's rippling piano and fresh production squeezed new life into ancient material.

Their original songs sit happily alongside the traditional, reinforcing the debt they owe, whilst pointing to a distinct and distinguished musical identity all of their own.

Recent years have seen her return wholeheartedly to her Irish roots creating fresh interpretations of traditional standards with stunning results.

Her reach is truly global with fans to be found all over the world with her clear, Northern Irish voice even seducing giants such as Disney who, in 2010, asked her to sing the title song to the animated movie Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue.

She’s won countless awards and accolades including Album Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, The Meteor Music Award for Best Irish Female, and Tatler’s Woman Of The Year in Music.

Always looking to introduce her voice and music to new listeners, Cara has topped the charts with dance remixes, guest appearances and, more recently, presented her songs with full orchestral backing bringing her music to an entirely new audience.

Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer.

Cara is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll remain there for a very long time.

She is playing at Bromsgrove's Artrix on Thursday, May 15 8pm.

Tickets are available at £18.50 from the box office on 01527 577330 or artrix.co.uk.