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 venue 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
• Saturday night concert with Noel Hill, Tony Linnane, Alec Finn, Rick Epping and Mick Kinsella in St Joseph’s Parish Chur
• 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

FULL FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Concertina Cruinniú
8, 9 and 10 February 2013
Miltown Malbay
Co Clare
Ireland

Friday 8 Feb
7.30pm Official opening and illustrated lecture:
‘Pride of place: The origins of Anglo-German concertina playing in Clare and beyond’ by Dan Worrall, world-renowned researcher and writer on the social history of the concertina
Upstairs in the Markethouse Admission free

9.00pm Concertina trail in selected pubs. Listening sessions with some of the country’s most established concertina players, joined by friends and families. These sessions will continue through Saturday night and Sunday evening.

Saturday 9 Feb
9.30 am Registration for classes
St Joseph’s National School, Mullagh Road
10.00 am - 1.00pm Concertina classes for all grades.
Tutors will include Mary MacNamara, Jacqueline McCarthy, Hugh Healy, Edel Fox, Dympna O’Sullivan and Jack Talty
Fee for two days of tuition and admission to all other events (except the Saturday night concert):
Pre-registered students: €45 (register online at www.oac.ie from 15 December)
Registration at the venue: €50
Concessions for families and other groups

2.00pm Instrument maintenance workshop with Stephen Chambers
Áras OaC, Flag Road
Admission for non-students: €5

3.00pM An afternoon with Noel Hill. Stories and tunes with Clare’s master concertina player and winner of the 2011 TG4 Gradam Ceoil.
Upstairs in the Markethouse Admission: €5

4.30pm Na Déagóirí
A showcase concert with six of Clare’s finest young concertina players
The Westbridge Admission: €5

8.00pm The Cruinniú Concert
Noel Hill, Tony Linnane and Alec Finn
Rick Epping and Mick Kinsella
St Joseph’s Parish Church Tickets: €20

9.00pm Concertina trail in selected pubs

Sunday 10 Feb
10.00am – 1.00pm Concertina classes for all grades
St Joseph’s National School

2.00pm Instrument maintenance workshop
Áras OaC, Flag Road
Admission for non-students: €5

3.00pm Meet the musicians. An intimate musical afternoon in the company of some of Clare’s legendary masters of the concertina: Chris Droney, Tommy McMahon, Gerald Haugh and more.
Facilitated by Tim Collins
The Westbridge Admission: €5

5.00pm Concertina trail in selected pubs.

Festival office is located at Áras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay Phone: 353(0)65-7085785

Festival director: Áine Hensey: 353(0)86-2612127 [email protected]
Musical director: Tim Collins: 353(0)87-2605689 [email protected]

• An exhibition of old and rare concertinas, as well as archive video, audio and photographic footage will be on display throughout the weekend at Áras OaC, Flag Road. Admission free.

• Students and visitors must arrange their own accommodation and transport. There is a wide variety of accommodation available in the Miltown Malbay area. See www.oac.ie or contact Maureen at 065-7085107 or [email protected].

• Information on other facilities available in Miltown Malbay and the surrounding area is available at www.visitmiltownmalbay.ie.

• Special offer: Weekend ticket for non-students: €30 (covers all events including Saturday night’s concert)

• The Concertina Cruinniú is organized by OaC with support from Clare Local Development Company (LEADER), the Gathering Local Community Fund and the Arts Office of Clare County Council.

• Ár mbuíochas le muintir Shráid na Cathrach, go h-áirithe An tAth. Seán Murphy agus Comhairle an Pharóiste; Aidan O’Looney agus foireann Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Seosamh.