The much anticipated Siansa Gael Linn 2019 final will take place in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, 7 April next,  and will see close contest between eight groups, with representation from Counties Derry, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Mayo and Sligo!

This is the climax of the competition which is organized annually by Gael Linn, with support from Irish Music Magazine and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.  Siansa showcases the cream of young Irish traditional musical and singing talent, all through the medium of Irish, and attracts groups of the highest caliber year after year. Out of an initial entry of over 60 groups for the 2019 competition, the eight finalists qualified through two preliminary rounds of the competition since December last. They are:  ‘Léargas’, County Tipperary, ‘Lonrach’, County Laois, ‘Tigh Tara’, Loreto College, Coleraine, County Derry, ‘Finscéal’, County Limerick, ‘Cuisle’, County Clare, ‘Aontacht’, County Sligo and two groups from Mayo, ‘Siar’ and ‘Ildánach’. On the big night, each group will play their own ten to twelve minute selection of traditional music, along with a song in Irish, arranged in a new and innovative way, on the National Concert Hall stage. (more…)

on Sunday 7^th April [Free & Family Friendly] and at Concerts in Galway on 4^th April and in Dublin on 5^th April

We are delighted to announce that the Experience Japan Festival Committee is organizing a unique fusion music concert on April 4th in Galway at the An Taibhdhearc and 5th in Dublin at the Smock Alley Theatre.

Experience Japan is the community organization to encourage Irish citizens to appreciate and encourage cultural exchange between both countries.  The Experience Japan Hanami Festival is held once a year in Farmleigh House and Estate with an average over of 20,000 people attending and has lots of cross-cultural experiences.

Each year one of the highlights are the fusion performances with Japanese taiko drumming and Irish music.  Over the ten years of the festival, the Experience Japan Taiko Team has developed and expanded these activities with the team being recognised by the Japanese Government for the high standards achieved (in the form of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Commendation Award).  The EJ Taiko team has also performed at many different events and concerts such as Dublin New Year Festival, GAA, Women’s Rugby World Cup, Dublin Convention Centre and in 2016 the junior members performing on the Late Late Toy Show. (more…)

Bewley’s Café Theatre, Grafton Street
THURSDAY, 18 AIBREÁN 2019

6p.m. – 8p.m. (Doors open from 5.45 p.m)

Back by popular demand, with music from their new CD, Heritage Hall, and more!

*BACKWEST*

(www.backwestmusic.com) 
Maureen Browne (Fidil/Fiddle)

Brendan Browne (Bosca Ceoil/Accordian)

Peter Vickers (Cnagcheol, Damhsa/Percussion,Dance) agus

PJ McDonald (Amhráin, Giotár, Feadóg/ Songs, Guitar, Whistle)

Seo blaiseadh beag - https://youtu.be/rU63VcPrG0k

ADMISSION: €15 (nibbles included!)

Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks, Tea & Coffee available for purchase

Booking essential (limited space!)

087/2547574

The much anticipated Siansa Gael Linn 2019 final will take place in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, 7 April next,  and will see close contest between eight groups, with representation from Counties Derry, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Mayo and Sligo!

This is the climax of the competition which is organized annually by Gael Linn, with support from Irish Music Magazine and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.  Siansa showcases the cream of young Irish traditional musical and singing talent, all through the medium of Irish, and attracts groups of the highest caliber year after year. Out of an initial entry of over 60 groups for the 2019 competition, the eight finalists qualified through two preliminary rounds of the competition since December last. They are:  ‘Léargas’, County Tipperary, ‘Lonrach’, County Laois, ‘Tigh Tara’, Loreto College, Coleraine, County Derry, ‘Finscéal’, County Limerick, ‘Cuisle’, County Clare, ‘Aontacht’, County Sligo and two groups from Mayo, ‘Siar’ and ‘Ildánach’. On the big night, each group will play their own ten to twelve minute selection of traditional music, along with a song in Irish, arranged in a new and innovative way, on the National Concert Hall stage. (more…)

Music Network today welcomed the announcement by Josepha Madigan TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, confirming funding of €270,250 for the Music Capital Scheme 2019.

The Music Capital Scheme, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and managed by Music Network, comprises two distinct awards that provide funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups and to individual professional performing musicians.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan TD said:
“I am very pleased that my Department is once again in a position to support the Music Capital Scheme, a vital music resource through which groups and talented individuals may be awarded funding towards the purchase of musical instruments. The Music Capital Scheme has benefitted thousands of people since its inception and this year’s scheme will add to the 349 awards granted to musicians and organisations under the scheme to date, supporting a range of individuals and groups countrywide”.

Commenting on the announcement, Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston said:
“We greatly appreciate the continued support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in providing capital funding for instruments to musicians and a diverse range of groups such as youth bands, ensembles, orchestras, community initiatives and resource organisations. The instruments provided through the Music Capital Scheme continue to make a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music making and live music performance throughout Ireland”.
(more…)

Waterford musician Rebecca McCarthy-Kent took home the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal and a cheque for €2500 at the final in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork over the weekend.  There were seventeen in total in the final, which was focused on fiddle this year.

Rebecca, 23, is from Tramore, Co. Waterford and plays both classical and traditional music and also composes, with a special interest in classical/trad fusion.  Fiddle and piano are her main instruments.  She is currently studying for a Masters in Traditional Music Performance in The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in the University of Limerick, and is a qualified primary school teacher.
(more…)