Workshops in music, song and dance come no better than in ‘Ceardlann Earraigh’, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, in this its thirteenth consecutive year. Established by the Kildare County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, this year’s event takes place on Saturday March 27th 2010.
Present will be ‘Concertina Maestro’ Noel Hill and Clare Fiddler Tony Linnane. All students of Irish Music are familiar with the iconic recording of this duet from 1978 which many have described as the ‘best traditional Irish music recording of all time’. It’s hard to believe that it’s all of thirty two years since this influential recording was made, a recording that has influenced a generation of Irish musicians with its inventiveness and above all its incomparable music. All those who attend the workshops can only benefit from the genius of these two masters and for those attending the ‘Grand Concert’ in The Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth at 8pm on March 27th, it should be a rare privilege to hear Noel and Tony play together again, in what will be a fantastic highlight for Ceardlann.
Also joining Ceardlann Earraigh this year will be Kerryman Danny O’Mahony on accordian. Danny, one of the tastiest accordian players around. also presents an acclaimed, weekly, traditional music programme ‘Trip to the Cottage’ on Radio Kerry. He teaches at many workshops throughout the length and breadth of the country and has been a constant at Scoil Éigse, the traditional music school that is an integral part of ‘Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann’.
Tutoring on fiddle, along with Tony Linnane, will be Michelle O’Brien from Clare. Michelle, whose style is hugely influenced by the playing of Tommy Peoples, is a member of the well established and much travelled group ‘Providence’ and is much sought after as a teacher.
Teaching tin whistle for the third year is the incomparable and Ireland’s best, Seán Ryan. Seán has made many acclaimed recordings and his unique style is hugely respected and loved. His performance at the ‘The Grand Concert’ is always eagerly anticipated. Bodhrán wizard Junior Davey is welcomed back to ‘Ceardlann’ again this year. 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 Declan Folan substantiates this view. There’s always high demand for places in both Seán and Junior’s classes so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Sarah-Jane Woods from Dublin will be teaching flute. Sarah-Jane has toured internationally with the group Liadán and is a much sought after tutor, as is Méabh Ní Lochlainn who will be teaching tin whistle this year. Along with Sarah-Jane she tutors annually at the ‘Joe Mooney Summer School’ in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim and Comhaltas’ 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 famed for his equal brilliance as an accompanist on the piano and is to be heard backing many of ‘The Greats’ on their CDs. Brian is a member of the famed group ‘At the Racket’ and has travelled extensively both at home and abroad. Singing classes at Ceardlann will be in the expert hands of Edel Vaughan from Clare. Edel performs with Brú Ború in Cashel during the summer months and like Brian has travelled all over the globe .
For followers of Set Dancing, master tutor Gerard Butler from Longford doesn’t need an introduction. Gerard promises an enjoyable and informative day in all the intricacies that make up the set dancing tradition.