Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance

Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance

Monday, 24 June 2019, 9.30am

The Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance returns to the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick for the 23rd successive year this June 24th – July 5th. 

Students attending the course will benefit from the wisdom and tutelage of eminent figures of the traditional world such as Dónal Lunny, Kevin Crawford, Siobhán Peoples, John Carty, Jim Higgins, Ciara Sexton, and Karan Casey, to name but a few.

Blas, directed by Pamela Cotter, has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most prestigious university accredited summer schools, drawing students from all over the world to spend two weeks gaining access to the expertise of some of Ireland’s finest artists. In addition to expert tuition and master classes, Blas students can expect a whole range of activities including lectures on Irish traditional music and dance topics, Irish language classes, lunchtime and evening concerts, sessions, céilithe, field-trips and above all, the unique opportunity to share tunes with some of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians.

Following its launch, a range of public events will take place throughout the summer school, including the annual Francis Roche Memorial lecture, the Blas Bilingual Interview with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Áine Hensey, and daily lunchtime concerts with Blas tutors.

Blas is also proud to present a public céilí featuring The Shandrum Céilí Band on Thurs June 27th at 8:30pm in Pery’s Hotel Limerick (tickets at www.blas.ie). The Shandrum Céilí Band are three-time Senior Céilí Band Champions known for their power, drive and lift to playing. All levels are welcome, from seasoned set dancers to first time newcomers!

Blas also presents the powerhouse duo Dónal Lunny & Paddy Glackin on Thurs July 4th at 9pm in Upstairs at Dolans (tickets at www.dolans.ie). Both founding members of The Bothy Band and musical icons in their own right, Dónal and Paddy will not only be dazzling public audiences but also giving lucky Blas students masterclasses beforehand.

Students who register before Mar 17th 2019 will receive 10% off tuition fees only. A number of bursaries are also made available each year to Blas students, including the Paul Brady Bursary; full details can be found on our website.

For further information on all aspects of Blas, including the Blas/Willie Clancy Initiative, visit www.blas.ie or contact Pamela Cotter, Director, by email (Pamela.Cotter [at] ul.ie).

Blas 2019 Teachers*

Fiddle

  • Paddy Glackin
  • John Carty
  • Siobhán Peoples
  • Eileen O’Brien
  • Alan Finn
  • Mairéad Fitzgibbon

Flute

  • Kevin Crawford
  • Louise Mulcahy
  • Niall Keegan
  • Brian O’Loughlin
  • Kieran Munnelly 

Harmonic Accompaniment

  • Dónal Lunny
  • Ryan Molloy
  • Conal O’Kane
  • Aileen O’Callaghan
  • Tadhg Ó Meachair
  • Alan Colfer

Song

  • Karan Casey
  • Sandra Joyce
  • Gearoidín Breathnach
  • Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh

Bodhrán

  • Jim Higgins
  • Mel Mercier
  • Ger Naughton

Dance

  • Ciara Sexton
  • James Greenan
  • Mairead Casey
  • Michael Ryan

Accordion

  • Alan Finn
  • Derek Hickey
  • Tadhg Ó Meachair
*Teachers subject to change

For further information, visit the link below.

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Published by Journal of Music on 27 February 2019

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