Young traditional players to gather at Mount Leinster for a week of music-making and performance

Music @ Mount Leinster is a unique event and music camp for young traditional Irish musicians, which takes place from 16 – 18 February in Borris, County Carlow. Now in its second year, the event celebrates the art of existing and developing talent on the traditional Irish music scene, and provides a valuable opportunity for young people from across Ireland to share their skills and forge new musical partnerships.

Over three inspirational and energising days young musicians from Carlow, Mayo, Sligo, Wicklow and Laois will gather together to learn about group music-making from renowned artists including Zoe Conway and John McIntyre (fiddle and guitar), Niamh Dunne (fiddle and voice), Jack Talty (concertina), Aimee Farrell Courtney (bodhrán), Conor Crimmins (traditional flute), and Dave Power (uileann pipes).

These master musicians will each deliver a series of masterclasses and workshops in Borris Vocational School. They will work both one-to-one and in groups with the young musicians, who range in age from 12 – 18, allowing them to learn and share ideas in this special setting.

The groups taking part in this cross-county initiative, hosted by Music Generation Carlow, are:

• Borris Vocational School Group and Reelig (Carlow)
• Bofield Traditional Music Group (Mayo)
• Sáile (Sligo)
• Blessington and Bray Traditional Groups (Wicklow)
• Music Generation Laois Traditional Group (Laois)

In addition to the daytime music camp, Music @ Mount Leinster will include two concerts hosted by Music Generation Carlow. On Wednesday 17 February at 8pm the professional musicians will play a session in the Sacred Heart Church – an intimate evening of music that will demonstrate the world-class quality of their playing and is guaranteed to entertain.

The finale concert will be held on Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm, when the 69 young traditional musicians will come together to perform in their groups, showcasing their experience and artistry.

Both concerts are open to the public, with seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations are welcome at the door, with proceeds going to Music Generation Carlow.

For further information about this and other Music Generation Carlow programmes and events contact:

Paula Phelan, Co-ordinator, Music Generation Carlow
Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, Athy Road, Carlow

t: 059 9138583
e: pphelan@kcetb.ie
w: musicgenerationcarlow.ie