Sligo Live
Sligo Live singer
Duke's Special performing at a concert during Sligo Live.
Image courtesy of Colin GillenSligo Live singer
Image courtesy of Colin Gillen
Image courtesy of Colin Gillen
Sligo Live singer
Duke's Special performing at a concert during Sligo Live.
Image courtesy of Colin GillenThe Sligo Live Festival takes place over the October Bank Holiday weekend each year. Sligo Live has been celebrating Sligo's musical heritage since 2005. The festival features traditional, roots and acoustic music in smaller venues where people can get close to the music.
The Buena Vista Social Club, Alabama 3, Sinéad O'Connor, Kate Rusby, Dervish, Duke Special, Bell X1, Solas, Lúnasa and The Saw Doctors have performed there.
Sligo Live
A parade taking place at Sligo Live.
Image courtesy of James Connolly - PicselSligo Live
Image courtesy of James Connolly - Picsel
Image courtesy of James Connolly - Picsel
Sligo Live
A parade taking place at Sligo Live.
Image courtesy of James Connolly - PicselThere are also traditional music sessions, workshops and street entertainment events throughout the festival. The renowned 'Fiddler of Dooney' competition is run as part of the festival.
In 2007, around 25,000 people attended Sligo Live, and over 150 people volunteered to help run the event.
Sligo New Music Festival
Composer Ian Wilson
Ian Wilson was born in Belfast in 1964. His music has been performed and broadcast all over the world, by performers such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the Ulster Orchestra, the Vogler Quartet, Gerard McChrystal and Hugh Tinney. Ian Wilson is now based in Leitrim, and has been director of the Sligo New Music Festival since 2002.
Image courtesy of the Contemporary Music Centre.Composer Ian Wilson
Image courtesy of the Contemporary Music Centre.
Image courtesy of the Contemporary Music Centre.
Composer Ian Wilson
Ian Wilson was born in Belfast in 1964. His music has been performed and broadcast all over the world, by performers such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the Ulster Orchestra, the Vogler Quartet, Gerard McChrystal and Hugh Tinney. Ian Wilson is now based in Leitrim, and has been director of the Sligo New Music Festival since 2002.
Image courtesy of the Contemporary Music Centre.The Sligo New Music Festival was set up in 2003 and features music by living composers from Ireland and abroad.
It takes place every April, and is curated by the Irish composer Ian Wilson. The curator plans the festival, and decides what performances should take place each year.
The festival also commissions new works from Irish composers. This means that the composers get paid to write a work for a particular group of musicians. This new piece then receives its premiere (first performance) at the Sligo New Music Festival.
Student drummer at Sligo Jazz Festival
One of the students of the Sligo Jazz Summer School performs at the Festival.
© Deirdre KeaneyStudent drummer at Sligo Jazz Festival
© Deirdre Keaney
© Deirdre Keaney
Student drummer at Sligo Jazz Festival
One of the students of the Sligo Jazz Summer School performs at the Festival.
© Deirdre KeaneySligo Jazz Project
The Sligo Jazz Project was set up in 2005 to promote jazz performance and education in the north-west of Ireland.
Every August, the Sligo Jazz Project organizes a summer school for jazz and improvised music. There are classes for musicians of all different abilities, and world-class musicians come to Sligo to teach at the school.
Sligo Jazz Summer School 2007
The 2007 Sligo International Jazz Summer School and Festival featured masterclasses by 11 top international musicians and educators from USA, UK, Europe and Australia, teaching over 100 participants from 15 countries.
© Deirdre KeaneySligo Jazz Summer School 2007
© Deirdre Keaney
© Deirdre Keaney
Sligo Jazz Summer School 2007
The 2007 Sligo International Jazz Summer School and Festival featured masterclasses by 11 top international musicians and educators from USA, UK, Europe and Australia, teaching over 100 participants from 15 countries.
© Deirdre KeaneyIn 2007, the Sligo International Jazz Summer School and Festival included masterclasses by musicians and teachers from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia.
The Sligo Jazz Project also organizes concerts and educational events during the year.