Donegal fiddle association Cairdeas na bhFidléirí has announced that the annual Donegal Fiddle Week in Glencolmcille will go ahead on 3 to 7 August but as an online series of events. 

The fiddle summer school, which is now in its 35th year, will feature lessons, concerts and talks. Students wishing to participate in classes, which will be presented via a private link, are now invited to apply for a place. The concerts on Tuesday 4 August and Friday 7 August will be streamed on Facebook. 

Rab Cherry of Cairdeas na bhFidléirí said:

We decided that we couldn’t go ahead in the usual way because of what’s needed for public health, and our desire to protect the community, all our musicians and supporters. But we’re intending to have a full roster of classes, talks and concerts online

The performing musicians and tutors will be announced in the coming weeks. Details of the talks and a dance class will also be announced shortly. 

Prior to making the decision to move Donegal Fiddle Week online, the organisers arranged a number of online fiddle classes for World Fiddle Day on 16 May. ‘We arranged seven fiddle classes online on Zoom for World Fiddle Day recently, involving about forty fiddlers in total. Those classes worked very well,’ said Cherry. ‘The online classes are an opportunity for everyone to learn the Donegal style and tunes, whether you’re in Ardara, Alaska or Australia’. 

Those interested in taking part in fiddle classes should email info [at] donegalfiddlemusic.ie.
For further information, visit donegalfiddlemusic.ie/donegal-fiddle-school-2020/