08 February 2013 - 10 February 2013

The Concertina Cruinniú is a celebration of the concertina in Irish traditional music with classes, instrument maintenance workshops, concert, lecture, showcase performances and sessions. Situated in the heart of west Clare, where concertina playing has been an integral part of traditional music life for centuries, Miltown Malbay is an ideal venue for this festival. The event, which is organized by Oidhreacht an Chláir, will salute the instrument's special place in the musical landscape. The principal events of the weekend will include the official opening and lecture by Dan Worrall, regarded as the leading expert on the social history of the Anglo-German concertina worldwide; classes for players of all ages and abilities with experienced tutors; instrument maintenance workshops with Stephen Chambers; and an afternoon with some of Clare's legendary masters of the concertina who will share their memories of the players who influenced them and the tunes they learned from the older generations. There will also be a concert featuring top-class artists performing on the concertina in a variety of interesting combinations; showcase performances by some of Clare's younger players that will confirm that the instrument is flourishing among the new generations of music makers in the county and beyond; and an exhibition of old and rare concertinas as well as archive audio, video and photographic material.

Email: aine@oac.ie

Website: www.oac.ie

Address: OAC, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare