Frankie Kennedy Winter School, Co Donegal

Frankie Kennedy, born in Belfast in 1955, became one of Ireland's best known traditional flute players through his work with the band Altan which he managed and founded with his partner Mairáad Ní Mhaonaigh.

Frankie and Mairáad set the seeds for Altan with their ground breaking album Ceol Aduaidh on the Gael Linn label. Frankie, a naturally gifted teacher and communicator, was part of a robust wave of young Northern flute players who came to the fore in the '70s '80s. Like his contemporaries, Frankie drew inspiration from the older generation of Ulster musicians and singers. 'Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy' was established in December 1994 following Frankie's untimely death from cancer in September of that year.

The school's vision is to continue his huge contribution to Irish traditional music, especially the music and song of Donegal. With concerts, classes, lectures, sessions and much more, this week long winter school is a firm fixture in the Irish festival calendar.

Website: Frankie Kennedy Winter School