Duo set for Aberdeen musical celebration
THE North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) will take place in Aberdeen in Scotland from July 11 to 15.
This is a major event in the world of traditional fiddle music, and at least two of Sliabh Luachra’s finest exponents will be attending and participating.
Corkman Matt Cranitch is no stranger to Castleisland or Scartaglin audiences and has featured in the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival in Castleisland both in on-stage and behind-the-scenes roles.
He has presented lectures and participated in concerts in Scart in the course of the Handed Down series, and on World Fiddle Day itself, in the village.
One of Matt’s most accomplished students, Caoimhe Flannery from Rockchapel, has also been invited to the event, and there she will appear with Matt as well as giving solo performances.
The organisers of the event believe that the 2018 programme is the most ambitious yet for NAFCo in Scotland, with more than 150 events, it features over 75 artists representing traditions from Scotland to the Baltic, Scandinavia to Spain, and across the Atlantic from Ireland in Canada, USA, Mexico, and even Africa and India.
“In addition to extending our free pop-up activities around Aberdeen city, we have doubled our festival programming in Aberdeenshire, reaching from Arbuthnott to Banff and MacDuff, and Braemar to Fraserburgh,” a spokesperson said. “The beauty of NAFCo is [the] variety of the events – from master-classes to beginner workshops, dances, demonstrations, talks, film screenings, sessions, tours and so much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
“NAFCo takes place every two or three years, and I’ve attended various times over the past number of years,” said Matt Cranitch.
“On these occasions, in addition to presenting lectures and workshops, I’ve performed at the concerts: Aberdeen in 2006; and in St John’s, Newfoundland, in 2008 – both with Séamus Creagh – and in Derry in 2012 with Geraldine O’Callaghan.
“This year, I will also present a paper at the academic conference, as well as doing workshops and playing at the concerts.
“An added element this time will be that NAFCo has invited one of my students, Caoimhe Flannery from Rockchapel, to perform and partake in the festival, thereby underscoring the importance of the mentor/ student dimension in passing on the tradition.
“Caoimhe will play with me at the various concerts and will also be involved in the workshops, as well as in the Youth Camp. As you know, Caoimhe has played in Scart various times, as well as in Castleisland.”
The NAFCo biog for Caoimhe is as follows:
“Caoimhe Flannery is a rising star in the world of Irish traditional music. With a number of All-Ireland titles to her name, she won the prestigious Fiddler of Dooney Junior Under-18 competition in 2017.
“Her music displays a confidence and maturity, as well as depth of feeling that belie her age.
“A native of County Cork, she is a keen student of the Sliabh Luachra style and repertoire, and is in regular demand to perform at concerts. She is also a fluent Irish-language speaker. At NAFCo, she will perform with her teacher and mentor, Matt Cranitch, as well as in a solo capacity.”
You can find out more about the event by typing in the link: http://www.northatlanticfiddle.com/festival__.asp