Ten renowned professionals and 108 Young Musicians from eight counties in Ireland gathered this week in Borris, County Carlow to take part in Music @ Mount Leinster 2017.
Now in its third year, this large-scale traditional Irish music festival was held over three-days comprising music-making, collaboration, performances and informal seisiúin.
The young people were hosted at Borris Vocational School for the duration of the festival, which is facilitated by Music Generation Carlow, supported by Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board and Carlow County Council.
Over the course of the festival the young musicians from Music Generation partner programmes in Clare, Donegal, Carlow, Cork, Laois, Louth, Sligo and Wicklow were guided by leading musician-mentors including Damien Mullane (Button Accordion); Liam Bradley (Piano); Michael Rooney (Harp); Ernestine Healy (Concertina); Mikie Smyth (Uilleann Pipes); Tola Custy (Fiddle); James Mahon (Uilleann Pipes and Flute); Clara Mannion (Concertina); Niall Murphy (Fiddle) and Aimee Farrell Courtney (Bodhrán).
The young people were challenged to hone and develop their skills in groups and larger ensembles, culminating in a grand finale showcase concert on the final evening, Thursday 23 February 2017. Participants from Music Generation Clare were Fionn O’Gorman, Jack Fairfield, Eimear Watson, Katie Donohue and Laura Donohue who work with musician Eddie McMahon on the Clare Trazz Programme, Sunday mornings in Killaloe.
Music Generation Clare is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme that helps children and young people access vocal and instrumental tuition locally.
Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships, it is guided by the following core values: access, quality, partnerships, diversity, creativity and sustainability,
For information on similar such opportunities and programmes, please contact Music Generation Clare, Limerick and Clare ETB, Station Road, Ennis, info@musicgenerationclare.ie or 065-6866743