Lucia Mac Partlin from Ballina, Co Tipperary began playing the fiddle at the age of four. While she first started off playing classical music, she quickly began to develop an interest and a love for traditional Irish music and has since become an accomplished player in many different genres. She is the winner of many national titles, including the Fiddler of Donney, the International Pan Celtic title and has numerous All Ireland titles from Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.

Lucia completed her BMus degree at the Cork School of Music where she studied under Gregory Ellis and Johnny McCarthy. She also Completed her MA in performance at both he Bork School of Music and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden where she undertook to learn some Swedish Folk music. Lucia has performed around the world with many different ensembles and orchestras including The Ulster Orchestra, The University of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Backfall, Suptrio and Atlas. Lucia performs on an Ian Knepper violin, supported by Music Network’s Musical Capital Scheme, funded by The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Music Network is funded by The Arts Council

Niall Preston began his bodhrán journey at just 9 years old, quickly excelling in competitions and securing four world titles alongside underage and senior All-Ireland Fleadh championships. As a qualified adjudicator for Comhaltas, he has been invited to judge the prestigious All-Ireland Fleadh on multiple occasions. Now based in Dublin, Niall has become a successful teacher, having trained numerous All-Ireland and World bodhrán champions.

In 2012, he completed his undergraduate degree in music at the Dublin Institute of Technology, where he specialized in composition under Dr. Jane O’Leary and Dr. David Flynn. His performance skills were honed under the guidance of percussion masters Tommy Hayes of Stockton’s Wing and Noel Eccles from Riverdance. A year later, Niall earned a master's degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick, with a focus on "The Function and Developmental Process of Groove in Irish Traditional Music."

Niall has toured extensively, performing across the United States, Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, and Tunisia with renowned productions such as Celtic Legends and the Irish Harp Orchestra. He also performs regularly at Belvedere Irish Nights in Dublin. His collaborations include performances with iconic musicians like Mairtín O’Connor and Dónal Lunny. Niall has also had the honor of performing for Queen Elizabeth II during her 2011 state visit to Ireland and on numerous occasions for former President Mary McAleese.

Currently, Niall is part of the Irish Institute of Music and Song, where he is involved in the Irish Music Access Programme, "Pathway to the Well."

Alisha comes from County Clare and has been part of the harp scene from an early age learning her harp music from Fionnuala Rooney. In later years she went on to study music and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Irish Music and Dance from the University of Limerick. During her four years on the course Alisha got the oppertunity to be under the instruction of great harp players such as Michelle Mulcahy and Lisa Canny, who have influenced her playing in diverse ways. Alisha has toured extensively over the past few years and has performed in many countries such as Germany, Austria, France, Norway, America and Canada with many different and diverse groups”.

Join us on October 20th for a lunchtime recital of harp music! Featuring performances by the IIMS Harp Ensemble under the direction of leading harp player Dr Helen Lawlor, this concert will also featured IIMS harp tutor Aoibheann Galvin and students from the IIMS Academy.

The event is FREE, However ticket reservation is essential. Please reserve your ticket by following the link below.

Date - Sunday October 20th

Time - 1 PM

Location - The Square @ The IIMS.

Lucia Mac Partlin from Ballina, Co Tipperary began playing the fiddle at the age of four. While she first started off playing classical music, she quickly began to develop an interest and a love for traditional Irish music and has since become an accomplished player in many different genres. She is the winner of many national titles, including the Fiddler of Donney, the International Pan Celtic title and has numerous All Ireland titles from Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.

Lucia completed her BMus degree at the Cork School of Music where she studied under Gregory Ellis and Johnny McCarthy. She also Completed her MA in performance at both he Bork School of Music and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden where she undertook to learn some Swedish Folk music. Lucia has performed around the world with many different ensembles and orchestras including The Ulster Orchestra, The University of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Backfall, Suptrio and Atlas. Lucia performs on an Ian Knepper violin, supported by Music Network’s Musical Capital Scheme, funded by The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Music Network is funded by The Arts Council

Saturday, 21st September - SCÉAL COLLECTIVE

Screening Saturday & Sunday in Lark Room 2 at 11 am, 3 pm and 5 pm.  

Join us for this innovative exhibition curated by Leia Mocan, Shane Hoey and presented by the Sceal Arts Collective, which aims to shine a spotlight on environmental consciousness within the art community. Hosted upstairs in The Lark Building, it features artists who have integrated eco-friendly practices into their work, encouraging a dialogue on sustainability through creativity. By highlighting the transformation of discarded materials into compelling art, the show underscores the potential for waste to be reimagined and repurposed, aligning with broader goals of environmental stewardship.

The Irish Institute of Music & Song Campus is host to Ireland's newest and award-winning Concert Hall “The Lark”.  On Culture Night we will welcome our guests at the entrance of The Lark Concert Hall Building. From here you will be able to tour some of our facilities at the Irish Institute of Music & Song. Guests will be treated to various cultural and musical experiences along the route, finishing in the Guitar Garden. All tours will conclude near the La-La Restaurant & Café, which is also contained within our campus. 

Tours are available between 5.00 PM - 7.00 PM. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved through our website for admission. Secure your tickets below.

DUKE SPECIAL - GRAMOPHONE DJ SET 🎶

Date: Wednesday, July 24th
Time: 8 PM
Location: The Square @ The IIMS
Tickets: €10

Join us for an evening with Duke Special as he performs a Gramophone DJ set. It promises to be a unique and memorable experience as part of the international songwriting retreat.

Get your tickets now and enjoy the night!