Dates: 31st May - 2nd June 2008
Location: Nelson, New Zealand
- Festival Programme
- Concert
- Ceilidh Mor (big dance)
- Workshops
- Sessions
- Instrumental classes
- Map of Venues
Ceol Aneas (Ke-ol an-ass) is New Zealand's Irish music festival, based in Nelson, New Zealand. It is one of Australasia's major Irish music gatherings, attracting, musicians and traditional Irish music lovers from around New Zealand and overseas. 2008 is the ninth annual event and to celebrate we are moving to a more open festival model that offers more to the general public. This years festival runs from Friday 31st May to Monday 2nd June 2008.
The Ceol Aneas 2008 programme features a concert, a ceilidh dance, workshops and numerous ‘sessions' around Nelson, running on into the small hours.
Special guests from Ireland are Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (flute, song), from the powerhouse Irish band Danu and Billy Mag Fhloinn (bouzouki). Muireann is in high demand, touring internationally with both the band and as a solo performer.
Guests from Australia, Adrian Barker (fiddle), Beth McCracken (fiddle) and Kate Burke (guitar) will be joined by New Zealand guests, Barrie McDonald (accordion), Duncan Davidson (flute), Brendyn Montgomery (flute) and Bob Bickerton (whistle).
All of these musicians will feature in the Sunday evening concert and also in sessions around Nelson (see the events programme for more details).
A new element this year is the class for instrumental musicians from other genres (e.g. classical and jazz) who want to learn more about playing Irish music. This class is open to any flute or violin player of grade 5 classical standard or equivalent playing ability and will run concurrently with the other instrumental classes. It offers an excellent opportunity for people to learn about ornamentation, technique and different playing styles. If you you have any queries about this course please feel free to contact us about it.
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw
