Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy
| Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Traditional Irish |
| Dates | 27 December – 2 January |
| Location(s) | Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Years active | December 1994 - January 2014 |
| Founded by | Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh |
| Website | |
| www.FrankieKennedy.com | |
Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy (English: The Frankie Kennedy Winter School) was a traditional music winter school held annually in Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore), County Donegal, Ireland since December 1994 in memory of Belfast flautist Frankie Kennedy who died on 19 September 1994.[1]
Overview
The festival, which ran throughout the end of December until 2 January featured some of Ireland's best known musicians as well as friends of Frankie's from Scotland and further afield. It also presented a unique learning environment for musicians and arrangers. Classes are provided in flute, fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bodhrán, button accordion, bouzouki, sean-nós singing, house dancing, and guitar.
In 2008, the festival introduced a new class, Arranging Irish Music and Song, which was taught by traditional music veteran Daithí Sproule.
In 2007, the festival brought singers such as Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Julie Fowlis to perform.[2]
The final Scoil Gheimhridh took place from Friday 27 December 2013 until Wednesday 1 January 2014.[3] Until the end, the Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy was ever-expanding and attendance was still continuing to flourish.
Performers
It has become tradition that Kennedy's old band Altan headline every year at the festival, but other well-known musicians have played at the school:[2]
- Liam O'Flynn
- Skara Brae
- Seán Keane
- Sean Potts
- Arty McGlynn
- Téada
- Marcas Ó Murchú
- Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh
- Julie Fowlis
- T with the Maggies