Mr Michael Kitt T.D., Minister for Overseas Development will officially open the Annual Dr. Douglas Hyde Summer School of Traditional Irish Music in Durkins in Ballaghaderreen on Saturday June 30 th. This will be followed by Paul Smyth, Ged Foley agus Grúpa Cheoil in Concert. The Summer School which is now in its 12th year offers workshops in Tin Whistle, Flute, Fiddle, Button Accordion, Piano Accordion, Concertina, Harp, Bodhrán, Banjo, Traditional Guitar, Sean Nós Singing, Traditional Singing (in English) and Comhrá Gaeilge in St. Nathy’s College From Monday July 2 nd to Saturday July 7 th , 9.30a.m. to 1.00p.m. with Lectures, Recitals and Concerts in the afternoon and evenings. Master Classes are offered in Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Harp and Bodhrán. There is also a special Tin Whistle for beginners aged 5 to 7 years of age from 12 noon to 1.00p.m. each day. One of the many highlights of the week will be the Gala Summer School Concert on Wednesday July 4th at which our Tutors and visiting musicians will perform. This year the Summer School will honour Ballaghaderreen native, Máire McDonnell-Garvey, well known Fiddle musician and writer, for her lifetime’s contribution to Traditional Irish Music. In previous years visiting musicians have included Charlie Lennon, Matt Molloy, Peter Horan, Pat Finn, Patsy Hanley, Cora, Breda & Sean Smyth to name but a few. The Tutors’ and Students’ concert takes place on the Friday afternoon. Both concerts attract large attendances each year. The style of music played in Ballaghaderreen fits into what is generally known as the "South Sligo style". Tutors include Nóirín Ní Shuilleabháin, Johnny McDonagh (Ringo), Michael Rooney, Michael Hurley, Marion Egan, Mary Murray, Sacra Furey, Michael McNamara, Paul Smyth, Brendan Larrissey, Paddy Ryan, John McHugh, Bernie Geraghty, Junior Davey, Tommy Doherty, John Regan, Marese O’Hora, Charles O’Connor, Jarlath Brennan, Shane Mulchrone and Seami O’Dowd. Mairéad Ní Fhlatharta teaches Sean Nós Singing while Máirtín O’Maicín takes the Comhrá Gaeilge. This year sees Traditional Singing in English being added to the program, Pat Prunty from Armagh will be the Tutor. In addition to the visit to the Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre which is a firm favourite with the Participants we have also included a Tour of Coleman Country to include the Coleman Heritage Centre and the Coleman Cottage. This will be conducted by Paddy Ryan, well known Fiddle musician, Broadcaster and Comhaltas Archivist. This year sees the return of Harry Bradshaw who will give a presentation on ‘Historic Recordings of Flute Players’. Joe Byrne of Mid West Radio will give a Lecture entitled ‘The Music of Doocastle’. Recitals are held each evening from 9.00p.m. to 10.00p.m. in the BMW Auditorium. In the last couple of years people attending our Summer School have shown interest in attending a bi-lingual craft workshop. This year, the committee have arranged to have an Exhibition/Workshop by a wood turner from Connemara – Máirtín Davy. It will take place on the Square from 11.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m and 2.00 p.m to 4.00 p.m on Saturday, 30th June, 2007. The Annual Art Exhibition by Local and Visiting Artists which is of a very high standard and attracts Artists from all parts of Ireland also opens on Saturday June 30 th . This year also sees the introduction of a Busking Competition in Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance on Sunday July 1 st with a €600 Prize Fund which is kindly sponsored by Durkins. The Competition starts at 6.00p.m. with presentation of prizes at 9.00p.m. in Durkins. The Busking will take place on Main Street, Pound Street and The Square. tel: 00 353 86 8272300 fax: 00 353 94 9860765 email: ssch@douglashyde.com WEB: www.douglashyde.com
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