Have you ever fancied trying to play the Uilleann pipes?
Now you can as Na Píobairí Uilleann, in collaboration with teachers of traditional Irish music in South Donegal, will hold a ‘Try the Uilleann Pipes’ event next Saturday.
It will be held in both McIntyre’s Mall Pub, Ballyshannon (10am) and at the Community Centre in Dunkineely (2pm).
Uilleann pipes are the Irish form of bagpipes. It emerged in the first half of the 18th century in Ireland and Britain and was developed to its modern form here over the following 50 to 60 years.
It is the most highly developed of all bagpipes, having a chanter capable of sounding two full octaves, as well as other features not found on other bagpipes.
This Saturday’s event gives an opportunity for anyone interested or curious about the uilleann pipes to come along and try them out for free with an experienced teacher and piper.
All ages are welcome. Tuition will be provided on the day by renowned Cork uilleann piper, Muireann Ní Shé (main pic). She will also release an important CD this week, the first-ever to feature female uilleann pipers including the very talented Maeve O’Donnell from Churchill.
On the day there will be a ‘Piper’s Chair’ where local pipers and musicians will be encouraged to share a tune or two.
A major bonus at both events will be an appearance by renowned Chicago-based piper, Jim McGuire. The pipes he will play are one of the most famous in the world. They were owned by a Tullamore-born piper called Barney Delaney who went to Chicago in the 1800s.
For more information or a reservation, contact info@pipers.ie or ring (086) 818 6353.
About Na Píobairí Uilleann
Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), the Society of Uilleann Pipers was founded in 1968 when there were less than 100 players remaining. Today NPU is a thriving arts organisation dedicated to sharing the sound of Ireland through access, education, performance and preservation.
Since unveiling its restored Georgian premises at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin, in January 2007, NPU has been busy catering for the expanding demand for regular tuition, as well as releasing many significant publications and recordings.
With demand for pipes considerably exceeding supply, a dedicated Training Centre – PipeCraft – was established in 2011 to deliver training in the very highly skilled craft of uilleann pipe making.
If you want to find out more you can contact them at Na Píobairí Uilleann on (01) 873 0093, by email: info@pipers.ie or go to their web page: www.pipers.ie
You can also find them on Facebook or Twitter: www.facebook.com/napiobairiuilleann/www.twitter.com/napiobairi
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