Earthrise @ New Music Dublin 2024
2024-04-28 11:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Dublin) | National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 N527
Sunday 28th April 2024, 11am
Venue: Kevin Barry Recital Room, NCH
Tickets: €15
Musici Ireland
Beth McNinch, solo viola
Ioana Petcu-Colan, Mia Cooper, Jane Hackett & Siobhan Doyle, violin
Ed Creedon, viola
Katie Tertell & Niamh Molloy, cello
Roger McCann, double bass
Dianne Marshall, harp
Meadhbh O’Rourke, flute
Conor Sheil, clarinet
Peter Ryan, horn
Deirdre Gribbin Before the moon shattered and shone again (2019)
Amanda Feery Square Movement (2016)
Linda Buckley Fiol (2008)
Liam Bates Earthrise (2023)
Chamber music collective Musici Ireland have made a name for themselves in Ireland and further afield for sharing stories of the country and its history, with an inspiring blend of artistry and social activism. This daytime concert is a celebration of the group’s upcoming debut album, which features chamber works by six living Irish composers.
Displaying the ensemble’s versatility, their programme encompasses everything from meditation and glimpses of the natural world to moments of heightened drama. It ends with the Dublin premiere of Earthrise – a new concerto for viola and chamber ensemble by Wexford-based Liam Bates – alongside a presentation from the composer and soloist Beth McNinch about the commission, how it came about and the process of writing such a significant new work.

Click here for more information.

Féile na hInse 2024
2024-04-26 - 2024-04-28 | Inishowen, Co Donegal
Féile na hInse, Inishowen Traditional Music Project’s annual festival will take place in Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co.Donegal from the 26th-28th of April.

This festival weekend will provide opportunities for people to take part in or enjoy workshops, concerts, sessions, talks and an online film screening.
Friday 26th- Online screening- Archive 23
Friday 28th, 8pm, Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
– Pór. A concert to celebrate the launch of Roisin McGrory’s second album Pór. Roisin will be joined by Steve Cooney, Paul Harrigan, Paul McClure and Deirdre & Ella McGrory
Friday 26th, 10pm, Simpson’s bar,
Carndonagh-Festival Club session with Sinead McKenna, Oisin Murphy and Mickey Fearon
Saturday 27th, 11am, Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
Intermediate Ensemble workshops with Lauren O’Neill and Damian McKee
Saturday 27th, 11am, Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
Advanced Ensemble workshops with Conal O’Kane and Marty Barry
Saturday session trail
12noon, Farren’s bar, Carndonagh. Eugene McKenna, Oisin Murphy, Oisin Duffy
2pm, McClure’s Bar, Carndonagh, Mairead & Siobhan O’Connor, Michael Gallangh
4pm, Glen Bar, Carndonagh, Sinead McKenna, Paula Houton, Paul McClure
9pm, McClure’s Bar, Carndonagh, Rona & Barry McLaughlin and Mickey Fearon
Saturday 27th, 7pm, Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
Music from the North, featuring Marty Barry, Conal O’Kane, Damian McKee, Lauren O’Neill, Sinead & Eugene McKenna, Oisin Murphy and Micky Fearon
Sunday 28th, 11am Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
Guitar Masterclass with Conal O’Kane & Marty Barry
Sunday 28th, 12 noon, Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
Talk- ‘When they started Jazzing there’, by Conor Caldwell
Sunday 28th, 1.30-3.30, Colgan Hall, Carndonagh
A Celebration of Dance. Joe & Mary McGuiggan will host a workshop looking at dances from the Northwest of Ireland. This will include the lancers, two hand dances and a new collaboration of steps and hornpipe tune composed by Paul Harrigan.
A Celebration of Dance, Song and Music 4pm-6pm
This relaxed event will celebrate, dance, music and songs from the Northwest. Fear an Ti for the event is Marcas O’Murchu.
Farewell session 6pm, Glen Bar, Carndonagh, Tom Byrne, Joleen McLaughlin, Fionnan McIvor

For more information, please click here

Stone Drawn Circles – In Formation @ New Music Dublin 2024
2024-04-25 22:00 - 23:00 | National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 N527
Stone Drawn Circles – In Formation @ New Music Dublin 2024
Thursday 25th April 2024, 10pm
Venue: Kevin Barry Recital Room, NCH
Tickets: €15
Lina Andonovska, flute
Nathan Sherman, viola
Michelle O’Rourke, voice
Alex Petcu, percussion
Caimin Gilmore, double bass
Úna Monaghan, harp / sound design
Úna Monaghan In Formation (2023) [Irish premiere]
Karen Power Can you hear me now??? (2019) [Irish premiere]
Brian Irvine new work (2024) [world premiere]
Cat Hope Landay Sequenzas (2022) [Irish premiere]
Nicole Lizée Peril Earrings (2023) [Irish premiere]
Heralded as a ‘supergroup within new music circles in Ireland’ by Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Stone Drawn Circles inhabits a new space in Irish contemporary music. In this late-night performance at NMD, the ensemble investigates new modes of communication, collaborative dynamics and shifting paradigms.
In spite of their relatively short existence as a group, Stone Drawn Circle’s debut performance season includes appearances at several prestigious festivals, and a PRS Beyond Borders tour of the UK. The ensemble believes in rich composer/performer dialogues and in the bending of traditional performance dynamics, which is evident in this launch-season offering—a trip through various genres and forms of contemporary sound art, performed by some of Ireland’s leading contemporary players.
Brian Irvine’s new work was commissioned by the Contemporary Music Centre for Stone Drawn Circles with funds from PRS Foundation Beyond Borders funding.
Stone Drawn Circles are supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
In Formation and Landay Sequenzas were created with the financial assistance of a Commission Award, funded by the Arts Council/An Chomhaírle Ealaíon.
Stone Drawn Circles: In Formation tour is project-managed by the Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland, supported by PRS Foundation Beyond Borders funding.

Consairtín Gala Concert featuring Gráinne Hambly, William Jackson & Donnchadh MacAodha
2024-04-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
The culmination of Consairtín’s festival activities will feature the beautiful harp, concertina and bouzouki music of Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson, featuring a stunning repertoire of tunes, principally drawn from the Irish and Scottish traditions. Greta Curtin, Dónal Murphy, Jessie Healy and Eoin Murphy will combine their brilliant musicianship to present the very best of music from west Limerick and north Kerry.
The concert will also feature the premiere of a new suite of music, ‘Idir Dhá Thost’, composed by Donnchadh Mac Aodha, the inaugural recipient of the Consairtin Composition Bursary, in association with the Music Department, University College Cork. The piece will be performed by Garry Shannon (flute), Francis Cunningham (concertina), Therese McInerney (fiddle), Sinéad Heagney (viola), Lexie Boatright (harp) with Donnchadh himself on piano.
RAGAIREACHT, who have qualified for the final of Gael-Linn’s Siansa competition in the NCH on 14th April, will be given a big Clare and Consairtín send-off when they perform in glór.

For more information please click here

Tuamgraney Harp Festival 2024
2024-04-05 - 2024-04-07 | Tuamgraney, Co Clare
Tuamgraney Harp Festival
5-7th April 2024
Tuamgraney and its surrounds are renowned for traditional music and are home to several highly acclaimed musicians. Traditional music sessions are held regularly at Nuala’s in the village and as part of several festivals held throughout the year.
The area is also steeped in other aspects of the Arts with the adjoining villages hosting a range of events throughout the year. These include the longest continuous amateur drama festival in Ireland and an Arts festival attracting many international artistes.
The Blossom Harp Festival was initiated in 2016 in the village of Tuamgraney. The festival runs overs two days and aims to rejuvenate interest in the harp, the Irish national emblem and integral to our culture for centuries, by supporting ensembles and integration with other traditional instruments.
To achieve this aim workshops have been held, primarily in the harp, at introductory, intermediate and advanced level, but also in the fiddle and concertina, all facilitated by renowned musicians. A competition for solo harpists and combination groups was introduced in 2017.
Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland are delighted to support two young harpers attending the festival this year.
More information on the festival and tickets available here.

Session with the Pipers with Eilís Lavelle (harp), Muireann Ní Shé (pipes and song), Pax Ó Faoláin (fiddle) and Mícheál Ó Sé (accordion)
2024-04-02 21:30 - 23:00 | The Cobblestone Pub, 77 King St N, Dublin, Dublin, D07 TP22, Ireland
Session with the Pipers – Na Píobairí Uilleann

Tuesday, 2 April 2024, 9.30pm
The Cobblestone Pub, Dublin

Na Píobairí Uilleann are delighted to present ‘Session with the Pipers’ in The Cobblestone on Tuesday 2nd April 2024 at 9:30pm, doors open at 9pm. This month’s line-up features:
Muireann Ní Shé (uilleann pipes & song)
Pax Ó Faoláin (fiddle)
Mícheál Ó Sé (accordion)
Eilís Lavelle (harp)
Admission is €15 (concession rate €10). Tickets are available on the door and online here
Please note that the Cobblestone is an Over 18s Only Venue.
Supported by Arts Council Ireland.

The Henry Girls at The Sugar Club Harp Sessions
2024-03-28 20:30 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions continue throughout 2024 and feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from a variety of players, pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our second concert on Thursday 28th March features Irish harper Joleen McLaughlin joined by her sisters, Karen and Lorna in the Irish folk trio The Henry Girls. Renowned for their enchanting melodies and captivating harmonies, and with harp as their signature instrument, they evoke the soul of Celtic tradition while infusing it with a modern edge. Their new album A Time to Grow bridges the gap between the past and the present, and their recent track with Ríoghnach Connolly, Not your fight has been nominated as ‘Best Original Folk Track’ at this year’s RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards.
“A Time To Grow is enchanting, it’s enticing, and it captivates the listener from
the beginning” Irish Music Magazine
“The Henry Girls do not cleave to any narrow definitions of folk or tradition,
their expansive world view is a rich source of nourishment” The Irish Times
Book here for their Dublin performance on Thursday 28th March 2024.

Cuimhní Rúnda | Hidden Memories
2024-03-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, Derry, BT49 0FJ, Ireland
Cuimhní Rúnda | Hidden Memories
Saturday 23rd March, 8pm
Roe Valley Arts Centre , Limavady
It’s as life-affirming as it is a lament for what’s lost and what’s hidden beyond our imagination..- Irish News
CUIMHNÍ RÚNDA | HIDDEN MEMORIES
Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh and guest musicians
Saturday 23 March | 8pm
Tickets: £15 full, £12 concession available here
It’s as life-affirming as it is a lament for what’s lost and what’s hidden beyond our imagination..- Robert McMillen, Irish News
Cuimhní rúnda celebrates the launch of new music and songs composed by local singer and musician, Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh.
It is a journey through the times and places that have inspired her music and reflects her classical and traditional training and influences. From the memories hidden in the depths of Lough Swilly to the strains of the ancient harp in the Roe Valley that echo in Gaelic Scotland, to the emigrants leaving their mark at the top of the Carn, to the artistic reimagining of Narnia at CS Lewis Square.
This compilation of original works hopes to enhance our understanding of place and heritage and entice the listener to visit and experience for themselves these places of scenic beauty, mystery and lore.
Nodlaig is joined by talented musicians from across the North West – Martin O’Kane (fiddle), Paul Gillespie (Cello/ Uileann pipes) Lasairfhíona Nic Ruairí (Fiddle/ whistles) & Carra Nic an Bhaird (Harp).

Young Harpers' Gathering | Cruinniú na gCruitirí
2024-03-23 11:00 - 16:00 | An Grianán, Termonfechin, Louth
Young Harpers’ Gathering | Cruinniú na gCruitirí
Saturday 23rd March, 11-4pm
An Grianán, Termonfechin, Co. Louth
Do you want to get together with other harpers your age to learn tunes, tips on accompaniment and have some fun?
Join us for a harp-filled day of music-making and collaboration with other young harpers as part of our first ever Young Harpers’ Gathering, organised by CÉHI’s Fóram Cruite na nÓg.
Tickets are €20, and will include a two course lunch, harp workshops with a mystery guest harpers, a harpers’ session and lots of fun!
A limited number of tickets are available here.
Bígí linn!

Irish Harp Music of the 17th and 18th Centuries
2024-03-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, D14 K3T6
Irish Harp Music of the 17th and 18th Centuries
Friday 15th March, 7.30pm
Rathfarnham Castle
This concert features some of Ireland’s leading musicians in Irish and Early Music, together recreating sounds from the Irish Baroque era.
Experience the beautiful and haunting music of Irish Harpers arranged from the original Irish and Scottish sources and played on historic and modern instruments: Irish Harp, Lute, Bandora, Baroque Guitar, Guitars, Susato Whistle, Viola da Gamba.
Musicians: Cormac Breatnach (whistles), Steve Cooney (guitars), Aisling Ennis (harp), Malachy Robinson (viola da gamba) Eamon Sweeney (lute, baroque guitar, bandora).
Booking essential. Tickets available here (€20)

The Singing Harps
2024-03-10 15:00 - 17:30 | LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre, Queen's Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
The Singing Harps
Sunday 10th March 2024, 3pm
Dún Laoghaire Lexicon Library
Claire Roche will sing accompanied by harp, a compilation of well loved Irish songs, including ‘The Spinning Wheel’, ‘ Danny Boy’ etc.
Included in her programme will be a selection of W.B Yeats’s poems set to music .
She will also present some of her original songs with harp accompaniment: these were inspired by her childhood home, once a miniature farm .
Concert length 90 minutes with interval .Tea/ Coffee and biscuits served after performance .
Tickets available here.

Finding a Voice presents: Amerghin – Wind on Sea
2024-03-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Main Guard, Clonmel, Sarsfield Street, Burgagery-Lands West, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Finding a Voice presents: Amerghin – Wind on Sea
Sunday 10th March, 1pm
Main Guard, Clonmel
€8/€5

Amerghin: Wind on Sea
Anne Marie O Farrell (harp)
Aingeala De Búrca (violin)
Tim Doyle (whistles, pipes)
Brian Fleming (bodhrán, bones, percussion)
Between them they have played with artists from Led Zeppelin to the Chieftains, Elvis Costello, In Tua Nua, Riverdance, and Mamady Keita, and in concert, chamber and baroque orchestras around the world, on more than 150 albums, in more than 50 countries. They have played every style of venue and festival in Ireland from music bars to concert halls and stadia, and from fleadhs and baroque festivals to Electric Picnics. Their combined experience as professional musicians spans 150 years.
BOOK NOW
The four members of Amerghin combine that experience to create stunning new compositions and improvisations, which co-exist on their set list with music that is older than most nations. Whether it is music from the seventeenth century or new music being improvised into existence in front of your ears, Amerghin breathe new life into everything they play.
For Finding a Voice 2024, Amerghin perform music by Máire Breatnach, Irish American fiddler Liz Carroll, Italian baroque composer Isabella Leonarda, French baroque composer Elizabeth Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, West African kora player and composer Sona Jobarte, and composer and harpist Anne-Marie O’Farrell.
Song of Amergin (Irish mythology; date unknown)
“Am gáeth I mmuir ar domni
Am tond trethan i tír
Am fúaim na mara”
“I am the wind on the sea
I am the wave on the land
I am the sound of the sea”

Launch of Harp Studies II: World Harp Traditions
2024-03-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 NCF8, Ireland
Irish World Academy Special Event: Launch of Harp Studies II: World Harp Traditions
Monday 4th March, 5pm
Irish World Academy, Theatre 2
Helen Lawlor and Sandra Joyce, co-editors, are launching the 2nd
volume in the Harp Studies series, World Harp Traditions, on March
4th, 5pm, Tower Theatre, Irish World Academy building. The launch
will feature performances by a number of the contributors to both
volumes of Harp Studies, including Helen and Sandra, Paul Dooley,
Cormac De Barra, Niall Keegan, the Cuisle Harp Ensemble directed
by Fiana Ní Chonaill, and a host of other performers.
Published by Four Courts Press, Dublin, this book situates harping
activity as a vital aspect of music making in traditions around the
world. Contributors include Helen Lawlor (TU Dublin); Sandra
Joyce (UL); Niall Keegan (UL); Deirdre Nic Chárthaigh (MU); Helen
Davies (ind.); Lia Lonnert (Linnaeus U.); Mary Louise O’Donnell
(ind.); Cormac De Barra (DkIT); Catriona Cannon (NUIG); Tristan
Le Govic (Rennes 2 U.); Joshua Dickson (Royal Conservatoire
of Scotland); Paulla Ebron (Stanford U.); Rémy Jadinon (Royal
Museum for Central Africa); Sylvie Le Bomin (Sorbonne University) and Salomé Strauch
(Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle); Lucie Rault (Muséum national d’Histoire
naturelle); Haley Hodson (ind.); Benjamin Fairfield (University of
Hawai‘i at Manoa); Suwichan Phattanaphraiwan (Bodhivijjalaya
College); Susanne Fürniss (CNRS. The National Center for Scientific
Research); Lisbeth Ahlgren Jensen (ind.).
Helen Lawlor is a Lecturer in Music at TU Dublin. Sandra Joyce is
Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,
UL.
Admission is free and all are welcome.

Marja Gaynor, Aoife Nic Athlaoich and Siobhán Armstrong @ Ortús Chamber Music Festival 2024
2024-03-03 11:00 - 13:00 | St. Peter’s Cork, Church Hill, Carrigrohane, Cork, T12 TX89, Ireland
Marja Gaynor, Aoife Nic Athlaoich and Siobhán Armstrong @ Ortús Chamber Music Festival 2024
Sunday 3rd March, 11am
St. Peter’s Cork
Siobhán Armstrong (baroque harp), Marja Gaynor (baroque violin) and Aoife Nic Athlaoich (baroque cello and 5 string piccolo cello)will perform a selection of 17th and 18th century works including:
William Byrd (c. 1540–1623) Callino Casturame
George Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Fantasia No. 2 in D Major
Giovanni Battista Draghi (c. 1640–1708) Scocca pur
Sylvius Leopold Weiss (1687–1750) Chaconne in g minor
Dario Castello (1602 – 1631) Sonata Seconda
Francesco Rognoni Taeggio Divisions on “Susanne un jour’ (1620)
Thomas Tollett (c. 1630-1696) Tollett’s Ground (From Division-Flute)
Turlough Carolan (1670–1738) Pléaráca na Ruarcach with divisions by Lorenzo Bocchi (J & W Neal, A Collection of the Most Celebrated Irish Tunes, 1724)
Georg Friederich Händel (1685–1759) Let me wander not unseen
Tickets available here and are also available at Pro Musica, 20 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 AW84.

Bolero and Babies
2024-02-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Royal Irish Academy of Music, 36-38 Westland Row, Dublin 2,, Dublin 2, D02 WY89, Ireland
Bolero and Babies
Wednesday 28th February, 11am
Royal Irish Academy of Music
Bolero for Babies provides a space for parents/guardians with babies and/or small children to enjoy a concert of well-known classical music repertoire at a time that fits the new life schedule that accompanies new arrivals, when attending an evening concert clashes with bedtime routines and involves arranging babysitters. Babies and young children are free to make noise or even crawl around to explore this new environment to some extent!
€15 tickets include access for one adult and up to 2 children under 3 years.
Fanfare for St. Edmundsbury by Britten
Germans Almaine for 3 trumpets
Dutch Dance for 3 trumpets
Canon K328 Mozart
Apres un Reve Faure arr violin and harp
Entr’acte Ibert violin and harp
Une chatelaine in sa tour Faure
Sibelius Duo for Violin and viola
CPE Bach 3 trumpets and timpani
Bolero Ravel….. and more!
Performers:
Jack O’Reilly, trumpet
Aoife Garry, trumpet
Grace Taite, trumpet
Giulio Bryant, harp
Jasmin Gallagher, violin
Katie Ni Mhaolain, viola
Derek Fu, percussion

RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards
2024-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Vicar Street, Dublin, 55-59 Thomas Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8, Dublin, Ireland
Congratulations to the harpers nominated for this year’s RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards!
RTÉ has today announced the shortlist for the 6th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards which will celebrate the very best in Irish folk music from the past year in Vicar Street, Dublin on Tuesday 27th February at 7.45pm and live on RTÉ Radio 1 from 8pm.
RTÉ moved the Awards from November 2023 to February 2024 to better reflect the full calendar year of folk music and performances and to continue to honour our wonderful folk artists and musicians.
Here is the shortlist for the 6th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards:
BEST ORIGINAL FOLK TRACK

Abigail (Tomhas Ghobnatan) – Emma Langford
Anáil na hOíche – Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
Glory Days – Steo Wall
Níl Aon Easpa Orm – Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly
Not Your Fight – The Henry Girls and Ríoghnach Connolly
Old Note – Lisa O’Neill

(2022 winner: Now You See It – Susan O’Neill)
BEST TRADITIONAL FOLK TRACK

Amhrán Pheadar Breathnach – Diane Cannon
Eileanóir a Rún – Síle Denvir
Eileanór na Rún – Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Go Dig My Grave – Lankum
Seán Gabha – Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Bláth na hÓige

(2022 winner: Róisín Dubh – Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and the Irish Chamber Orchestra)
BEST FOLK SINGER

Anna Mieke
Daoirí Farrell
Diane Cannon
Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
Lisa O’Neill
Síle Denvir

(2022 winner: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh)
BEST FOLK INSTRUMENTALIST

Aoife Ní Bhriain
Diarmuid Ó Meachair
Michael McGoldrick
Michelle Mulcahy
Sorcha Costello

(2022 winner – Cormac Begley)
BEST FOLK GROUP

Bláth na hÓige
Garadice
Lankum
Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble
The Mary Wallopers
ØXN

(2022 winner: the olllam)
BEST FOLK ALBUM

All Of This Is Chance – Lisa O’Neill
Bláth na hÓige – Bláth na hÓige
Double You – Aoife Ní Bhriain and Catrin Finch
False Lankum – Lankum
Look Over The Wall, See The Sky – John Francis Flynn

(2022 winner – Nine Waves – Ye Vagabonds (Pictured))
BEST EMERGING ARTIST

Cinder Well
Diarmuid Ó Meachair
Niamh Bury
Piaras Ó Lorcáin
Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Sorcha Costello

(2022 winner – Cathal Ó Curráin)
Tickets available here.

Harp Workshops with Michael Rooney at Belfast TradFest
2024-02-24 - 2024-02-25 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th February 2024 | 2p – 4:30pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED
Michael Rooney is a prolific composer and is widely regarded as one of the foremost players of the traditional Irish harp.

Michael was awarded the TG4 Composer of the Year in 2017. Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now a long time resident of County Sligo, Michael has composed 17 suites of music in the past 20 years, including ‘
The Ulster Suite’ (2022), ‘Clairseoireacht’ (2022), Constance (2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The Macalla Suite (2016), Boróimhe Suite (2014), The Second Coming (2014), De Cuellar Suite (2011) and Battle of the Books Suite (2007).

All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age, with the exception of Traditional Singing, Set Dancing, Sean Nós Dancing & Whistle & Sing, which are pitched at beginner level while also facilitating the more experienced.

Book your place here.

Michael Rooney & Altan at Belfast TradFest
2024-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1JQ, Ireland
Michael Rooney & Altan at Belfast TradFest
Friday 23rd February, 7pm
Empire Music Hall
Altan, a leading force in traditional Irish music for nearly 40 years, was founded by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy in the early 1980s to be later joined by Daíthí Sproule (guitar), Ciaran Curran (bouzouki), Mark Kelly (guitar), Martin Tourish (accordion). Their music, ranging from energetic dance tunes to soulful songs, reflects the depth and richness of Irish heritage. Altan’s global popularity, having toured the world over, has earned them an Irish postal stamp and recognition from Donegal County Council.
With award-winning recordings and new member Clare Friel (fiddle), they continue to thrive and share their culture worldwide. Their traditional approach and integrity have earned praise from renowned sources, solidifying their status as Celtic music pioneers.
TG4 Composer of the Year 2017, Michael Rooney grew up in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now lives in Sligo where he has become part of the musical and cultural bedrock of the region. He is recognised as one of the most influential and innovative stylists on the harp, and his virtuosic technique as well as his approach to rhythm and harmony have helped to reposition it as a popular and integral part of the living tradition.
He is also established as a significant composer of music for small and large-scale ensembles & orchestras and has composed 17 suites of music in the past 20 years, including ‘The Ulster Suite’ (2022), ‘Clairseoireacht’ (2022), Constance (2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The Macalla Suite (2016), Boróimhe Suite (2014), The Second Coming (2014), De Cuellar Suite (2011) and Battle of the Books Suite (2007).

Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend
2024-02-23 - 2024-02-25 | Belfast
Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend: 23-25th February 2024

Belfast will come alive to the sounds of traditional music once again with concerts, workshops, sessions, and talks during the Belfast TradFest 3rd annual Winter Weekend, throughout Belfast UNESCO City of Music. Taking place 23rd – 25th February and supported by Belfast City Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster University and Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, the festival programme is filled with internationally renowned talent in traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and dance.
For the opening concert, Donegal songstress Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh brings her fantastic band Altan back to Belfast to play the stunning Empire Music Hall on Friday 23rd February. Also on the bill that evening, Monaghan Harp maestro Michael Rooney plays a rare solo set in the city famed for its Harp Festival of 1792.
Longtime Tyrone resident, fiddler Bríd Harper is being celebrated with a family friendly concert on Saturday 24th February in the Mandela Hall, featuring the cream of traditional musicians and singers such as Australian guitarist Steve Cooney, Donegal accordion wizard Dermot Byrne, Breton flute player Sylvain Barou, singer Rita Gallagher and many more.
The Songs of Shane MacGowan will be celebrated and performed by a selection of some of our finest singers featuring Andrew Hendy & Finnian O’Connor (of The Mary Wallopers), Monaghan songstress Dani Larkin, Lough Neagh singer Niall Hanna, Belfast’s own Duke Special, Crossmaglen rising star Piaras Ó Lorcáin, County Derry’s Jack Warnock and Castlewellan native Múlú. Connecting the sound and spirit of punk with his traditional Irish roots, MacGowan created one of the most distinctive sounds of the past 40 years and Belfast TradFest are delighted to present these songs with some of Ulster and Ireland’s finest traditional, folk and contemporary singers.
Other highlights feature concerts with Ciarán & Caitlín, Mick O’Brien and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and a full programme of Festival Club events with acts such as Sligo’s Niamh Farrell, Jos Kelly and Cillian Doheny.
Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend is delighted to host its annual Highland Piping Solo Competition at The Deer’s Head, Sunday 25th February. A selection of Ireland’s top pipers will compete for a place in the renowned MacCrimmon Trophy Competition 2024 that takes place annually at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany.
The fantastic new Ulster University building on York Street will host workshops covering all instruments from bodhrán to banjo and smallpipes to singing. Delivered by some of the best traditional musicians from Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Beginners can also join in the fun with classes in Traditional Singing, Sean Nós Singing (unaccompanied singing in Irish) with Róisín Chambers & Gráinne Holland, whistle and sing (Ages 5 plus), Sean Nós Dancing with legendary Conamara dancer Seosamh Ó Neachtáin and set dancing with Ulster’s own Mary Fox.
The festival’s afternoon events will include album launches and a talk by Rev. Gary Hastings – ‘Lambeg Drum and Fife. Traditional Music of Ulster.’ Recently retired as a Rector in the Church of Ireland, Gary’s musical background takes in the traditions of Fermanagh, Donegal and Antrim, and he has written and lectured widely on the  Lambeg and fifing traditions associated with Orangeism.
Join the lively Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail which will take you across the city to some of Belfast’s oldest and best-loved pubs including Madden’s Bar, The Garrick, The John Hewitt, The Sunflower, The Duke of York and Hatfield House. Sessions are free, and times are staggered so that traditional music fans can fit in as much ‘ceol agus craic’ (music and fun) as possible.
The most influential Irish trad band of all time The Bothy Band are reforming and playing their first Irish concert since 1979, in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall ( sold out) on Sunday 25th February 2024. This concert will be one of the most anticipated in living memory, featuring a who’s who of Irish music; Matt Molloy (The Chieftains), Donal Lunny (Planxty, Moving Hearts), Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (Skara Brae), Kevin Burke (Patrick Street), Paddy Glackin (Ushers Island) and uilleann pipe supremo Paddy Keenan.

Lunchtime Concert: Megan O’Neill & Teresa O’Donnell
2024-02-15 13:00 - 14:00 | O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway, Cappa Villa, University Road, Galway, Galway, H91 T8WR, Ireland
In association with Arts in Action, University of Galway
Megan O’Neill, soprano
Teresa O’Donnell, harp
Songs by Schumann, Ravel and Britten performed by the winner of the 2022 RDS Music Bursary alongside concert harpist Teresa O’Donnell
THE LUNCHTIME SERIES IS SUPPORTED BY SAP
TICKETS
Although these concerts are free, it is advisable to register to avoid disappointment.
Please note that registration for this event will open approximately 7 days before the concert date.
More information here.

DCU Lunchtime Concert Series: Síle Denvir & Barry Kerr
2024-02-14 13:00 - 14:00 | DCU, DCU St Patrick's Campus, Dublin, Dublin, D09 YT18, Ireland
DCU St Patrick’s Campus (Room B118), Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9, D09 YT18
1.10-1.50pm | Free admission | No booking required
BARRY KERR and SÍLE DENVIR are two widely celebrated musicians and together they make a compelling duet, creating music that communicates the beauty of a living tradition. Their repertoire is a sympathetic merging of both traditional and original material, ranging from Síle’s ancient sean-nós songs to Barry’s self-composed modern folk tales. Their instrumental music on uilleann pipes, flute and harp is underpinned by subtle and inventive motif based arrangements. Originally from the southern shores of Lough Neagh, multi-instrumentalist, composer, songwriter, and visual artist Barry is one of Ireland’s most accomplished artists. A master on both uilleann pipes and flute, his recent work has explored the concept of relating musical performance and composition with visual art. Barry was the recipient of the Liam O’Flynn Award in 2020 and was the traditional musician in residence at UCC in 2023. Síle is a harpist and sean-nós singer who is deeply influenced by her upbringing in the Connemara Gaeltacht where she was surrounded by music and song from an early age. Síle has a deep passion for Irish language song, and through her work as an academic at Dublin City University she has honed her knowledge of this song tradition to the highest level, giving her performances an extra layer of depth and understanding. Síle was named Amhránaí na Bliana (singer of the year) in the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil in 2023 and her most recent album Anamnesis, a recording of sean-nós songs in collaboration with producer John Reynolds and cellist Caroline Dale, was also released in 2023.

Gradaim Nós 2024
2024-02-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Co. Antrim
Beidh mór-ócáid bhronnta agus ceolchoirm Ghradaim NÓS ar siúl ar an Aoine, 9ú Feabhra i mBéal Feirste. Comhghairdeas ó chroí leis na cruitirí atá ainmnithe i mbliana:

Albam na Bliana (Amhráin Thraidisiúnta)

Anamnesis – Síle Denvir
Séamus agus Caoimhe – Séamus agus Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

Físeán na Bliana

Eileanóir a Rún – Síle Denvir

Físeán na Bliana

Anamnesis – Síle Denvir

Nuatheachtaí na Bliana – Gradam Rónáin Mhic Aodha Bhuí

Bláth na hÓige

Banna / Ceoltóir na Bliana

Séamus agus Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Síle Denvir

TU Dublin Conservatoire Research Symposium
2024-02-09 | TU DUBLIN, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 H6K8, Ireland
TU Dublin Conservatoire’s Research Symposium Series celebrates and highlights the research activities at TU Dublin Conservatoire, and provides an opportunity for staff, students, graduates, and visiting scholars and performers to share their research and practice.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Nicole Grimes, University of California, Irvine, as our guest speaker. The symposium also features papers presented by research students on our Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Music in Performance (DMus) degree programmes.
TU Dublin Conservatoire has developed an active research profile in the areas of musicology, performance, music education and composition. The Conservatoire is also home to the Research Foundation for Music in Ireland. Our staff and students produce a wealth of research outputs that make a significant contribution to our understanding and knowledge of the creative and performing arts.

Schedule:
09:30am-11.00am Session 1 (EQ-118)

Jimmy Goeijenbier: Contemporary Irish Music in the Dublin International Piano Competition: Exploring the
Artistic Processes of Preparing for Performance
Fiona Gryson: ‘Tutor for the Irish Harp’ by Mother Attracta Coffey (M. A. C.) as a Source and Pedagogical Text for ‘The Irish Harp Book: a Tutor and Companion’ by Sheila Larchet Cuthbert
Marta Siermantowska: The Development of Jazz Accordion in France

11:00am Tea/Coffee Break
11:30am-12.30pm Session 2 (EQ-119)

Enrica Savigni: Mid-Nineteenth-Century Repertoire for Guitar and Piano:
Original compositions and new transcriptions
Ella Fallon: Chaminade’s London Performances of Élévation and their Reception, 1893-1930

12:30pm-13:15pm Research Students’ Panel Discussion
13:15pm Lunch Break
2:00pm Keynote Address (Concert Hall)

Dr Nicole Grimes, University of California, Irvine
Resonant Revelations: Surmounting Challenges in the Recovery and Discovery of the Music of Emilie Mayer (1812-1883)

3:30pm-5:00pm Session 3 (EQ-015)

Áine Cassidy: Who Wears the Pants? Casting Practices for the Operatic Pageboy
Sandra Oman Farren: Surviving Manon Lescaut: Navigating the Unique Vocal Complexity of Puccini’s Eponymous Heroine
Stephen Kelly: Critics and Mahler’s Timpani

Admission Free.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tu-dublin-conservatoire-research-symposium-tickets-818150489137

UCC TradFest 2024
2024-02-08 - 2024-02-11 | UCC, College Road, Cork, Cork, Ireland
UCC TradFest is back for another year, bringing a brilliant programme of traditional Irish music to Cork City from the 8th to the 11th of February. The festival kicks off in UCC’s Music Department on Thursday the 8th at 5.15pm with the annual Ó Riada Lecture, this year delivered by Professor Tríona Ní Shíocháin.
On Friday evening all roads will lead to Clancy’s at 7.30pm for the hotly-anticipated “Battle of the Bands”, where trad bands from around the country will take to the stage in the hopes of winning the €500 cash prize and a gig at the renowned Patrick O’ Keeffe festival.
Saturday’s programme is jam-packed, beginning with instrumental workshops from 10am-1pm in UCC’s music department, before a session trail will bring the finest traditional Irish musicians into some of the city’s most loved pubs. The festival’s headline concert features one of the most iconic trios in trad music, Mick, Louise and Michelle Mulcahy, at 7.30pm in the Devere Hall on UCC’s main campus.
The festival programme will come to a conclusion on Sunday at 2pm in the Shtepps, UCC Campus, with “Ceolchoirm na nÓg” a celebration of some of the emerging young talent in Co.Cork, followed by farewell sessions with UCC TradSoc. For the full list of events and details on purchasing tickets, visit our Instagram and Facebook pages, @ucctradfest @ucctradsoc
To find out more visit this link.

Session with the Pipers - Aisling Lyons, Martha Guiney, Brian McNamara & Shauna Mullin
2024-02-06 21:30 - 23:00 | The Cobblestone Pub, 77 King St N, Dublin, Dublin, D07 TP22, Ireland
Na Píobairí Uilleann are delighted to present ‘Session with the Pipers’ in The Cobblestone on Tuesday 6th February at 9:30pm, doors open at 9pm. This month’s line-up features:

Brian McNamara (uilleann pipes)
Aisling Lyons (harp)
Martha Guiney (flute)
Shauna Mullin (song)

Admission is €15 (concession rate €10).Please note that the Cobblestone is an Over 18s Only Venue.
Seating is not allocated and is available on a first come first served basis.
Supported by Arts Council Ireland.
Tickets available here.

Grainne Hambly Harp Workshop at The John Mc Fadden Weekend
2024-02-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Newport National School, Newport, Co. Mayo, F28 ED89, Ireland
Gráinne is from County Mayo, Ireland is an internationally recognised exponent of the Irish harp, and is in great demand as a performer and teacher, both at home and abroad. Gráinne started to play Irish music on the tin whistle at an early age, before moving on to the concertina and later the harp. She lived in Belfast for six years, where she completed a Masters Degree in Musicology, awarded by Queen’s University (1999). Her main research topic was folk music collections and the harp in 18th-century Ireland. She also completed the Graduate Diploma in Education (Music) at the University of Limerick.
Gráinne has been playing professionally as a solo musician for the past 20 years, and has performed on various occasions in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Colombia, Israel, and Japan, as well as touring extensively in the United States, giving concerts, workshops and masterclasses. She has also toured and recorded with various artists, including the Belfast Harp Orchestra, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann and Irish Christmas In America.
She has attracted glowing praise for her live performances and recorded material, which brilliantly showcase what has been described as her ‘absolute mastery of the Irish harp’. Known for the sensitivity and expressive quality of her air-playing, as well as her dynamic performance of dance tunes, Gráinne’s playing illustrates the full range and scope of this instrument. She specialises in teaching Irish traditional music ‘by ear’ and offers private lessons and intensive tuition options at her home, as well as teaching at various annual summer schools and harp festivals including Scoil Éigse. She is also co-director of Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble, a group of 30 young harpers aged 10-18 years.
Gráinne has featured on a number of recordings both as guest artist and accompanist. She has released three critically acclaimed solo CDs, and two books of arrangements. Her most recent collaboration is with Scottish harper William Jackson, with whom she frequently tours. They have released a recording Music from Ireland and Scotland (2009) and published some arrangements for harp ensemble.
Tickets available here

Laoise Kelly Harp Workshop at The John McFadden Weekend
2024-02-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Newport National School, Newport, Co. Mayo, F28 ED89, Ireland
Harp Workshop with Laoise Kelly
Harper Laoise Kelly is from Westport and now lives on Achill Island. She learned her music at home and from great local heroes like John Hoban, Pat Friel, Liam Grealis and Jennie Kilroy. In 2020 she was awarded TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year. She has recorded three solo albums and two duo albums with fiddle player Michelle O’Brien and uilleann piper Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn. Laoise was a founding member of trad groups ‘Bumblebees’, and ‘Fiddletree’, from America, Cape Breton and Scotland who play eight instruments made from the same tree. She collaborates regularly with Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn, fiddler Tola Custy, box players Breanndán Begley and Josephine Marsh, fiddler Tara Breen and singer Nell Ní Chróinín. Her harp has brought her all over the world performing and teaching.
“Her right hand fires out tunes with a fluidity, creativity and clarity that has revolutionised the harp as a solo instrument; her left hand is the source of a new voice in the world of accompaniment and groove, rooted in her engagement with the contemporary world of guitar, bouzouki, bodhrán and keyboard while being distinct in its own right. Laoise has made it OK for a harp to sit in the centre of the session and be the heart of the trad band headlining the festival.” – Niall Keegan, Irish World Academy, UL.
Tickets available here

First Fridays: Elaine Hogan and Sheila Garry
2024-02-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
First Fridays at glór: Elaine Hogan and Sheila Garry

Harper Elaine Hogan grew up with a love for all types of music but felt a particular pull towards the Irish traditional world. A
graduate of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, she has produced three albums, showcasing her solo work, as well has her collaborations with other musicians. Fiddle player Sheila Garry grew up surrounded by traditional music. She is a graduate of UCC and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and has also appeared on several albums.
Together, Elaine and Sheila recorded an acclaimed traditional duet album, The Shores of Lough Breda, which they look forward to revisiting in this concert.
Tickets available here.

Féile na Tána
2024-01-29 - 2024-02-02 | Carlingford Heritage Centre, Church Road, Carlingford, Co. Louth, Ireland
Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland at Féile na Tana
CÉHI are delighted to partner with Féile na Tána in February 2024 to present a series of harp events.
On Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th January, Dublin harper Luke Webb will visit a number of schools in the Cooley Peninsula and present a Hands on Harps Schools Workshop.

Join us for Ceolchoirm Coimisiúin na Féile for performances from the Harps Alive Cross Border Harp Ensemble, featuring the TU Dublin and Elver harp ensembles, as well as Peadar Ó Riada, Máire Ní Chéileachair and musicians Zoë Conway & John Mc Intyre.
Not to be missed!
Tickets available here

Síle Denvir - Tradfest 2024
2024-01-28 12:30 - 13:00 | Swords Castle, The Chapel, Bridge Street, Townparks, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X439, Ireland
Síle Denvir is a sean-nós singer and harpist deeply influenced by her home, the Connemara Gaeltacht in Ireland. Her singing, deeply rooted in the ancient style of sean-nós, carries a global appeal through her ethereal performances. She has collaborated with renowned Irish musicians and is a founding member of the group Líadan. As an academic at Dublin City University, she has extensively researched and published works on Irish song tradition, adding further depth to her performances. Síle’s latest album, “Anamnesis,” recorded with producer John Reynolds and cellist Caroline Dale, was released in 2023. Recently, she was honoured with the title of “Amhránaí na Bliana” (singer of the year) at the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards.

Tickets available here.
