Masterclass opportunity for young Westmeath musicians with Máirtín O’Connor Band
When the Máirtín O’Connor Band perform at the new Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore on Sunday May 21 as part of their national tour, they will include a masterclass for musicians aged 14-18.
Developed in partnership with Music Generations Offaly and Westmeath, it offers young Westmeath musicians a chance to work closely with three of Ireland’s most highly acclaimed traditional musicians, Máirtín O’Connor (accordion), Cathal Hayden (fiddle, banjo), and Seamie O’Dowd (guitar, voice, fiddle).
Margaret Broome, development officer with Music Generation Westmeath, said: “We were delighted when the band put a midlands date in their tour schedule, and then to build in this amazing opportunity for young Westmeath musicians was just brilliant.”
The masterclass will take place over three days (May 19-21) in Tullamore, so there will be time for participants to get to know the band, who have planned a adventure of musical discovery that will culminate in a public performance.
Music Generation Westmeath are looking for applications from musicians aged 14-18; they do not need to be Music Generation learners, or to have a background in Irish traditional music. The number of places is limited, therefore participation is subject to application and selection.
Players of any instrument are welcome to apply but they should play to an intermediate or advanced level. Singers are also invited to apply.
The masterclass fee is a Music Generation discounted rate of €30, payable on offer of a place (it includes a ticket for the full concert).
Further details are available at soundwavesmusicspace.com/apply.
Enquiries to musicgenerationwestmeath@lwetb.ie.
About Music Generation Westmeath
Music Generation Westmeath is a performance music education service which receives funding from Music Generation and the Westmeath Music Education Partnership comprising Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (lead partner) and Westmeath County Council.
About Soundwaves
Soundwaves 2023 current masterclass programme with Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd has been developed in association with I Teach Trad. It is supported by the Arts Council – Traditional Arts and delivered in partnership with: Music Generation Clare and glór; Music Generation Limerick County, Limerick City and County Arts Office and Belltable; Music Generations Offaly and Westmeath and Esker Arts Centre; Music Generation Galway City and Town Hall Theatre.