SoundWaves Music Space presents The Máirtín O’Connor Band: Masterclass and Concert Programme

Virtuoso accordion player Máirtín O’Connor and his remarkable trio create a series of Masterclass & Concert Programmes. Over three days these acclaimed artists will work with young musicians, taking them on an adventure of musical discovery that will culminate in a public performance.

Presented in partnership with the Arts Council and Music Generation in counties Clare, Limerick, Offaly, Westmeath and Galway City, the masterclasses offer a unique opportunity for young musicians to work closely with three of the country’s most highly acclaimed traditional musicians. The programme is designed by the trio and Liz Doherty of I Teach Trad.

Máirtín O’Connor (accordion), Cathal Hayden (fiddle, banjo), and Seamie O’Dowd (guitar, voice) have been building a formidable musical relationship under the guise of The Máirtín O’Connor Band since 2001. Individually recognised figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity.

Young musicians will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with The Máirtín O’Connor Band on creating arrangements of tunes and songs; exploring accompaniment, improvisation and composition. On the third and final day, participants will get to share the stage with these legendary artists in a live performance, where they will showcase the arrangements they have worked on during the masterclass.

The masterclasses are suitable for ages 14 – 18 years and open to all instrumentation of intermediate to advanced level; singers with proficiency on an instrument are welcome to apply. As there are limited places available it is subject to application. Applications and further information can be found on www.soundwavesmusicspace.com. Please note application deadlines.  The fee for participation is €30 which includes the concert ticket.

For those interested in the concert only tour, dates are:

Monday 24^th April – ENNIS, glór   www.glor.ie

Sunday 7^th May – LIMERICK, Belltable   www.limetreetheatre.ie

Sunday 21^st May – TULLAMORE, Esker Arts Centre   www.eskerarts.ie

Monday 12^th June – GALWAY, Town Hall Theatre   www.tht.ie

The Máirtín O’Connor Band Masterclass and Concert Programme is kindly supported by

the Arts Council – Traditional Arts.

For more information contact:  Jody Ackland, SoundWaves Music Space:  jodyackland@nullgmail.com

THE MAIRTIN O’CONNOR BAND BIOGRAPHY

Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd have been building a formidable musical relationship under the guise of The Máirtín O’Connor Band since 2001. Individually recognised figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity.

Moving dexterously between compositions and pure tradition without ever altering the evocative power of its music, the trio produce a vibrant and musically charged experience that redefines one’s concept of brilliance.

Máirtín O’Connor – accordion

Named Ireland’s 2015 Traditional Musician of the Year (TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards) Máirtín O’Connor was one of the main musical forces behind the now legendary Riverdance phenomenon. Through his work with De Dannan, Midnight Well and Skylark and also as a solo artist, Máirtín has quite simply gone where no Irish accordion player had gone before. He is one of the most respected and best loved musicians ever to emerge from the country.

Cathal Hayden – fiddle / banjo

Cathal Hayden needs no introduction to anyone even remotely familiar with traditional Irish music. A multiple All-Ireland Championship winner, he achieved world-wide recognition as one of the founder members of Four Men and a Dog. He is one of Ireland’s top fiddlers and his solo banjo performances are quite simply show-stopping.

Seamie O’Dowd – guitar / vocals

Seamie O Dowd is a performer and composer/songwriter who plays guitar, fiddle, harmonica and mandolin. He has toured worldwide and played with many great musicians including; Christy Moore, The Chieftains, Dervish, Matt Molloy, Liam O’ Flynn, Thom Moore, Dick Gaughan, Cathy Jordan, Rick Epping, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill. His experience also includes recording production, teaching and film soundtrack work.