A feature of the Winter School each year, this event always guarantees a wide range of styles from some of the finest traditional flute players around. This year is no exception. As well as some of the teachers of the Winter School, we are delighted to have on board three exceptional exponents: Caoimhín Ó Fearghaill, from Ring, Co Waterford, who was the recipient of this years TG4, Young Musician of the Year; Paula Houton from Inis Eoghan, Co Donegal; and John Blake from London.
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At My Grandmother’s Knee And Other Such Joints is a new release of this fine trio. It’s a collection of tunes and songs, which celebrates the repertoire and distinctive style of Mayo fiddle player Mick O’Grady. Mick O'Grady is a fiddle player and singer. He was born in Dowra Leitrim but grew up in Kilmovee Mayo.. He's lived in London and America and been influenced first hand by fiddle players such as Fred Finn, Pack Spellman and Martin Byrnes. Along with Mick are both acclaimed fiddle player Jesse Smith & Piano accompanist John Blake, both good friends of Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy. Special guest for this afternoons concert is local singer from Gaoth Dobhair, Dominic Mac Giolla Bhríde - a distinguished composer, Uilleann Piper as well as an acclaimed exponent of the Donegal singing tradition.
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Iarla Ó Lionáird grew up and learned his craft in the musical heartland of Cúil Aodha in the West Cork Gaeltacht. From his iconic early recording of the vision song ‘Aisling Gheal’ whilst still a boy, through many recordings Ó Lionáird established himself both as a masterful exponent of Sean Nós Song and as a pioneer in its renewal and development. Ó Lionáird’s latest solo album "Foxlight" is considered by many, including the Irish Times as 2011 Album of the year in the traditional music section. For over thirty years, Steve Cooney has made a significant contribution to Traditional Irish Music, with contributions on hundreds of recordings, as well as performing with artists including Sharon Shannon, Altan and Martin Hayes. He has performed with International Artists also, including Chuck Berry, Mark Knopfler and David Gilmour. Special guests for the evening are Altan’s Button Accordionist, Dermot Byrne and fiddler Bríd Harper. Both highly regarded as exponents of the traditional music of Donegal. This stunning duo has mesmerized audiences everywhere with their wonderful performances together.
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A regular teacher of the concertina at Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy, Caitlín is a three times All-Ireland champion, an performs regularly at various festivals and concert halls from North America all the way to Asia. She is also an accomplished dancer and in 2009, and has toured with Riverdance for many years. 2012 saw the release of her debut solo album ‘Caitlín’, which has received high praise. Caoimhín Ó Fearghail is a multi instrumentalist who was the recipient of this years TG4 Young Musician of the Year. From Ring, county Waterford, Caoimhín is a fledgling piper and has won three All-Ireland titles under the age of twelve. He has also won awards as a soloist on other instruments. Special guest for this concert is local singer song-writer Emma Ní Fhíoruisce, who performs and teaches music with local group An Crann Óg.
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Founder member of legendary bands including Sweeney’s Men, Planxty and Patrick Street, Andy continues to pursue new combinations and styles of music. He has broadened his musical horizons over the course of his forty-year career to encompass the musical styles of countries he visits, such as the Balkan folk style of playing. Between the achievements of his solo, group work and collaborations, he is a highly revered troubadour of the Irish music world. Séamie O’Dowd’s musical abilities have become increasingly familiar at international level in recent years. Rooted deeply in the traditional music of Sligo, he has played in many genres of acoustic and electric music. He toured the world for a number of years with Sligo group Dervish and recently has played both home and abroad with Christy Moore, Máirtín O’Connor, Liam O’Flynn, and many more.
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Mixing traditional Irish songs with the power and delicacy of duelling Uilleann Pipes, fiddle, whistles, guitar and bodhrán, At First Light create a sonic landscape that takes the audience on a journey of discovery from the roots to the future of the Irish tradition. Featuring masterful musicianship from John McSherry, Dónal O'Connor, Francis McIlduff, Ciara McCrickard and their guests, the finest in the Celtic world, At First Light explore fresh perspectives on the living tradition. Each member of the group has influenced Celtic folk music, from featuring on Grammy-award winning recordings to collaborating live with the world's greatest folk and contemporary artists. Newest band member, Ciara McCrickard, carries the pedigree of the great Ulster song tradition into the new millennium, having learned at the feet of many of the masters. Her crystalline tone and intricate turns, combined with a vocal honesty, bring to audiences, a voice that only comes along once in a generation.
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The Contribution of Francie Mooney to writing and translating songs in the Irish language, including such classics as “Gleanntáin Ghlas Ghaoth Dobhair” as well as “An Barbara Allen” and "Mo Ghloine Uisce Beatha”, is widely known. In 2010 Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy created Gradam Francie Mooney, to give recognition to a musician or singer where the Irish language is a significant feature in their work. In appreciation of his work and commitment to the Irish language, this year’s recipient is Liam Ó Maonlaí. The Irish language features very much in his solo work as well as his many years of performing with the Hothouse Flowers. We are also making giving a special award to Caitlín and PJ Joe Jack. Through an Crann Óg they have done tremendous in developing the music of young generations in Gaoth Dobhair for many years.
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Come join us for what promises to be a fun-filled night of celebration, music and dance with some of the great performers traditional Irish music, Breanndán Begley, Steve Cooney with special guests Liam Ó Maonlaí & Reel it. From the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry, Breanndán exciting dance music, and beautiful singing makes him a great favourite. Steve Cooney is without question one of the finest amongst traditional guitar players. He is a highly accomplished melody player as well as composer also. N.B. Some food will be provided on the night. We suggest you bring your own drink, if you wish. Buses will be organized to and from Dobhar for this event. Under 18’s must be accompanied by their parents or guardian.
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This Winter School occasion is great each year, as it promises to be an afternoon where the audience has an opportunity to experience the rich culture of locally celebrated songs. A relaxed laid-back event for the afternoon of New Year’s day, for both young and old.
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For over 25 years they have continued to bring the music of their native Donegal to people all over the world, with stunning performances at all times. Altan, without question are one of the most important live acts in traditional Irish music today. Described the Boston Globe as now “the hottest group in the Celtic realm”, this fabulous emerged from the stunning duet playing of Frankie Kennedy and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. The DNA of their music from the start stemmed from Gaoth Dobhair, and the people associated with its rich music heritage. This is still th case with Altan, and they always look forward to performing at this annual concert – it being the place where it all started. The Winter School is delighted to have Belfast group Réalta as guests for the evening. This young energetic group features Conor Lambe and Aaron O’Hagan on Uilleann Pipes; Deirdre Galway on guitar & Vocals; and Mick McCluskey on bouzouki.
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