THE official opening of the Irish music festival, Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair, took place in the Amharclann on Tuesday evening marking the welcome return of the event after a two year absence.
It was launched by talented musician Louise Mulcahy who will be teaching and performing as part of this year’s festival.
Louise said she has been coming to Scoil Gheimhridh for many years and added that Gaoth Dobhair is like a magnet for traditional music lovers.
An Crann Óg performed at the launch which was hosted by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. A brand new edition of ‘Abair Amhrán’, which contains over 100 songs, was also launched. The editor, Marcas Ó Murchú, gave a short account of the history of the book that first came out sixty years ago in 1962.
The Scoil Gheimhridh will run until Sunday, January 1.
Today (Thursday) there will be a concert featuring Skara Brae with Alannah Thornburgh in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair at 8.30pm.
On Friday a concert featuring Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and The High Seas will take place in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair also at 8.30pm.
Muireann’s childhood in West Kerry saw her immersed in a rich cultural environment and vital living tradition, which was to be hugely influential on the foundation of her distinctive vocal and instrumental sound.
She is joined by musicians Dónal O’Connor and Gerry O’Beirne. Caitlín Ní Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Cathal Ó Curráin of the High Seas skillfully weave together the colourful strands of Irish music, song and dance into a tapestry of tradition, giving a performance that is both playful and profound, ethereal and brooding.
There will be a New Year’s Eve party taking place in the GAA Clubhouse on Saturday with music provided by Goitse.
This band has released four critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year round tour schedule throughout Ireland, Europe, and the US.
Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own composition interspersed with traditional tunes, which make each performance unique.
This year’s Scoil Gheimhridh will come to a close with a Singing Session in Teach Hiúdaí Beag, Bunbeg on Sunday at 3pm.
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