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The Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance returns for the 23rd Year
The Blas International Summer School will take place from Monday, June 24 to Friday, July 5. Pictured are Dónal Lunny and Paddy Glackin, who will perform on Thursday, July 4 at 9 pm upstairs in Dolan’s Warehouse.
The Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance returns for the 23rd Year
The Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance returns to the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick for the 23rd successive year. Blas, directed by Pamela Cotter, has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most prestigious summer schools, drawing students from all over the world to spend two weeks in the picturesque surrounds of the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, and gaining access to the expertise of some of Ireland’s finest artists.
Pictured is The Shandrum Céilí Band
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Students attending the course will benefit from the wisdom and tutelage of eminent figures of the traditional world such as Paddy Glackin, John Carty, Siobhán Peoples, Kevin Crawford, Louise Mulcahy, Jim Higgins, Mel Mercier, Karan Casey, Sandra Joyce, Ciara Sexton and many more. Apart from tuition and master classes, Blas students can expect a whole range of activities including daily lectures on Irish traditional music and dance topics, Irish language classes, nightly music sessions, céilithe, field-trips and above all, the opportunity to share tunes and steps with leading Irish traditional musicians and dancers.
The Blas series of public events are also immensely popular each year. This year, Blas is holding a public céilí featuring The Shandrum Céilí Band, a three-time Senior Céilí Band Champions at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. This event will take place on Thursday, June 27 at Pery’s Hotel, Glentworth St. Limerick City at 8.30 pm. Tickets are €12/ Conc. €10 and are available at www.blas.ie. All levels are welcome, from seasoned set dancers to first-time newcomers. This event is supported by funding from the Limerick Culture and Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council.
Blas is proud to announce the evening performances this year will also include world-renowned performers Dónal Lunny and Paddy Glackin on Thursday, July 4 at 9 pm upstairs in Dolan’s Warehouse Limerick. Tickets are €20/ Conc. €15 and are available at www.dolans.ie.
A series of free lunchtime concerts will also run daily from Tuesday, June 25 to Friday, June 28 and Monday, July 1 to Thursday, July 4 in Theatre 2 of the Irish World Academy at 1.15 pm to 2 pm.
Public audiences are also invited to the official opening on Monday, June 24 at 5.15 pm, whereby Dr Liz Doherty, member of the Expert Advisory Committee of Culture Ireland, officially opens the summer school and announces Limerick as host for the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention 2020. Music and refreshments will follow.
Public audiences are also invited to attend two annual lectures; the Blas Bilingual Interview on Monday, July 1 at 5 pm featuring RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Áine Hensey interviewing Aodán Ó Dubhghaill, current Managing Director, RTÉ’s Orchestras, Lyric FM, Quartet and Choirs, about his career in music and Irish culture.
There will be a Francis Roche Memorial lecture on Wednesday, July 3 at 5 pm, delivered by former RTÉ Radio 1 producer and presenter Peter Browne. Both lectures take place in Theatre 2 of the Irish World Academy and are free admission.
The Blas Summer School will take place from Monday, June 24 to Friday, July 5. For further information on the Blas Summer School contact Pamela Cotter, Director, on 061 202653 or email [email protected].
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