The uilleann pipes have become the iconic instrument in Irish music. With their unique tone and rich complexity, the pipes have had a profound influence on Ireland’s musical heritage. The legacy of the master pipers of the past and the sound of the pipes themselves continue to shape the evolution of Irish traditional music.
But what do we really know about this mysterious and fascinating instrument? How often do we hear a listener say 'I really love the uilleann pipes' without knowing that much about them? The instrument has been central to so much well-known and popular Irish music, from The Chieftains to Planxty to Riverdance: why?
How do they work? Are they really Irish? And why, if more conventional instruments like the flute, the fiddle, and the accordion abound, do the pipes have such a profound influence on traditional music?
Direct from Ireland, PIPERLINK now gives you a chance to really understand this beguiling instrument. Presented by Na Píobairí Uilleann (the association of uilleann pipers based in Dublin, Ireland) PIPERLINK will not only include performances by some of Ireland's leading pipers, but will also give you a chance to interact with the players and the instrument. Following an audio visual introduction and a demonstration to show how the pipes work, eminent folklorist Seán Donnelly will conduct a entertaining talk on the history of the instrument, navigating a clear path through the development of the pipes, their evolution, different styles of piping, the great players and the famous 'piping' tunes.
PIPERLINK doesn’t stop there. We will also invite you to try out a practice set of pipes and participate in an extensive question and answer session about all aspects of piping. Other topics will include pipers from your locality, modern musical innovations using the pipes, and their use in the accompaniment of songs and in ensembles.
This original artistic experience will be introduced by one of Ireland's best known traditional singers, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, who will also perform some of the songs associated with the pipes.
The piping performances will be given by leading exponents Tommy Keane and Gay McKeon.
Venues
