Miltown gearing up for 40th Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy

THE Willie Clancy Summer School is celebrating its 40th anniversary next month, and the Kilfenora Céilí Band can hardly contain their excitement. The summer school, formed by Martin Talty, Muiris Ó Rocháin and Harry Hughes, in honour of renowned uilleann piper Willie Clancy, has grown in stature over the years, welcoming musicians from across the globe to join in the festivities.

In many ways, the band represents the entire concept of the week, as both have encouraged young performers to play. The birth of the North Clare band stretches back 102 years, and similar to the Miltown festival, they have always tried to encourage and nurture up-and-coming talent for the next generation.
“The festival started at a time when traditional music certainly didn’t have the status that it has now,” John Lynch, leader of the Kilfenora Céilí Band stated. “Muiris, Harry and Martin have to be commended for the brave, bold and innovative summer school model that they founded and developed over the years. It has been a real success and the Kilfenora are delighted to be part of the festival.”
They have performed at céilís all over the world but it is the Willie Clancy Week gigs that have always been ‘special’.
“You never forget your first Willie Clancy week,” Tim Collins, the concertina player, claimed. “It is one of those festivals that every musician should experience during their lifetime. For us, the festival is one of the highlights of the music year. The Kilfenora have been performing at this festival, since the present incarnation of the band came together in the early ’90s and we’ve always loved the Miltown Malbay experience. People come from all over the world to embrace the festival and what it offers. And what’s more, they return year after year, which speaks to the success of the festival. It really is like nothing else.”
The summer school has been a massive success, as it has encouraged young musicians, as well as hosting a variety of recitals, sessions and classes across Miltown Malbay for the week.
“The week is a social hubbub,” Anthony Quigney, flute player for the band, said. “Many of the iconic musicians within the tradition turn up at some stage during the week and this adds a wonderful dimension to the festival. Young musicians get to meet and experience the music of their icons at formal concerts and recitals, as well as at informal sessions during the week and that is really special for aspiring musicians.”
The 40th Summer School 2012 will run from July 7-15, and the band will be playing at the Mill Marquee on Sunday July 8, at 9.30pm, as well as Wednesday 11 at 9.30pm in the same venue.