To celebrate the news that UNESCO has included uilleann piping on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Na Píobairí Uilleann is hosting a concert on 30 January at the Abbey Theatre featuring several leading traditional musicians.

The Representative List was established by UNESCO in 2008 in order to ensure better protection of intangible cultural aspects. The Irish government nominated uilleann piping in early 2016 and after a process of evaluation the announcement was made in December 2017. UNESCO does not provide financial assistance to the cultural aspect, but acceptance of a country’s nomination presumes that, where necessary, Governments will take steps to safeguard it. 

The uilleann pipes date from the 1740s. As well as thriving in Ireland, there are an estimated three thousand uilleann pipers around the world, from Cuba to New Zealand.

Jimmy O’Brien Moran, Noel Hill, Liam O’Connor, Seán McKeon, Joey Abarta, Jaclyn O’Riley, Paddy Glackin, Tommy Keane, Robbie Hannan, Máire Ní Ghráda, Armagh Pipers Club, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Jimmy Canavan, the Rowsome Quartet and more will feature in the Abbey performance, which will be attended by President Michael D. Higgins. 

For further information and tickets, visit https://goo.gl/jFZpsg