Three of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians will visit the Magee campus next week to present a day of workshops for musicians who are keen to develop their skills. 

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Dermot Byrne from Altan will be joined by whistle player Mary Bergin to host the event.

This is the final event in the autumn programme of workshops presented by Cuideachta Cheoil Cholm Cille, a society that aims to advance traditional music education in the North West. 

Niamh Pearce, Cultural Development Officer at UU said:  “The workshops in our autumn programme are intended to develop ensemble playing and group arranging for mixed traditional instruments.  

“We are delighted to welcome three of Ireland’s most acclaimed traditional musicians to conclude our autumn programme.  The workshop with Mairéad, Dermot and Mary is non-instrument specific and will therefore be suitable for players of all traditional instruments.  However, due to the nature of the work participants will need to have a good standard of playing.”

Mary Bergin is regarded as Ireland's most respected whistle and flute players.  With her innovative style, she brought the tin whistle to the forefront of Irish music in the late 1970's with her debut album Feadoga Stain before going on to establish the traditional/baroque group Dordan.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh has won widespread acclaim for her singing and fiddle playing with the hugely successful group Altan. She grew up in the Gaelteacht area of Gweedore in Donegal and is now one of the leading exponents of Donegal fiddle music.  As well as her work with Altan, Mairéad has presented traditional music programmes on radio and television, including the classic radio show, ‘The Long Note’ and the television series, ‘The Pure Drop’.

Completing the line-up of tutors is the renowned button accordion player Dermot Bryne, who has played and recorded with many musicians including Seamus and Manus McGuire, Frankie Gavin and Pierre Schrye.   Dermot guested on two Altan albums, The Red Crow and Island Angel before joining the band permanently in 1994. 

The workshop will take place on Saturday 3 December at the University’s Magee campus. Admission to the workshop, which will run from 10.30am to 5pm, is £6 and £4 concession. Spaces are very limited and advance booking is essential.  For further information and booking please contact Niamh Pearce at the Magee campus on (028) 7137 5658.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
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