Ceol na Coille Summer School & Trad Camp has made a successful return after two years of Covid restrictions, with students from as far away as Japan and the United States attending classes, workshops and concerts in Letterkenny.
Tutors this year included some of Donegal’s best-known musicians, such as Dermot Byrne on button accordion, Roisin McGrory on fiddle, John Lee on flute and Milford based Martin Crossin on uilleann pipes.
While visiting tutors included fiddler Yvonne Casey from Clare, traditional singer Deirdre Scanlan from Tipperary, and banjo player Oisin Murphy from Emyvale in Monaghan.
Tutor Deirdre Scanlan, from Tipperary, performing at the final concert with students Toa Sypher from Japan and Lucia De Carlo from Italy
Organiser Paul Harrigan said: “It was great to have the Summer School back in full swing this year with face-to-face classes after the two years of restrictions.
“There was a great buzz around Coláiste Ailigh, which was a fantastic base for classes during the week.”
Another addition to this year’s activities was the Braon Beag Gailge – ‘A wee drop of Irish’ conversation circle hosted each afternoon in Coláiste Ailigh by Líonra Leitir Ceanainn.
Tutor Catriona Gribben with pupil Wladimir Morales Adam from Barcelona
The 10th anniversary concert featured Steve Cooney, guest tutor, on stage with Dermot Byrne, Yvonne Casey and Deirdre Scanlan in the Regional Cultural Centre.
The RCC was also host to the very successful festival club family session which ran throughout the week.
Weekly traditional music lessons resume at the Ceol na Coille School of Traditional Music in Letterkenny in September.
