Ceol na Coille Summer School & Trad Camp 2023
10th-14th July
Welcome to Ceol na Coille’s 11th Annual Summer School & Trad Camp in Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, in association with Craobh Seamus Mac Giolla Bhríde CCE and the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, presented by Coirm. Thanks to the Arts Council of Ireland’s Festival Investment Scheme.
The Summer School comprises a 5-day programme of workshops, recitals, sessions and concerts.
Learn Irish Traditional Music, Song in a county known for its culture, its beauty and friendliness. We welcome enthusiasts – adults and children from beginners to advanced levels on a full range of instruments, and boast a list of first-class tutors. A busy programme of classes, workshops, recitals, nightly sessions and concerts. Immerse yourself in Irish Traditional Music song and Gaeilge in a fun, relaxed and welcoming environment amid some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland – a great week of music and fun for all.
Instruments include – Uilleann Pipes, Fiddle, Whistle, Flute, Concertina, Guitar and Piano Accompaniment, Button & Piano Accordion, Banjo, Bodhrán, Traditional Singing – for all ages.
We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of tuition in all our classes and activities!
- Children, Adults & Beginners welcome
- Family & Group Discounts available
More information about this years tutors can be seen here Tutors.
Workshops: Intermediate & Advanced
When: 10th – 14th July, 10am-4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €150 BOOK NOW!
What: All Ages! These classes cater for those who have some level of proficiency in Traditional Music and who wish to either rekindle their musical flame or further develop their instrumental skills. The programme provides a high level of specialist tuition provided by some of our finest Traditional performers.
Coirm Ensemble Workshop – Ceárdlann Grúpa Ceoil
Intermediate and Advanced Musicians (13yrs +) – Ceoltóirí Meán agus Árd Leibhéal 13ú mbliana +
When: 10th-13th July, 1.20 – 4pm. Where: Coláiste Ailigh Performance Friday 14th 1.30pm More Info
What: We are exited to announce a specially commissioned piece of music from Catriona Ní Ghribín – Gaoth Dobhair. Thanks to the Regional Cultural Centre and Líonra Leitir Ceanainn, the piece will be work-shopped by Catriona during the week and performed on Friday at the end of week concert in Coláiste Ailigh. The workshop will be delivered bilingually.
Tá an-áthas orainn saothair nua-chumtha de chuid Catriona Ní Ghribín as Gaoth Dobhair a chur os bhur gcomhair i mbliana. Cuirfear an ceárdlann ar fáil go dá theangach. Míle buiochas le RCC Leitir Ceanainn agus Líonra Leitir Ceanainn as tacú linn. Eolas
Trad Camp – For Kids!
Discount for Full Day Trad Camp BOOK NOW!
Introduction to Irish Traditional Music (5+yrs) 10am-1pm
When: 10th – 14th July, 10am-1pm Where: Colaiste Ailigh Fee: €100 BOOK NOW!
What: These classes are designed to give your child an opportunity to try different instruments without the expense of purchasing one. The course introduces children to traditional music and a wide range of instruments in a relaxed and welcoming environment. (Limited Spaces)
Improvers Classes Kids (9yrs+) Venue – Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, 10am-1pm
When: 10th – 14th July, 10am-1pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €100 BOOK NOW!
What: These classes cater for young musicians who already have had some exposure to music and wish to develop their skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Club Gaelach (5+ years) 1.20-4pm
When: 10th – 13th July, 1.20pm – 4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh Fee: €50 BOOK NOW!
What: Fun activities through the medium of Irish ‘Spraoi le Club Gaelach Ailigh G’ This is for the pupils attending the Introduction to music and Improvers classes. The classes will give the pupils an opportunity to take part in activities through the medium of Irish. Activities include music, sport and art.
Come & try the Uilleann Pipes
Would you like to try the Uilleann Pipes? Come along and give them a go.
In association with Na Píobairí Uilleann, Cumann Píobaireachta Tharlach Mac Suibhne (Donegal Pipers) & Ceol na Coille
When: Wednesday 12th July 11am-1pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh
Join the Fun!
Festival Club Family Session in the RCC with Líonra Leitir Ceanainn – A free family fun event, Open to Public
Club Teaghlaigh an Fhéile le Líonra Leitir Ceanainn agus Ionad Cultúrtha Réigiúnach – ócáid do theaghlaigh saor in aisce. Fáilte roimh chách!
When:Tuesday 11th,Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th 5.30-7pm
Caithin: Dé Máirt 11ú, Dé Ceadaoin 12ú & Déardaoin 13th 5.30-7pm
Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road Leterkenny Cén áit: Ionad Cultúrtha Réigiúnach
What: Evening session for aspiring musicians of all ages to come along to play, listen and have fun.
Cad é: Seisiún ceoil do cheoltóirí traidisiúnta. Fáilte roimh gach aois agus cumas ceoil le bheith ag seinm, ag éisteacht agus le taitneamh a bhaint as an chraic!
Exhibition: The Donegal Fiddlers’ Portrait Collection
The Donegal Fiddlers’ Portrait Collection. Commissioned by Cairdeas na bhFidileiri. Phtographer Donal Glackin captures a series of Portraits of Donegal Fiddlers and their instruments. This documentation project undertaken
by Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí in 2022 with the support of the Arts Council / An Chomhairle
Ealaion.
When: Tuesday 11th,Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th 5.30-7pm
Caithin: Dé Máirt 11ú, Dé Ceadaoin 12ú & Déardaoin 13th 5.30-7pm
Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road Leterkenny Cén áit: Ionad Cultúrtha Réigiúnach
Daily Recitals – Free and open to public
When: Monday 10th – Thursday 13th July, 3.15-4pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh.
What: Daily Recitals by Summer School Tutors and invited guest musicians.
Concerts 2023
Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlartharta with support by Roisin & Ella McGrory
presented by Ceol na Coille – In association with the Regional Cultural Centre
When: Wednesday 12th July 8pm Where: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlartharta
Born into a musical family, siblings Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta hail from the village of An Áird Mhóir in the Gaeltacht region of Connemara, County Galway.
They are noted for their sean nós singing (unaccompanied traditional Irish vocal performance in the Irish language) and their unique arrangements of both Irish and English language songs. They take a particular interest in vocal arrangement and harmonization with their performances benefitting from the vocal tones that only families share.
Their Late Late Show performance in 2022 of the soulful lament Anach Cuain captured the mood of the nation and went viral around the world.
They are both accomplished multi-instrumentalists, Irish dancers, and All Ireland winning performers who keep the Irish language and their heritage at the heart of all their musical endeavors.
Séamus and Caoimhe have just released their first EP. It is produced by Brian Whelan and Riverdance composer Bill Whelan and recorded at their studio at The Fort, Roundstone, Connemara.
What People Are Saying – “Magical sibling harmonies” – Ruth Smith, Presenter Simply Folk RTÉ
Roisin & Ella McGrory – The Donegal Fiddle
Inishowen mother and daughter duo Roisin & Ella McGrory will be playing a support act on Wednesday 12th July. Both respected and distinguished musicians rooted in the Donegal fiddle tradition and in particular the music of their native Inishowen. From an early age, Roisin has been immersed in the rich culture of music in the area and has gained the respect as a distinguished fiddle player and has performed and taught at festivals and events throughout Ireland and abroad.
Roisin is a co-founder of the Inishowen Traditional Music Project a voluntary group which was set up in 1999 to promote and preserve the music of Inishowen through workshops, concerts, and documenting the music and establishing an archive.
Roisin released her album, ‘The Brae Road’ in 2016, and appears on various albums including her brother Paul Harrigan’s album, ‘The white Stone’ and the Sí fiddlers of which she is a member.
In 2019 Roisin featured in the BBC & TG4 documentary ‘An Fhidil Bheo’, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Northern Fiddler publication. In January both Roisin and Ella performed in the National Concert Hall in Dublin with the Inishowen Trad Orchestra.
Regularly performing in duet with Roisin, Ella is also highly gifted pianist and sought after for teaching, arranging and accompaniment and in demand as session recording artist. Ella recently released a highly acclaimed debut EP ‘Loinnir’ with sister Deirdre McGrory. Ella is a final year student at the World Academy of Dance and Traditional Music, University of Limerick.
Session Trail – Nightly Sessions
McGinleys Bar, Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th
Blakes Bar, Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th Letterkenny CCE, Friday 14th
Farewell Concert – Free and open to public
When: Friday 14th July, 1.30pm Where: Coláiste Ailigh.
What: Final Concert of the summer school featuring performances by students and tutors!
Enjoy the experience!
Our programme offers you the opportunity to partake in sessions, concerts and recitals and to experience Irish Culture in an authentic and intimate setting.
It is delivered by nationally renowned and highly-qualified tutors, experts in the traditional genre. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, small group or family, Ceol na Coille will work with you to ensure that your time spent in Donegal enables you to sample the best of our musical traditions.
We Look forward to welcoming you all to Letterkenny again.
Take Care and Stay Safe
