2017 Canadian East Region Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Music Hall of Fame

Robert (Bob) Francis MacDiarmid 

(Harp of Tara Branch, Kingston)

Last October  14, 2017 in Ottawa was the Canadian East Region AGM. Many members of the CCE branches across the East Region of Canada came to Ottawa for the meeting. As is usual, at the AGM, a person is introduced to the region's Music Hall of Fame. This year the honour was bestowed on Bob MacDiarmid.  The actual text of his induction to the Hall follows.

It is with great pleasure that the region is inducting Robert (Bob) Francis MacDiarmid into our Music Hall of Fame.

Bob was born in Ottawa in 1953. His father was of Irish heritage. Bob left home at an early age to seek his fortune in the world. He worked at various jobs across Canada as a longshoreman, construction worker and IT specialist.

In Edmonton he met Angeles (Angela) Garcia, a medical resident. They would marry and begin their lives together, living in Edmonton and Spain before settling in Toronto and beginning a family, raising two sons, Allan and Victor.

It was in Toronto where Bob's interest in all things Irish took hold. He began attending sessions, learning to play the fiddle and attending set dancing classes with Maureen Mulvey-O'Leary.

In 1995 Bob and Angela moved to Kingston where Angela set up a medical practice and began teaching medicine at Queen's University.

Bob became a stay home dad looking after their large home and grounds and carrying out a lot of renovations to it.

https://www.harpoftara.com

In Kingston Bob became active in the Comhaltas Branch serving as chair at one time and the PRO where he still serves the branch.

Bob Initiated the slow session in Kingston 20 years ago and still runs a very active weekly slow session. Having been hooked on set dancing in Toronto, Bob and Angela also started set dancing in the back porch of their home, were we still dance from fall till summer.

In 2004 Bob hosted our first house concert in their living room with Maeve Donnelly performing to a group of about 50 people.

Since then there have been over 50 house concerts in Kingston, all but one in Bob and Angela's house. He organizes the concerts, usually with workshops, and most times billets the performers, all with no charge.  Kingston has seen the likes of Blackie O'Connell, Draoícht, Diorama, Paddy Keenan, Patrick Ourceau, Jackie Daly, Gerry O'Connor, and many others play in a small intimate venue and it would not have happened without Bob and Angela. Bob has also hosted an annual weekend workshop with Patrick Ourceau and Ivan Gough.

Perhaps his biggest undertaking has been the production of the Kingston Irish Slow Session Tune Book. This is a very carefully researched and well-presented two volume set of tune books including historical notes, background material and the tunes themselves. It is a world class project and Bob completed virtually everything himself and has made it available for download at no cost.

Bob has been instrumental in keeping the Irish Music scene alive in Kingston for over 20 years with the slow sessions, house concerts and the tune books. He is an active and key member of the Harp of Tara branch despite that his wife Angela is  now suffering from a severe, debilitating, incurable illness.

No one is more deserving of induction into the Music Hall of Fame than Bob and it will be nice for Angela to see this take place.

Congratulations Bob on an honour well deserved and welcome to the Music Hall of Fame.

https://goo.gl/images/JgLfKH

A celebration of Ireland in Canada as part of Ottawa 2017: Press Release

  

( Visit the Ottawa Irish Arts Booth at this spectacular event! )

A celebration of Ireland in Canada as part of Ottawa 2017

Ottawa Welcomes the World: Ireland

Friday, 16 June 2017; Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa; 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

In this landmark year for Canada, the Embassy of Ireland, together with Irish community organisations across Canada, is proud to present a celebration of the deep and strong bonds of friendship that Ireland and Canada have long enjoyed as part of the "Ottawa Welcomes the World" series of free events at Lansdowne Park.

Ireland is delighted to showcase a day-long programme of Irish music, dance, and theatre. A warm Irish welcome awaits visitors as they take an exciting journey through Ireland's stunning scenery, and explore the vibrancy of the Irish community in Canada, taking in Gaelic sports, film, and crafts along the way. 

June 16 is Bloomsday, the day on which James Joyce's celebrated novel Ulysses is set and which is observed annually around the world. Visitors are invited to meet some of his characters, find out more about Joyce and his work, and enjoy some Joycean music and excerpts.

The children's programme includes a wide range of interactive activities for all ages. Families will have the opportunity to listen to our resident story‑tellers, learn about some traditional crafts, and try some Gaelic football and hurling, as well as to learn some phrases in Irish and some dance steps, or how to play some Irish music.

OTTAWA WELCOMES THE WORLD Series

Embassies and high commissions will showcase their country's culture in a series of world‑class free events at Lansdowne Park. As part of the Ottawa 2017 signature event series, more than 75 countries and international partners will celebrate their culture through food tasting, musical celebrations, artistic performances and more! This celebration of Canada's diversity and rich multicultural heritage will promote and strengthen ties between nations on the occasion of Canada's 150th anniversary. For more information, visit www.ottawa2017.ca.

Follow us @IrlEmbCanada, #Ottawa2017

Contact: Elizabeth.Keogh @ dfa.ie

Caint is Comhrá in August

A fundraising concert for Caint is Comhrá was held on Friday 19^th August.

It was a well-attended house event, with local talent performing. The organizers provided a light supper of pizza, gourmet salads, and decadent desserts.

The music was toe-tapping and many wished there was space for dancing to the tunes played.

The cause for the fundraising is their upcoming Irish Language weekend that will be held in late September (details of this event will be forthcoming).

The organizers thanked to all that participate in the event.

Mary and John

John, Paul and Mary

Members of the Audience

Two of the organizers   

Leopold Bloom dropped by

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann 2015 Spring Tulip Ball

The Ottawa Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, once again have the pleaseure to invite you to attend the  

2015 Spring Tulip Ball

Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled.

The Spring Tulip Ball, besides being a fundraiser for CCÉ Youth, is a terrific opportunity for young people and formerly young people to get together, dress up (attire is semiformal to formal) and celebrate the arrival of Spring, tulips and just being alive. 

The beautiful residence of the Irish Ambassador to Canada is a perfect setting for this elegant and enjoyable evening, and we appreciate his making it available. 

 

Soft drinks and water will be available at the bar. Finger foods will also be available.

The award-winning Ottawa Comhaltas Band will provide the music and there will be dancing for those that are interested.

Come and join us for a good Craic, Ceol & Damhsa!

St. Patrick's Dinner and Céilí - 14 March 2015 - Family-friendly event

We Invite you

When: Saturday, March 14th, 2014. Céilí from 08:00PM to 11:30PM


Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1S 2L5.

Tickets: $35, Please note that NO tickets will be sold at the door! Deadline for ticket purchase was 11 March. 

This is an authentic Irish, family-friendly (no green beer) event!

Last year's dinner and dance were a sellout and a HUGE success. In fact, last couple of years, we had to turn people away at the door. It will sell out this year, so you should get your tickets as soon as possible.

This year our dinner will be catered by the award-winning Bobby's Table chefs. The three-course dinner will include vegetarian, and gluten-free options! 

After a first-class, three course complete dinner, beverages available for purchase, there will be an Irish dance (Céilí), with the dances called. No experience or partner is required, and it is loads of fun and helps work the dinner off.

The excellent Comhaltas Céilí Band will provide the music and Sheila Scott will call the dances. At the intermission, Irish dancers from the Trillium Academy will be performing.

There will be a raffle, a 50-50 draw, and a multitude of crafts and items for sale, by Blakeney Designs from Kingston.

At around 10:30 PM, there will be tea and snacks.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Come, join us  and have a good craic!

Ceol, damhsa, craic!

Ballymun Lullaby - Ireland’s film at the EU Film Festival

http://www.ballymunlullabythefilm.com/

Ireland’s film in the EU Film Festival Ottawa, Ballymun Lullaby by Director Frank Berry, screens on Friday November 21, 9:15 pm, at the Library and Archives Building Auditorium, 395 Wellington St..

This heart-warming documentary follows the dynamic and funny Ron Cooney who has been working in the Ballymun high-rise housing estate in Dublin for fifteen years, helping his community through music. This music will challenge the negative views many still hold of the area – views that have the potential to hold his students back. The camera follows Ron and composer Daragh O'Toole as they work with their talented students to produce an original, world class collection of music that gives voice to their story, leading to a unique collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. What Ron and his students have achieved is simply amazing. Ballymun Lullaby is a story that needs to be heard. More information about the film is available here: http://www.ballymunlullabythefilm.com/

The Festival website includes the full schedule of films.

They are also on Facebook at facebook.com/EUFilmFestival

Box Office Prices:
$ 12.00 (includes HST): Non-member General Admission
$ 8.00 (includes HST): CFI Members, seniors (65+), students
$ 35.00 (includes HST): 5-Film Passport (CFI Members only)

Many thanks to the Irish Film Institute for their support http://www.ifi.ie

Don Kavanagh to receive Community Award for Arts and Culture

http://westquebecers.com/?action=show&lid=M7R4M-DWG8X-4UPC4&desc=Community-Awards-2014 

West Quebecers 11th Annual Community Awards and Banquet

When: Friday 24 October 2014
Where: Aydelu Centre, 94, rue du Patrimoine, Gatineau, QC J9H 3P4.
Time: 6:15 PM, meet and greet
Cost: $45, aco@westquebecers.ca, RAWQ - 819 682-9602; Toll-free 1-877-733-0177 

One of the founders of CCÉ Ottawa, Don Kavanagh has been selected to receive the 2014 Arts and Culture award from the Regional Association of West Quebecers.

Don, a native of Dublin, grew up with traditional Irish music, he is well-known musician renown for his slow airs and hornpipes played on his trusty harmonica. He arrived in Canada in 1954, and along with other Irish-born musicians founded CCÉ Ottawa Branch in 1975.

The award will be presented at the annual Awards Banquet at the Aydelu Centre in Aylmer. Ticket includes a full buffet by Shep's Catering and the Awards Ceremony. There is a draw for a dinner for two at Bistro Ambrosia in Aylmer for tickets purchased by 16^th October. 

For more information check: http://www.westquebecers.ca/?action=show&lid=CSB48-B934Y-5I77G&mid=1 

Irish Language Weekend - September 26th - 28th

Caint is Comhrá and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ottawa Branch Irish Language Weekend
When: Friday, 26 September 2014 to Sunday 28 September 2014
Where: Galilee Mission Centre 398 John Street Arnprior, Ontario (45 minutes northwest of Ottawa off Highway 417)

Caint is Comhrá and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ottawa Branch cordially invite you to our Irish Language immersion weekend, which is open to all levels from beginner to fluent speakers.


The only requirement is a desire to learn and a willingness to speak Irish at all times to the best to one’s ability.

Language classes are mandatory. Workshops (céili/set dancing, stained glass, sean-nós singing and introduction to Celtic traditional music) are optional.

Bring your musical instruments, stories, and songs for the siamsa on Friday night and the céili on Saturday night.



Information:
Cost $220 per person (includes all activities, meals and accommodation)

Meals included: 

Welcome supper – FridayBreakfast, snacks and lunch – Saturday and Sunday
Banquet – Saturday night

Accommodations included: single rooms/ shared bathroom
Check-in time: 5:30-7:00 pm Friday
Welcome supper: 6:00 pm Friday


For more information contact Toni Forsythe (613-233-9927)

____________________________

Gaeltacht Deireadh Seachtaine

Dé hAoine 26ú Meán Fómhair, 2014 Go Dé Domhanaigh 28ú Meán Fómhair
Galilee Mission Centre 398 John Street Arnprior, Ontario

Ba mhaith le Caint is Comhrá agus Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ottawa
Cuireadh a thabhairt chuig ár Deireadh Seachtaine. Glacfar le hierratas ó gach duine idir thosaitheoirí agus cainteoirí líofa.

Riachtanas fonn foghlama, agus toil chun do chuid Gaeilge a úsáid (cibé leibhéal ar bith atá agat) í rith an deireadh seachtaine ar fad.

Beidh na ranganna teanga sainordaitheach. Tá na ceardlanna (amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós, damhsa céili/seieanna, gloine dhaite, agus ceol traidsiúnta) roghnach.

Tabhair bhur gcuid uirlisíceoil, bhur gcuid amhráin libh don chéilí mór oíche Dé Sathairn.


Eolas
Costas: $220 an duine
imeachtaí uile, béilí agus lóistín san áireamh


Béilí san áireamh:
Suipéar fáilte – Dé hAoine
Bricfeasta, scroideanna agus lón – Dé Sathairn agus Dé Domhnaigh

Féasta – Dé Sathairn



Lóistín san áireamh:
Seomraí singil
Seomraí folctha I gcomhroinn

Am Clárú: 5:30 – 7:00 pm Dé hAoine

Suipéar fáilte: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Dé hAoine



Tuilleodh eolais, agus cuidiú le taisteal: Toni Forshyte (613-233-9927)

We hope to see you there!

Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada: Tamworth and Dún Laoghaire (Ontario) 2014

www.oireachtas.ca

Do not miss the upcoming 2014 Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada as part of the Gaeltacht Thuaisceart An Oileáin Úir that will held both in Tamworth and at the Days Inn and Conference Centre in Kingston (Dún Laoghaire), Ontario. This Irish cultural festival runs from the 27 to 29 June 2014.

For detailed information check: http://www.oireachtas.ca/Baile-bea.shtml

Again this year, the CCE Ottawa branch will be represented in competition by the CCE Set Dancers. The competition categories are Sean-nos dancing and singing, harp, Ceili Bands, Uilleann pipes, recitation and poetry, choir performance, etc.

Come and join us for a good craic!

42nd Scoil Éigse

from http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie/scoil-eigse

Scoil Éigse 2014 Sligo 10th - 15th August

International Summer College of Irish Traditional Music Instrumental – Vocal – Dancing Workshops – Lectures – Sessions – Irish Language 

When: 10 August 2014–15 August 2014, at 3:00 pm (Irish time)

Where: Sligo

Contact: Siobhán ní Chonaráin 

Phone: +(353) 01 2800295

Email: liza@comhaltas.ie or siobhan@comhaltas.ie

Website: http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie/scoil-eigse 

The 42nd Annual Scoil Éigse organised by Comhaltas this year will take place in Sligo, between 10- 15 of August, the week before the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.


What is the Scoil Éigse? The Scoil Éigse is the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann where Irish people and students from the Commonwealth (or from anywhere in the world where is a Comhaltas branch) attend to obtain a better and deeper understanding of Irish music and culture.


At the CCÉ’s annual international Summer School, students of all ages register for the various classes offered. The school provides workshops, lectures and sessions the week before the Fleadh and continues each day during the Fleadh. The emphasis of the school is in traditional music, dance, and song during the day with informal céilís and sessions each evening.

For details check the Scoil Éigse descriptive document, and the registration form.

Traditional Irish Instruments - Irish bagpipes

In Ireland have been two types of bagpipes. The first ones to be documented in the 1500’s was the Great Irish Warpipes (píob mhór; literally "great pipes"), an instrument similar in design to the Scottish bagpipes. It is called Warpipes because they were, like in Scotland, used as an instrument of war. An Irish Gaelic version of “Fierabas” may contain the first reference to warpipes: the quote “sinnter adharca agus piba agaibh do tinol bur sluaigh” translates as “let horns and pipes be played by you to gather your host.” The manuscript may date to the 15th century and the writer may have had bagpipes in mind.  Even Galilleo’s father (musician Vincenzo Gallilei), mentions the Irish pipes in a 1581 work. In “The Image of Ireland,” poem by John Derricke, published in the same year, there is mention of the Irish warpipes as form of communication in battle.

“The Image of Ireland,” by John Derrick 1581http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Irish_Warpipes

It seems that the Warpipes disappeared from Ireland in the 19^th century. By then another type of Irish bagpipes became popular. The “new kids in the block” were the ‘pastoral’ or ‘union pipes’ or píobaí uilleann (literally, "pipes of the elbow").

Uilleann pipes (pronounced ill-in or ill-yun depending upon local dialect), are a hard instrument to master, local lore mentions that a musician requires seven years learning, seven years practicing, and seven years playing before a piper could be said to have mastered this complex instrument. 

 

Uilleann pipes, full set

Amongst the bagpipes the Uilleann pipes are the most complex, they come as a learning set, the half-set and the full-set.  As an instrument, the Uilleann pipes are composed of the following parts: bag, bellows, chanter, drones and regulators.

The Uilleann pipes  appeared in the 1700’s, played by gentlemen and clergy alike. The most known players in the 20^th century are Paddy Moloney, Liam O’Flynn, Paddy Keenan, Davy Spillane and others. Uilleann pipes has been an instrument played mostly by ‘traveller’ families, most notably by the Keenans, Dorans, and Fureys.

Paddy Keenan, Ottawa 2011

For more information on the history, structure and the playing of the Uilleann pipes, check Na Píobairí Uilleann (The Society of Uilleann Pipers).

Fleadh Cheoil (Part 3) on RTÉ1 Friday January 17th at 7.30pm (Irish time zone)

We just received notice that this has been playing every Friday since January 3rd, 2014. You will be able to see the third instalment tomorrow Friday 17th January and you can also see the previous two parts for the next two weeks at the RTÉ1 site: http://www.rte.ie/player/ca/show/10241280

Derry Fleadh Cheoil 

A series of six television programmes from the Derry Fleadh Cheoil presented by John Creedon and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, will be shown on RTÉ 11 starting on Friday Jan 3rd at 7.30pm. The annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Northern Ireland for the first time in Derry’s year as City of Culture. The series will feature performances from musicians from Ireland, Britain, America, Norway and Russia.

The series will feature a host of musicians who attended the Fleadh including Liz Carroll, Tim Edey, Brendan Power, Seamus Begley, Damien Mullane, Zoe Conway, Liz Doherty, Bobby Gardiner, Dave Sheridan, Paddy Callaghan, Rona Wilkie and Marcas Ó Murchú.

Among the groups featured are Flook, Reel It In, Síoda, Socks in the Frying Pan, The Moylurg Ceili Band, as well as The Friel Sisters, The Maguire Family, and The Mooney Family from Donegal.


The programmes will also include a visit to Scoil Éigse, the Scoil Éigse Tutors Concert and competitions including the Senior Céilí Band Competition.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90847115@N02/sets/72157638383602243/

Traditional Irish Music - Singing

Ellen MacIsaac at Canada's 2013 Oireachtas

In traditional Irish music there are “music” that is mainly for singing and other that is exclusively for dancing. “Music” for singing, tends to be mostly the unaccompanied vocals of sean nós of the “old style.” Also there is another unaccompanied vocal singing, the lilting or “mouth music;” a similar celtic tradition in Scotland is puirt a beul (or "diddling"). Lilting often accompanies dancing, and features such as rhythm and tone dominate in lilting. The lyrics are often meaningless or nonsensical.


Sean nós: there are three main styles of Sean nós, corresponding to the three areas where Irish is still spoken as a community language, the Gaeltachtai of Munster, Connacht and Ulster. Even though Sean-nós is practiced outside these areas, only those three distinct styles can be recognised. Singers from the Gaeltacht and indeed from outside Ireland may blend them, depending on where they learned. For those familiar with the styles, will notice the differences amongst them.

The Donegal Sean nós has been heavily influenced by Scots Gaelic song, where the melody is much less ornamented (uses of grace notes, and may also contain a steady pulse throughout the song). In all styles, the singers link a text to their interpretation of the melody. All styles will have slow (non-rhythmic songs) and songs that are sung to melodies with a very strong rhythm mostly drawn from the dance music, e.g. Jigs, slip-jigs, reels etc. http://comhaltas.ie/music/treoir/detail/amhranaiocht_ar_an_sean_nos/

As Seamas Mac Mathuna has written, "Sean nós singing is at once the most loved and the most reviled, the least often heard and the least understood part of that body of music which is generally referred to as Irish Traditional Music.” http://www.folkmusic.net/htmfiles/inart378.htm


Here you can hear Scread Ceann Sualtaim, Celtic song of The Headless Horseman.

Next time we will refer to music for dancing.

We hope you enjoy it! 

Next time we will refer to music for dance.

Traditional Irish Music Resources

Ottawa Ceili Band

Now that you might have secured some music lessons from the Instructors list we published last week, we thought that you may be interested in some link to musical resources besides the ones listed on the Traditional Irish Music post. 

The Irish Traditional Music Archive – Taisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann is a national reference archive and resource centre for the traditional song, instrumental music and dance of Ireland. It is a public not-for-profit facility which is open, free of charge, to anyone with an interest in the contemporary and historical artforms of Irish traditional music. ITMA provides access to:

Digitised materials 

Audio playlists   

Video playlists   

Interactive scores  

On-Line Catalogues and Databases

PDF Downloads 

Discover the music! 

Music Instructors

The following musicians, all respected for their knowledge and musicianship in Irish traditional music on their respective instruments, have offered to provide instruction for CCÉ Ottawa Branch members.

John Dahms: tin whistle, fiddle

Ross Davison: uilleann pipes, tin whistle, beginner flute

Alistair Dennet: beginner to advanced bodhrán

Duncan Gillis: tin whistle, beginner Irish flute

Matt Pepin: fiddle

It is preferred that prospective students are asked to contact the Vice-Chair of the branch to get instructor contact information.  Lesson fees and any CCÉ member discounts are set by each instructor. The instructor should be provided with proof of your membership with CCÉ Ottawa in order to obtain a discount on the regular lesson fees.  Regular fees range from about $30 to $40 per hour, but this is not ‘set in stone’ and CCÉ makes no guarantees on rates.

This post is related to our previous post about Traditional Irish Music: http://ottawacomhaltas.blogspot.ca/2013/11/traditional-irish-music.html

Enjoy the music! 

Traditional Irish Music

Wikipedia tells that that the folk music of Ireland (also known as Irish traditional music, Irish trad, Irish folk music, and other variants) is the generic term for music that has been created in various genres in Ireland.

In A History of Irish Music (1905), W. H. Grattan Flood wrote that, in Gaelic Ireland, there were at least ten instruments in general use. These were the cruit (a small harp) and clairseach (a bigger harp with typically 30 strings), the timpan (a small string instrument played with a bow or plectrum), the feadan (a fife), the buinne (an oboe or flute), the guthbuinne (a bassoon-type horn), the bennbuabhal and corn (hornpipes), the cuislenna (Irish war bagpipes, different from the Uilleann bagpipes, which was developed around the beginning of the 18th century), the stoc and sturgan (clarions or trumpets), and the cnamha (castanets). There is also evidence of the fiddle being used in the 8th century.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Irish_Music

To learn about traditional Irish music, check “A History of Irish Music” (1905) by William H. Grattan Flood.
http://www.libraryireland.com/IrishMusic/Contents.php (Online book, can be downloaded or read in web format).

If you are interested in self-taught programs to learn of some of the traditional instruments, check ComhaltasLive, the weekly internet video programme of Irish traditional music produced by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. These video-programs are organized by instrument, tune (reel, jig, etc.) and venue (competition, concert, etc.). 

Also, another source is the Revised Tunebook from the Kington, Harp of Tara Branch, of Comhaltas.