'Oidhreacht'
The first event of 2019 was ‘Oidhreacht/Heritage’ – a tribute concert to Mícheál Ó Súilleabhain, Vincent Campbell, Tommy Peoples and Liam Ó Floinn who had died recently. It was sponsored by Armagh County Museum and presented by harp and fiddle teachers and pupils.
Burns Night - 27th January
Burns Night took place in the Charlemont Arms Hotel with Jim Hanna, Ann Harte and Oisín McCann along with various pupils and teachers.
Harp Day North - 3rd February
A new event under the auspices of Harp Ireland, ‘Harp Day North’ was held in Portadown Music Centre, with workshops and recitals which included the APC Harp Ensemble.
Fund-raising Concert - ? February
Our second fund-raising concert took place in Duncairn Arts Centre in Belfast and featured Méabh and Tiarnán Smyth, Eilis and Conor Lavelle, Niall Hanna, Barry Kerr and Síle Denvir, Ríoghnach Connolly and Friends, and Cúig.
BBC St Patrick's Day Concert - ? March
St Patrick’s Day Concert compered by Daniel O’Donnell, which was filmed in the Marketplace Theatre, was broadcast on BBC NI featuring Pipers Club members Ríoghnach Connolly, Niall and Caoimhín Vallely, Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn, Méabh Smyth and Éilis Lavelle.
Annual Concert - 19th March
The Annual Concert took place in the Marketplace Theatre with MCs Aisling Ní Ríordain and Annie Smyth.
Mark Donnelly Academy of Piping - 13th April ?
Guest tutors Robbie Hughes, Brian McNamara and Martin McCormick took workshops on piping and pipe maintenance for the Mark Donnelly Academy of Piping.
Junior Concert and 'Try and Instrument' Session
The term ended with a Junior Concert alongside a ‘Try an Instrument’ session organised by the tutors.
'The Humours of Blundell's Grange' concert - 15th August
‘The Humours of Blundell’s Grange’ was a multi-media event by the Vallelys of Armagh at Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2019. Taking part were Fintan, Brian, Eithne, Sheena, Dara, Niall and Cillian Vallely and Juliette Conlon-Hamill.
MACHA - 6th and 7th September
Two performances of ‘MACHA’ took place at Eamhain Macha featuring new music by Niall Vallely. The project was funded by Tourism NI through the Arts Council and related the legends of Eamhain Macha. It took place on the mound and in the Navan Centre.
Culture Night in Dublin - 20th September
On Culture Night, young APC musicians were invited to perform at the Irish Traditional Music Archive in Dublin.
FonnFriday - 4th October
The FonnFriday concert had special guests Gabriel McKeon and Sean Mone.
I Lár an Aonaigh - date?
Irish-speaking tutors and pupils were recorded by BBC 2 programme ‘I Lár an Aonaigh’.
Sounds Like Freedom - 6th October
Niall Vallely launched a new composition ‘Sounds like Freedom’ with the Harriet Tubman Trio at the National Concert Hall in Dublin as part of the Tradition Now series.
William Kennedy Piping Festival - 14th to 17th November
The 26th edition of the William Kennedy Piping Festival took place in venues throughout Armagh.
FonnFriday - 6th December
The FonnFriday concert took place at Áras na bPíobairí with Len Graham and Tola Custy
Carols Night - 16th December
Carols Night in Áras na bPíobairí ended the year with songs and music, mince pies and mulled juice.
