The Ark: Upcoming music events for Early Years and children up to 12yrs of age

The Ark is a unique, purpose-built cultural centre in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar, where children aged 2 -12 can explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, dance and more.

There are several upcoming music events at The Ark offering opportunities for Early Years music experience and other exciting music events for children up to 12 years of age.

Here is a list of upcoming events:

Early Years Trad Music: A joyful concert for 2-4 year olds. Part of Temple Bar Tradfest. 23 Jan

Join traditional musicians Fiona Kelleher and Jim Murray for a gentle toe-tapping performance of traditional songs and music especially for little ears to enjoy.

Fiona is known as a singer and performer for young audiences, and Jim has been the guitarist with Sharon Shannon’s band for many years.

Fiona Kelleher also teaches in Music Generation Cork's Yearly Years Music Programme.
The performance will include songs in Irish and English.

FullSet Scools Concert: An energetic schools concert. Part of Temple Bar Tradfest. 24 Jan

Rising stars of the trad world FullSet combine uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, vocals and a guest dancer in an energetic and accessible trad concert for primary school groups. Recently named “New Group of the Year” in the liveIreland Music Awards, FullSet have been compared to supergroups Danú and Altan. Catch them while you can.

FullSet will be joined on stage by traditional irish dancer Cal Moran (Riverdance, Irish Dance & Celtic Rising).

Children’s Open Trad Session 2014 25 Jan - 26 Jan

The chance for to come and play in a real trad session! Part of Temple Bar Tradfest.

Drop in to our open trad seisiún, especially for children, led by members of Ceoltóirí Chluain Tarbh, a long established and highly active Irish music organisation. Children who can play a tune on the fiddle, bodhrán, harp, concertina, or any instrument at all (even non-traditional instruments) are welcome to come along and give trad music a try. Recommended for children who are learning music.

Families are invited to come, watch and enjoy!

Battle of the Bodhráns 25 Jan

Everyone's a winner in this fun musical battle! Part of Temple Bar Tradfest.

Come and celebrate 1,000 years since the Battle of Clontarf by joining a team and learning to play a simple rhythm or two on the bodhrán. Your skill of playing will become your musical weapon when we bring it all together for a giant musical battle between the two teams – who can play the loudest, fastest, best? Who can lead their team to musical victory? Everyone wins in this musical battle which promises to be an outrageously fun event at full volume.

No experience necessary.

Bodhráns kindly provided by Waltons Music.

FullSet Family Concert 25 Jan

An energetic concert with "New group of the Year" FullSet. Part of Temple Bar Tradfest.

Rising stars of the trad world FullSet combine fiddle, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, button accordion and vocals in an energetic trad concert, guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Recently named “New Group of the Year” in the live Ireland Music Awards, Fullset have been compared to supergroups Danú and Altan. Catch them while you can.

Karan Casey and Niall Vallely Family Concert 26 Jan

A delightful selection of trad and folk music for all the family to enjoy. Part of Temple Bar Tradfest.

World class Irish singer Karan Casey and celebrated musician Niall Vallely (concertina and low whistle),perform a delightful selection of traditional and folk songs and tunes especially for families to enjoy. Karan has released five solo albums including an album for children, and has performed with numerous folk and trad legends including James Taylor, Liam Clancy, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Peggy Seeger, The Dubliners, and Lunasa.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear Karan and Niall perform together in the intimate setting of The Ark’s theatre.

Schools Concert: The Forest of the Imagination 3 Mar - 4 Mar

A performance for schools with the Fidelio Trio, presented in association with St Patrick's College Drumcondra.

Discover the phantasy world of Hebrides fairy tales with music by Alasdair Nicolson and animals of Southern Africa you may not have met before through the composer Robert Fokkens all performed by dynamic musicians of The Fidelio Trio.

Presented with funding from the Music Network Music Capital Scheme, funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Teachers’ Event with The Fidelio Trio 4 Mar

A special music event for teachers with Dr John Buckley and The Fidelio Trio.
Presented in association with St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra

To complement The Fidelio Trio’s performances at The Ark for schools, teachers are invited to join us for a special afternoon music event with guest speaker Dr John Buckley, composer and faculty member of the Music Department at St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. Dr Buckley is well known for his work as a composer and is also active as a lecturer on composition and music in education. Dr Buckley will speak on the broad theme of classical music in the primary classroom linking his insights to elements within the music that The Fidelio Trio will perform during a short recital after the talk. Teachers will also have the opportunity to connect with colleagues over some light refreshments.

For more details about any of these events, sound bites music, and to book tickets, visit The Ark's website.