Latest Laois Event: Tionól Harp and Pipes Festival attracts musicians to Laois
Over 175 musicians to take part in this year’s Tionól Harp and Pipes!
Music Generation Laois’ annual Tionól Harp and Pipes takes place across the 3-5 November in Portlaoise and Stradbally.
The festival attracts young musicians from all over Ireland. This year a group of young harp players, ‘Claasach’ from The Isle of Man will take part in Tionól.
Young musicians travel to Laois to take part in the festival across 3 days in November. Highlights for the 2023 festival include the world premiere of a brand new suite of music to celebrate 10 years of Music Generation Laois, composed by Ernestine Healy. Another highlight for Tionól 2023 is performances by world renowned piper and flute player Michael McGoldrick who will perform as part of this year’s event.
Tionól is a unique festival that focuses on the harp and pipes, two musical instruments of special significance to Ireland. The festival first started in 2016 as Music Generation Laois recognised the interest and significant expansion of their harp and pipe programmes in the county and wanted to provide an annual event to celebrate and nurture this development.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Rosa Flannery Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois said, ‘we are delighted to present our most ambitious Tionól to-date in 2023. Over 175 musicians will take part in our premiere of The Tionól Suite, by Mayo Composer Ernestine Healy on Saturday evening the 4th of November. This very special performance will mark 10 years of Music Generation Laois.’
Tionól 2023 will include harpers and pipers from Music Generation programmes in Sligo, Offaly, Cavan-Monaghan, Clare, Louth, Mayo, Waterford and Laois, as well as a group from The Isle of Man. Tionól was established to create an outlet for young harpers and pipers in Music Generation Laois, and throughout Ireland.
Tionól Harp and Pipes is supported by the Music Generation / Arts Council Partnership Creativity and Collaboration Fund.
Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council.