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Irish Traditional Song 2020: an Online Sean-Nós Masterclass Weekend
June 19 2020 @ 7:00 pm - June 21 2020 @ 9:00 pm

The pandemic is not stopping us! We are putting this exciting weekend online, with a series of masterclasses. A unique opportunity to participate in an ancient living tradition of song from NW Ireland.
Fri 19th – Sun 21st June 2020 @ 7-9pm each evening (GMT +1 )
Sold Out
Are you interested in the learning and performing Irish traditional song and exploring the cultural roots of this tradition?
We are very excited to launch a new online traditional singing weekend course in collaboration with An tSean Bheairic Cultural Centre in An Fál Carrach (Falcarragh), in the Gaeltacht area of NW Donegal.
• A unique opportunity to participate in an ancient living tradition of song from the Donegal Gaeltacht in NW Ireland.
• Learn the authentic sean-nós style of singing from 4 local tradition bearers.
• Hear about the stories and cultural landscape of Sean-Nós and converse with the masters of the tradition who will be delighted to share their expertise and cultural wealth with you.
• Watch a display of sean-nós dancing with locals, Frank and Eileen.
• The lessons and talks during the weekend will be recorded and can be kept for practice and reference.
• Free optional extra of tuition in the basics of the Irish language and pronunciation of Irish words.
• All from the comfort of your own home via three two-hour webinars on Zoom over three days.
• Limited places available – sign up now to secure your place on this rich and unique cultural programme which brings together a vast amount of expertise and experience.
What is Sean-Nós?
Sean-nós singing can be traced back to the ancient and medieval Gaelic bardic tradition. Many sean-nós songs today boast a great age and a long lineage, but the tradition carries on, and new songs are being composed down to the current day.
Meet Your Hosts
Lillis Ó Laoire
Lillis Ó Laoire from nearby Gort a’ Choirce (Gortahork) is professor of Irish Language at National University of Ireland, Galway and has over 30 years’ experience in singing sean-nós, and in researching and in participating in all aspects of the tradition in his home county of Donegal as well as throughout Ireland and Scotland. Lillis also wrote an extensive ethnographic study of sean-nós singing on Toraigh (Tory) island off the coast of Donegal. Lillis will share his experience and research and a selection of songs.
Noeleen Ní Cholla
Noeleen Ní Cholla’s ancestors came from various islands of Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore), off the coast of NW Donegal. She grew up learning songs from her mother and grandmother, and will share with us her experience and stories and will provide tuition in the songs.
Be prepared to feel the magic, listen to songs of tragedy, heartbreak & fairies. This is a special opportunity to participate in an ancient living tradition of song from this part of Ireland.