| Location(s) | Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1994 - present |
| Founded by | Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh |
| Date(s) | December 27 - January 2 |
| Genre | Traditional Irish |
| Website | www.FrankieKennedy.com |
Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy (English: The Frankie Kennedy Winter School) is a traditional music winter school held annually since 1994 in memory of Belfast flautist Frankie Kennedy in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland.[1]
The festival, which runs throughout the end of December until the 2nd of January features some of Ireland's best known musicians as well as friends of Frankie's from Scotland and further afield. It also presents a unique learning environment for musicians and arrangers. Classes are provided in flute, fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bodhrán, button accordion, bouzouki, sean-nós singing, house dancing, and guitar. In 2008, the festival introduced a new class, Arranging Irish Music and Song, which is to be taught by traditional music veteran Daithí Sproule.
In 2007, the festival brought singers such as Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Julie Fowlis to perform.[2] Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy is ever-expanding and attendance continues to flourish.
It has become tradition that Kennedy's old band Altan headline every year at the festival, but other well-known musicians who have played at the school include:[2]