Workshops in music and song, come no better than in ‘Ceardlann Earraigh’, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, celebrating 11 years in existence. Established by the Kildare County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, this year’s event takes place on the 15th March, 2008 – St. Patrick’s Weekend - and what better way to celebrate the national festival than in the company of some of Ireland’s greatest musicians, for expert tuition during the day and for our ‘Grand Concert’ that night. This year’s event promises to be the best to date with an all-star line up of tutors
The excellent list of tutors speaks for itself. Present will be ‘Concertina Maestro’ Noel Hill and ‘Mr. Uilleann Pipes’ himself Mick O’Brien, whose CD with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh is a must for any student of traditional music. Joining Ceardlann Earraigh for the first time this year will be Kerry duo Aoife Granville on flute and Danny O’Mahony on accordian. Aoife is recognised as one of Ireland’s best exponents on the flute and her CD ‘Sráid Eoin Shuffle’ was released in 2007 to critical acclaim. Currently undertaking post graduate studies in music in UCC, Aoife is an experienced tutor as is Danny, one of the tastiest accordian players around. Both have taught at many workshops throughout the length and breadth of the country. Kathleen Nesbitt, whose fiddle tutor ‘Fidil’ is seen as a landmark publication for those interested in improving their playing, returns to ‘Ceardlann Earraigh’ again and together with ‘Fiddle Master’ Antóin MacGabhann and virtuoso Donegal player Bríd Harper a mighty day’s teaching is guaranteed. Tutoring tin whistle for the second successive year is the incomparable Sligo musician Carmel Gunning. She has made many acclaimed recordings and anyone who attended the Ceardlann Earraigh concert last year won’t forget Carmel’s duet with Bodhrán wizard Junior Davey. Junior is seen by many to be the leading bodhrán player of his generation and a listen to his CD ‘Skin and Bow’, a duet with David Folan substantiates this view. Sarah-Jane Woods who is a member of the highly successful all female trad group ‘Líadan’ will be teaching flute. Liadán recently released a successful CD, toured the United States as support to the ‘Chieftains’ and have performed at all the major traditional festivals around Ireland. Méabh Ní Lochlainn will be teaching concertina this year. Along with Sarah-Jane she tutors annually at the ‘Joe Mooney Summer School’ in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim and Comhaltas’s own Scoil Éigse at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Teaching Banjo is the renowned and versatile Brian McGrath. Originally from Tyrone but now living in Galway, he is much sought after for his equal brilliance as an accompanist on the piano and is to be heard backing many of ‘The Greats’ on their CDs. Singing classes at Ceardlann will be in the expert hands of Tadhg Maher. Tadhg released his first solo CD ‘Straight From The Heart’ in 2006 and is a valued member of Brú Ború in Cashel where he performs during the summer months. All these great musicians along with the Galmoy Set Dancers from Kilkenny, and other special guests, will perform in the ‘Ceardlann Earraigh Grand Concert’ in the Glenroyal Hotel at 8pm on Saturday 15th March 2008 following the workshops.