An award-winning musician and a former Riverdance star will deliver a masterclass in musical and dance performance in their roles as artists in residence at a prestigious University of Limerick summer school.
Internationally acclaimed flautist and uilleann piper Louise Mulcahy, and James Greenan – choreographer and principal dancer with Riverdance for 12 years, join a world-class lineup of tutors participating in the Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, UL.
Running from June 23 to 4 July, Blas is a two-week intensive music, song and dance programme featuring masterclasses in instrument and voice-specific technique and repertoire.
Now in its 29th year, Blas has established itself as one of Ireland’s most prestigious university accredited summer schools. With small class sizes and a consistently stellar lineup of tutors, the programme draws students from all over the world, year after year, to gain access to the expertise of some of Ireland’s finest artists.
Blas co-directors Dr Conor Caldwell and Breandán de Gallaí have welcomed the addition of the artists in residence – an exciting innovation for the 2025 programme.
“Louise [Mulcahy] is an inspirational musician who has represented Limerick on the international stage,” said Dr Caldwell.
“She will take her place alongside many other high-profile musicians, including Siobhán Peoples and Bríd Bríd Harper. We are also delighted to be supporting emerging artists in the festival, including recent UL graduate Brendan McCarthy.”
Breandán de Gallaí added: “James [Greenan] is widely known across the dance world, and Blas 2025 presents a unique opportunity for emerging dancers to take their skills to the next level under his expert tutelage.”
While Blas students will also participate in lectures on Irish traditional music and dance topics, Irish-language classes, lunchtime and evening concerts, sessions, céilithe, and field trips; there will also be an accompanying series of public events open to the Limerick and wider community.
Commenting on the significance of Blas 2025, Professor Helen Phelan, Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, said: "Blas is a key offering for the Irish World Academy and something that we are very proud of. Having noted artists like Louise Mulcahy and James Greenan as artists-in-residence for the Blas summer school aligns with wider Academy values and our mission to gather the very best artists together to create memorable experiences for students, participants and audiences."
For further information, visit the Blas website.