February 8th–10th, 2013
Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
www.oac.ie

Oidhreacht an Chláir will present the first annual Concertina Cruinniú on February 8th, 9th and 10th, 2013 in Miltown Malbay.
While well-established annual events such as the uilleann pipers’ Tionól, the harpists’ Cúirt Cruitearachta, Cruinniú na bhFliúit in Cúil Aodha and Cairdeas na bhFidléirí’s fiddle week in Glencolumcille provide a forum for enthusiasts and practitioners on most traditional instruments, there has been no similar celebration of the concertina in Ireland for a number of years.

Situated in the heart of west Clare, where concertina playing has been an integral part of traditional music life for centuries and where it is currently thriving, Miltown Malbay is an ideal location for such a festival and the event will salute the instrument’s special place in the local musical landscape.
The principal events of the weekend will include:
· Official opening and lecture by Dan Worrall, regarded as the leading expert on the social history of the Anglo–German concertina worldwide.
· Classes for players of all ages and abilities with experienced tutors.
· Instrument maintenance workshops with Stephen Chambers.
· Intimate sessions with some of Clare and Ireland’s leading concertina players.
· An afternoon with some of Clare’s legendary masters of the concertina who will share their memories of the players who influenced them and the tunes they learned from the older generations.
· A concert featuring top-class artists performing on the concertina in a variety of interesting combinations.
· Showcase performances by some of Clare’s younger players that will confirm that the instrument is flourishing among the new generations of music makers in the county and beyond.
· An exhibition of old and rare concertinas as well as archive audio, video and photographic material.

Further details and a full programme of events will be available shortly at www.oac.ie