www.consairtin.ie

Consairtín 2017, the fourth national concertina convention, will take place in Ennis, Co Clare on 21, 22 & 23 April.

Consairtín is a celebration of the concertina in traditional Irish music. The past few years has witnessed an exponential rise in the popularity of the instrument among traditional players in Ireland and the establishment of a national convention now provides a platform for enthusiasts of all ages to gather in an environment that encourages learning, discussion, performance and fun.
Situated in the heart of Co Clare, where concertina playing has been an integral part of traditional music life for centuries, and where it is currently thriving, Ennis is an ideal venue for such a festival and the event salutes the instrument’s special place in the local musical landscape. Some of the most highly-regarded practitioners and teachers from throughout Ireland and further afield will gather to share their expertise and showcase their musical virtuosity.

Performers and teachers already confirmed for the convention include the Mulcahy and O’Brien families, Cormac Begley, Aogán Lynch, Dave Townsend, Mary MacNamara, Pádraig Rynne, Micheál Ó Raghallaigh, Edel Fox and Neill Byrne, Ernestine Healy, Lorraine O’Brien, Cáitlín Nic Gabhann, Jack Talty, Katie O’Sullivan, Mairéad Corridan, Clara Mannion, Caoilfhionn Ní Fhrighil and Francis Cunningham.

The principal events of the weekend will include:

•    classes for players of all ages and abilities with experienced tutors

•    instrument maintenance tutorials with Sean Ó Fearghail that will give students a hands-on opportunity to learn basic maintenance skills

•    EXPO, featuring leading concertina makers including Juergen Suttner, Ralph Schlimm, Jose Claro and Colin and Rosalie Dipper. Concertina merchandise shop, selling CDs, books, jewellery, ornaments, T-shirts, hoodies and much more.

•    specialist workshops for advanced players with Aogán Lynch, Dave Townsend and Cormac Begley

•    official opening by Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Sonny Murray Memorial Lecture on the English village band tradition with Dave Townsend

•    nightly Club Consairtín sessions hosted by leading players

•    three concerts featuring:

the Mulcahy family and finalists from the Siansa Gael-Linn competition for young traditional groups (Friday night – Old Ground Hotel)

the O’Brien Family, featuring TG4 Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana, Liam Obrien, Dave Townsend and the Irish Concertina Ensemble (Saturday night – Old Ground Hotel)

Edel Fox, Neill Byrne and Jack Talty with finalists from the Siansa Gael-Linn competition for young traditional groups (Sunday evening – Old Ground Hotel)

•    Concertina by Candlelight: late-night recitals on Friday and Saturday, featuring Ernestine Healy, Aogán Lynch, Cormac Begley, Jack Talty and many more

•    two showcase recitals by younger performers, one highlighting Clare musicians and the other featuring concertina players from throughout Ireland. These events will be followed by open sessions for teenage players of all instruments

•    sessions, tunes and stories in memory of Dympna O’Sullivan and Tom Carey

•    spoken Irish class for beginners

Beidh go leor de imeachtaí an deireadh seachtaine, idir ranganna, coirmeacha agus seisiúin, á reachtáil trí mheán na Gaeilge.

Further information:

Áine Hensey: 086-2612127;  Tim Collins: 087-2605689
aine@consairtin.ie; tim@consairtin.ie
Facebook: Consairtin
Twitter: @consairtin_aine.